The University of Vermont (UVM) has retained Helbling, a ZRG company to conduct an executive search to secure an Executive Director of Facilities Management.

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Facilities Management is a critical leadership position that helps to ensure the success of the University by providing strategic leadership and management oversight for all aspects of facilities, transportation, utility infrastructure, capital construction, and preventative/deferred maintenance. This includes establishing and implementing short- and long-range department goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures. The Executive Director will monitor and evaluate programmatic and operational effectiveness and implement changes as needed; establish best practices and standard operating procedures for all aspects of facilities management; and collaborate with campus and community stakeholders to further institutional strategic and operational goals to ensure safe, efficient, and well-maintained facilities.

The Executive Director will be a strategic leader with outstanding collaboration and communication skills, and will develop a culture of process improvement, customer service, transparency, and accountability. The Executive Director reports to Vice President for Finance and Administration. This position is subject to a background check.

For more details about this opportunity, please view the position profile by clicking on the cover image above. 

Position Description

• Provide strategic leadership, management, and oversight, for the units within the Division of Finance and Administration (DFA) that focus on facilities management: plan, design and construction, custodial services, physical plant, utility engineering and transportation and parking services;
• Establish best practices and standard operating procedures related to all aspects of facilities management responsibilities, including but not limited to, regulatory compliance, quality control, construction administration, asset and work management systems, safety, and energy initiatives;
• Remain up to date on and ensure full compliance with all regulatory laws, rules, and regulations;
• Supervise and manage a team of seven facilities professionals/leaders;
• Analyze and review position types and job functions to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency;
• Ensure cross-functional coordination among facilities units and effective communications with projects sponsors, end users, and stakeholders;
• Set and demonstrate organizational culture and values that incorporate positive change management approaches, emphasize superior customer service, and proactively champion a commitment to diversity and social justice, continuous improvement, innovation, and environmental sustainability;
• Coach and ensure ongoing staff development and training to ensure that best practices in facilities are implemented and support a culture of quality customer service;
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with various university partners including but not limited to Human Resource Services, University Financial Services, Safety and Compliance units, Division of Student Affairs, Athletics, Registrar’s Office, Real Estate Operations, Finance and Facilities Administration, and the Administrative Business Service Center;
• Represent facilities departments in policy and procedural discussions;
• Collaborate with other department leaders to create best practices for communication, operations, and positive engagement;
• Oversee the Classroom Improvement Committee, and represent facilities on other committees (ADA, Emergency Operations, etc.);
• Facilitate key facility meetings with campus and community partners;
• Build relationships with community and state partners, such as VT Div of Historic Preservation, Burlington Public Works Department, UVMMC, etc. Represent UVM on the CATMA Board;
• Attend city or state government meetings regarding issues that can affect university operations;
• Initiate and implement large-scale and long-range facilities projects in support of institutional and divisional objectives;
• Provide strategic guidance and analysis on strategic plans and projects to the Vice-President of Finance and Administration, including the campus plan and the comprehensive sustainability plan;
• Serve as liaison between Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Controller’s Office, facilities units, Finance and Facilities Administration, and the Administrative Business Service Center to ensure strong communication, collaboration, and efficiency once projects are underway;
• Oversee the utility, infrastructure, and deferred maintenance planning and the recommendations for use of renewal funding for facilities projects;
• Serve on the DFA Senior Leadership Team. Advise on the development and implementation of effective change management plans for DFA policy and process changes.

About UVM

The University of Vermont (UVM) is a top research university of ideal size, large enough to offer a breadth of ideas, resources, and opportunities, yet scaled to enable close faculty-student mentorship across all levels of study, from bachelor’s to doctoral programs.

They create solutions to improve the world. As Vermont’s land-grant think tank, they are nationally acclaimed for tackling everything from farm viability to environmental growth, and they support commercialization and major job creation in the region through their partnerships and innovation.

Location

Burlington, VT

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, operations management, engineering, or related field;
• Seven plus years of progressive management experience leading the operations of a facilities department and a team of service workers;
• Comprehensive understanding of facilities, design, construction, capital project oversight, maintenance, operations, and infrastructure;
• Experience overseeing the management of multi-facility operational budgets. Decision- making, planning, organizational, and problem-resolution skills;
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills with both internal and external constituents;
• Demonstrated ability to function within a complex regulatory environment;
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop employees and relationships, inspire a high level of commitment and performance from employees and influence outcomes;
• Effective ability to lead, participate in, and actively manage change in the business environment;
• Excellent communication skills are needed including the ability to deliver clear, focused explanations of complex issues for varied audiences;
• Knowledge of energy and sustainability practices;
• Proven team builder who works inclusively and must be able to demonstrate a commitment to service delivery to all customers.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree, experience in a higher education environment;
• Architect or professional engineer licensure.

EEO Statement

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law.