The Associate Vice President for Facilities Management/Chief Facilities Officer (hereinafter “CFO”) assumes institution-wide oversight for the development and maintenance of University-owned facilities, to include both buildings (interior and exterior) and grounds (landscaping, hardscaping, and other improvements).  Reporting to the Vice President for Finance & Administration (hereinafter “VPFA”), the CFO works with a high degree of independence, providing leadership to a large department which supports many aspects of the university’s operations and maintains a significant portion of the university’s fixed assets.  (With the exception of the university’s endowment, the facilities maintained by the CFO represent the university’s largest financial asset.)  The CFO works directly with members of senior staff, and in conjunction with the VPFA, also works with the President and key members of the Board of Trustees.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Plans, organizes, executes and evaluates the maintenance of all university buildings and grounds. This includes both routine/daily maintenance as well as more significant capital projects.
2. Supervises the following areas: cleaning/custodial services, skilled trades (carpentry, electrical, plumbing), grounds maintenance, central heating plant, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, facility setups/teardowns, sustainability/energy efficiency, capital projects, fleet maintenance and management.
3. Manages all resources (personnel, contractors, operating funds, capital funds) committed to the maintenance and improvement of all university facilities. Recommends the right combination of resources and allocates those resources to obtain the best value (combination of quality and price) for the university.
4. In collaboration with university leadership and key user groups (residential life, student life, academic affairs, admissions, dining, athletics, etc.), develops strategic plans for the use and improvement of facilities.
5. In collaboration with the VPFA, serves as the liaison to the Board of Trustees Committee on University Properties. This work involves working with trustees on strategic plans related to university facilities, as well as presenting to and communicating with trustees on strategic issues related to facilities.
6. Develops annual operating and capital budgets for the facilities management department. Ensures that budgets are managed and adhered to appropriately.
7. Provides oversight for all phases of capital projects, both large and small. This includes but shall not be limited to selection and oversight of design professionals, development of budgets, development of designs and construction documents, procurement, interfacing with user groups, and managing projects to ensure adherence to schedules and budgets.
8. Develops and maintains productive working relationships with any labor union that represents facilities employees.
9. Continuously looks for ways to get the best return on the investment of our resources (money and personnel).
10. Other duties as assigned.

Interested applicants must apply online at http://employment.stlawu.edu uploading all required materials which are defined in the “special instructions to applicant” section.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; however, to ensure full consideration, please have materials submitted by 11/3/21. Questions about the position may be directed to Stephen Hietsch, Vice President for Finance & Administration, at shietsch@stlawu.edu.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the finalist successfully passing a background (including criminal records) check.

St. Lawrence University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For additional information about St. Lawrence, please visit http://www.stlawu.edu.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and at least eight (8) years of experience managing people and projects.  Exceptions to these minimum qualifications may be made for candidates with unique credentials, which may include those listed under the “ideal qualifications.

Ideal Qualifications

(Candidates need not meet the ideal qualifications to be selected for an interview, so all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are interested in the position are encouraged to apply.)

1. Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, business, or related field.
2. Experience managing facilities in a higher education environment with oversight of those areas of responsibility required for this position.
3. Experience working in shared governance or in a similar system, which requires collaboration, engagement with stakeholders, and relationship management.
4. Experience leading unionized employees and developing productive work relationships with labor unions.
5. Experience with all phases of construction projects (design, procurement, construction management, budgeting).
6. Strong technology skills and experience using technology to find efficiencies and improve service delivery.
7. Successful track record of change management and the development of high performance cultures.
8. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
9. Comfort and aptitude working with all members of the university community, including unionized employees, faculty, senior staff, the president, and trustees.
10. Demonstrated ability to think and act strategically and creatively, finding new and better ways to accomplish objectives, and fostering an environment which brings this out in others.