Executive Director, Facilities Services

Plan, direct, and coordinate the activities and operations of a division, department, or organizational unit. Plan and maintain systems and procedures for operating efficiency. Manage staff for optimum performance. Guide and manage the provision of services, policies, and programs.

• Executive Presence and Institutional Leadership: This role requires a strong executive-level presence, strategic judgement, and the ability to represent Facilities Services with authority and credibility at all levels of the University. The Executive Director will regularly engage with senior Operations and university leadership in capital planning forums and cross institutional strategic initiatives.
• Driving Change: The Executive Director will lead a sustained transformation of Facilities Services, shifting the organization from a reactive, legacy based model to one grounded in industry best practices, preventive maintenance, resource optimization and data informed decision making. This role requires the ability to unify teams, establish shared purpose, and build accountability across a newly formed leadership group and a diverse workforce.
• Measuring and Sustaining Results: The ideal candidate will bring a proven record of leading large-scale change within complex organizations and delivering measurable, sustained results. Performance will be defined by demonstrable improvements in operational effectiveness, organizational maturity, workforce alignment, and the ability to sustain progress over time.
• Specific Functions and Staffing: This role has oversight of the University’s Facilities Services departments. Areas of responsibility spanning all campuses include planning and execution of preventative and continuing maintenance, grounds, service level agreements, customer communications, work control, work order system, central plant, design standards and guidelines, engineering, building automation systems, controls and commissioning, custodial services, pest control, waste, elevators and specialized MEP services.
• Strategic Planning: The Executive Director is responsible for defining, implementing, and executing a data-driven, forward-thinking, multi-year strategic plan that aligns the institutional priorities with those of Operations and Facilities Management. The Executive Director is a key collaborator and leader on a wide variety of operations and university wide strategic projects that require innovative solutions, critical thinking, and business planning that will significantly impact the campus and community.
• Capital Planning: In conjunction with staff management responsibilities, the Executive Director will proactively partner with cross-functional teams across campus involved with campus planning, design and construction. Attention will be paid to ensure successful collaboration between Campus Facilities Services, Planning, Design, and Construction departments.
• Technology: The Executive Director will seek opportunities to implement and advance the utilization of technology to enhance efficiencies in the delivery of services across all UofM campuses in a manner that aligns with the strategic goals of the university.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a senior institutional leader and trusted advisor, representing Facilities Services in executive level meetings and decision-making forums; collaborate closely with school Deans and senior administrators to align facilities strategy, priorities, and investments with institutional goals.
• Develops and supports a positive, team-focused culture
• Implements best practices, continuous improvement, and excellent customer service. Executes data-driven assessment plans to measure KPIs for the facilities department.
• Provides strategic directions for the day-to-day facilities operations, services, and maintenance activities for all campuses.
• Provides vision and leadership in maintaining a safe, healthy, sustainable, and disaster resilient environment for the University community including faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
• Supports university-wide goals and initiatives through effective coordination with key internal and external constituents.
• Leads special projects, as needed, including the creation of any facilities-related business cases and cost justifications with an eye towards total cost of ownership (life cycle).
• Drives problem solving of highly technical issues and investigation of major systems and equipment.

• A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably mechanical or electrical engineering, facilities management, or a related field and ten (10) years of appropriate experience. Relevant experience may substitute for required education.
• Professional Engineering License (PE) in Tennessee, APPA Certified, Education Facility Professional Certification or the ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Skilled in effective leadership of a dynamic team including coaching, evaluation, and team building.
• Possess strong leadership qualities and the ability to motivate people, drive change, work cooperatively, solve technical problems, make decisions, and effectively manage personnel and financial resources.
• Comprehensive knowledge of facility operations including design and construction, maintenance, repair, and renewal and renovation.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of principles, practices, and procedures of regulatory codes and requirements related to facility maintenance.
• Expertise with energy management systems.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of life cycle and equipment and facilities replacement planning and schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret and apply standards, regulations, policies, and procedures to apply trends, models, and best practices in facilities management within and outside of the higher education industry.
• Must be able to respond to emergencies 24/7.
• Valid Driver's license required.

Working Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to handle or feel, and talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to walk.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.