Facilities Administrator, Senior

Job Description Job Summary Purdue University’s Office of Research catalyzes Purdue-led research by bringing together researchers and resources across traditional academic boundaries and by providing guidance and support that enables discovery and societal impact. In addition to grant and regulatory functions, large multidisciplinary programs, and interdisciplinary institutes and centers, the Office of Research directly manages six research facilities supporting life sciences, engineering, nanotechnology, advanced materials, drug discovery, and other specialized interdisciplinary research environments. Its broader infrastructure responsibilities also include Purdue’s research presence in Indianapolis, the One Health Innovation District, and the development of new and emerging research capabilities. The Senior Specialist, Office of Research Infrastructure Strategy and Operations, is an experienced professional contributor responsible for coordinating and improving the systems, processes, service models, and decision-support tools that serve the Office of Research's six directly managed research facilities and broader infrastructure portfolio. The position maintains a portfolio-level view of research space, facility conditions, service needs, operational risks, projects, relocations, and infrastructure constraints and converts approved priorities into practical work plans and measurable improvements. Working under general direction, the Senior Specialist independently manages defined operational-improvement initiatives and cross-functional workstreams. The position evaluates current-state processes, identifies root causes and unclear handoffs, develops options and draft recommendations, coordinates stakeholder input, implements pilots and approved solutions, and tracks progress through stabilization. Matters involving significant policy, funding, institutional authority, or sensitive space decisions are elevated to OOR leadership with clear analysis and recommended next steps. The position works closely with institute leadership, faculty, facility managers, Administrative Operations, Facilities Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, Space Administration, Capital Asset Management, Centrally Managed Animal Facilities, business offices, vendors, and other partners. As a secondary responsibility, the Senior Specialist supports enterprise research-space and infrastructure initiatives where OOR is a sponsor, stakeholder, or coordinating partner. The position has no direct reports and does not replace building-level facility management responsibilities. What We're Looking For Education and Experience Required: Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, operations management, business administration, public administration, organizational leadership, planning, research administration, science, engineering, or another field that provides preparation in systems analysis, organizational problem-solving, and operational improvementMinimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in operations improvement, process analysis, program or project coordination, research or laboratory operations, institutional operations, infrastructure or space planning, service-model development, organizational effectiveness, or a related fieldExperience should include demonstrated ability to independently manage defined cross-functional initiatives; analyze workflows and organizational handoffs; develop work plans, process improvements, implementation tools, and draft recommendations; coordinate diverse stakeholders; use data to support decisions; and carry improvements from analysis through implementation and follow-up Preferred A master's degree in a related fieldFive (5) or more years of experienceExperience includes higher education, academic medicine, pharmaceutical or biotechnology operations, research institutes, government, healthcare, or other laboratory-intensive or technically complex settingsFamiliarity with research space, laboratory infrastructure, facility or project planning, operational readiness, dashboards, Lean or Six Sigma methods, and change-management practices is desirableDirect facility-management experience is not requiredRelevant credentials such as Lean Six Sigma, PMP, Prosci, or similar operations, process-improvement, or program-management certifications are desirable Skills Needed Systems-thinking and organizational problem-solving skills, including the ability to understand how people, processes, policies, data, facilities, funding, and decision authority interactSound judgment in ambiguous environments with incomplete information, competing priorities, multiple stakeholders, and matters that may require escalationStrong project and process discipline, including scope definition, prioritization, issue tracking, action management, risk identification, documentation, follow-through, and continuous improvementStrong relationship-building and facilitation skills and the ability to advance work across organizational boundaries without direct supervisory authorityAnalytical skills sufficient to interpret operational, space, facility, project, service, and financial information; identify patterns and risks; and evaluate alternativesExcellent written and verbal communication, including concise one-pagers, options analyses, business cases, implementation plans, project updates, meeting summaries, and presentations for technical and nontechnical audiencesHighly organized, self-directed, responsive, and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt institutional needs changeCommitment to safety, reliability, stewardship, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement in support of Purdue's research missionAbility to:independently lead defined initiatives from analysis and stakeholder coordination through pilot, implementation, evaluation, and stabilizationmanage routine conflict diplomatically, clarify roles and expectations, build working agreement, and recognize when senior leadership intervention is neededdevelop and maintain metrics, dashboards, issue logs, decision records, portfolio reports, and other tools that improve transparency and accountabilitydevelop working knowledge of research facilities, laboratories, specialized infrastructure, space-management practices, building operations, and project-delivery processes and to coordinate effectively with subject-matter expertsdistinguish building-level operational matters from portfolio-level or systemic issues requiring broader OOR coordination or leadership actiondocument and evaluate current-state operations, identify root causes, bottlenecks, unclear handoffs, service gaps, and recurring failure points, and develop practical improvement optionstranslate broad priorities and complex research infrastructure needs into defined work plans, workflows, implementation steps, draft recommendations, and measurable outcomes Additional Information Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position A background check will be required for employment in this positionFLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days -Summary of Benefits for Professional levels 1-3, Management levels 1-2 - Human Resources - Purdue University. Career Stream Professional 3 Pay Band S065Job Code #20002069 Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/ Who We Are Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture. Equal Opportunity Employer Purdue University is an EOE employer.