Director, College Facilities

Position Summary:

The Director for College Facilities plays a pivotal role within the College of Arts and Science Dean’s Office at Vanderbilt University, serving as a key leader responsible for overseeing the comprehensive facilities planning and management for the college. Collaborating closely with the Chief Operations Officer (COO), the Director is entrusted with the strategic planning, development, and coordination of vital capital project initiatives, while ensuring the seamless execution of their administrative and operational activities through proficient project management. Directly reporting to the COO, the Director currently manages one staff member.

About the Work Unit:

The College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt University is a highly selective liberal arts college at the heart of a major research university. It seeks to attract a diverse student body of high promise and ability from throughout the United States and the international community. Its mission is to engage in significant and innovative research, scholarship, and creative expression in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, to offer distinguished, well-taught programs of undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and sciences, and to foster service to society overall.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Facilities

• Lead the implementation of major projects and ensure adherence to scope specifications, demonstrating proactive leadership in driving successful project outcomes.

• Act as a key liaison with all levels of campus partners including VU Facilities Planning, Design and Construction (PDC), VU Maintenance and Operations (VUMO), VU Public Safety (VUPS), Environmental Health and Safety, Information Technology, Card Office, and other relevant stakeholders, exhibiting strong leadership in fostering effective communication and collaboration across departments.

• Direct annual/biannual inventories, including space surveys, capital assets, and real property assessments, showcasing strategic leadership in overseeing organizational assets and resources.

• Assume responsibility for security within A&S buildings, including inventory management of card readers, supervision of security cameras, and oversight of key management protocols, demonstrating leadership in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all occupants. Serving as the A&S liaison for the Secure Dores initiative.

• Exercise oversight of critical maintenance issues by actively engaging with zone managers, providing hands-on leadership in resolving issues promptly and efficiently.

• Serve as a member of the Chemical Safety, Laser Safety, and EHS Governance Committees, collaborating with the Dean of Research to advance organizational safety goals and demonstrating leadership in promoting a culture of safety and compliance across the college.

• Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, partnering with external consulting firms on key initiatives, and working closely with the COO on project development, completion, and implementation, highlighting leadership in fostering productive partnerships and driving strategic initiatives forward.

Capital Planning

• Cultivate and strengthen robust working relationships with key stakeholders as A&S progresses through the capital planning process. Collaborate closely with the COO to ensure transparent and effective communication with faculty and staff affected by the renovation of existing buildings, showcasing advanced leadership in fostering trust and alignment during periods of change.

• Utilize advanced analytical skills to assess feedback from key stakeholders on infrastructure projects, including the renovation of existing buildings and the development of new teaching and research spaces. Employ strategic insights to integrate stakeholder input into project planning and decision-making processes, demonstrating leadership in prioritizing stakeholder needs and maximizing project outcomes.

• Take proactive ownership of maintaining positive and collaborative working relationships with relevant external partners, leveraging advanced interpersonal skills and strategic vision to foster mutually beneficial partnerships that support organizational objectives.

• Engage both internal and external stakeholders and partners in a collaborative manner to establish an