Director of Planning, Design, Construction & Chief Sustainability Officer

About the role

The Director of Planning, Design, Construction and Chief Sustainability Officer provides strategic leadership and oversight for all capital and operational projects within the university’s facilities departments. This role ensures alignment with institutional goals, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across project planning, facilities operations, grounds, sustainability, and custodial services.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Planning: Lead the development and execution of strategic infrastructure and sustainability plans, including the campus master plan. Establish and promote project management standards and best practices across facilities units.
• Project Management and Capital Oversight: Direct planning, design, and implementation of capital projects, renovations, and deferred maintenance. Ensure compliance with procurement laws, building codes, accessibility standards, and environmental regulations. Monitor project timelines, budgets and quality benchmarks.
• Facilities Operations, Grounds and Sustainability: Oversee safe and efficient operation of campus buildings and grounds. Develop preventive maintenance schedules and emergency protocols. Champion sustainability initiatives and track environmental performance.
• Custodial Services Oversight: Manage custodial operations to maintain clean, safe, and welcoming facilities. Implement quality control and training programs. Collaborate with Housing and Auxiliary Services for residential upkeep.
• Staff Development and Stakeholder Engagement: Lead recruitment, training, and performance management for facilities personnel. Promote professional development and certifications. Communicate effectively with university stakeholders and external partners.
• Budgeting, Procurement & Resource Management: Develop and manage departmental budgets aligned with university priorities. Oversee procurement, contract negotiations, and vendor performance. Optimize resource allocation for long-term efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, facilities management, or a related field.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities planning, design, and construction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Facilities Management, Public Administration, Engineering).
• Direct experience working in a university or college setting, especially with campus master planning and residential facilities.
• Facilities Management Professional (FMP) or Certified Facility Manager (CFM).
• Experience developing long-term strategic plans for facilities and infrastructure aligned with institutional goals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Demonstrated experience managing capital projects, renovations, and deferred maintenance programs. Demonstrated experience in adhering to building codes, ADA requirements, environmental regulations, and state procurement laws. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing staff development. Expertise in project management methodologies and tools.

Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000.00 to $150,000.00. Normal work hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Must be flexible to meet the special scheduling needs of the university. May require occasional overnight travel. May require evening or weekend work to meet deadlines or handle high-priority issues.

Pay

Salary Range: $120,000.00 to $150,000.00.

Schedule

Normal work hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Must be flexible to meet the special scheduling needs of the university. May require occasional overnight travel. May require evening or weekend work to meet deadlines or handle high-priority issues.