Vice President, Facilities Planning and Management

About the Position

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The VP of Facilities Planning and Management is a high impact leadership role reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Business and Finance. The role is responsible for the supervision, management, and oversight of campus master planning, architectural and interior design, capital construction and renovations, facilities services (custodial, grounds, and trades), energy management, real estate management, space planning and sustainability.

The role will lead a team of 114 full-time staff, and manage a $21M operating budget. The role also provides administrative supervision for various contracts, vendors, and 3rd party service providers. The VP will direct and lead a professional team of project managers and related staff through every phase of major renovations and new-capital construction, from initial design and studies to final administration. The role will manage all residential and commercial real estate holdings owned by SMU. This includes overseeing leasing operations, tenant relationships, and capital renovations while ensuring leased spaces generate adequate returns. Additionally, the position is responsible for establishing and adhering to project budgets and the preparation of associated contracts, while maintaining direct accountability for the department's $21M annual operating budget. The VP will manage and oversee the university’s master planning initiatives and ensure all aspects of facilities and grounds improvements comply and adhere to the university’s master plan. The development and management of the university’s sustainability program, including the campus green building program, Climate Action Plan, and other initiatives related to sustainability efforts across campus will also be a key function for this position.

Essential Functions

• Overall management of Project Managers through oversight of construction projects from inception stage through constructions, close-out and warranty period.
• Participates in the development of project plans, schedules, contract/agreements, and budgets and administers construction activities for major renovation and new construction work.
• Manage facilities services to include grounds, custodial and trades ensuring processes are well defined, service levels are monitored and managed, and work is conducted with a high level of customer service.
• Ensure 3rd party providers meet contractual requirements and properly maintain all of the campus physical assets).
• Work with 3rd party and other SMU staff to effectively and efficiently manage the campus energy needs and consumption.
• Manage all residential and commercial real estate holdings owned by SMU and related corporations.
• Provide administrative supervision and managerial leadership of staff.
• Manage and oversee the University’s sustainability program.
• Create and manage an effective space management program to promote efficient use of physical resources and assist with planning efforts of major renovation projects and new construction projects.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in architecture, engineering, or facilities management.
• Licenses or certificates preferred, as appropriate based on degree.
• A minimum of seven (7) years or progressively responsible experience in facilities planning and management is required.
• A minimum of five years leading and managing teams is also required.
• Demonstrated success in managing a comprehensive facilities portfolio, including large-scale construction, space management, physical operations and maintenance, energy management, and sustainability initiatives is essential.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Candidate must demonstrate strong communication (oral, written and interpersonal) and customer service skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of the university, facilities management staff, leadership, and the public.
• Strong presentation skills are essential.
• Candidate must possess strategic problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex, shifting priorities and make independent, sound decisions.
• Must also have highly developed organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Strong project management skills are essential.
• Candidates must have strong expertise in design, construction, and operational processes and systems.
• Must also have a commitment to sustaining a high-performing, service-oriented organization through strategic planning and goal achievement.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, squat, stand
• Crawl, climb, kneel
• Walk for long distances
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Push/pull; carry/lift up to 26 lbs.
• Exposure to excessive noise
• Exposure to marked changes in temp/humidity
• Drive motorized equipment
• Around moving machinery
• Exposure to dust, fumes, gases, radiation, microwave

Deadline to Apply

The position is open until filled. Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by June 15, 2026.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits

• SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits.
• In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
• SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
• The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.