Director of Facilities Planning and Capital Projects

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Director of Facilities Planning and Capital Projects

Job Profile Title

Director C, Facilities

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice Provost for Operations, the Director of Facilities Planning and Capital Projects provides strategic leadership for the planning, development, operation, and improvement of Penn Libraries’ physical environments. The Director leads capital planning, renovation initiatives, space planning efforts, and facilities projects across the Libraries’ portfolio, while maintaining oversight of building operations at Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center and coordinating facilities services at departmental libraries and other library-operated locations. Working closely with Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES), architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and library stakeholders, the Director develops project priorities, establishes program requirements, manages project execution, and ensures that facilities investments support Penn Libraries’ long-term strategic goals. The Director serves as Penn Libraries’ primary representative for facilities planning and capital project development, leading projects from concept and programming through design, construction, occupancy, and post-project evaluation. In partnership with library leadership, the Director develops long-range facilities and space strategies that anticipate evolving academic, research, teaching, technology, and workplace needs, while advancing accessibility, sustainability, and effective space utilization. The Director also oversees facilities operations, including maintenance, housekeeping, security coordination, vendor management, and event readiness; supervises facilities staff, the Libraries Event Planner, and contracted service providers. This role will have direct oversight of 445,000 sq ft encompassing the Penn Libraries physical plant at Van Pelt Library and the Library Research Annex (LIBRA), as well as indirect oversight of an additional 108,000 sq ft of library space across campus. This position is designated as essential personnel and participates in on-call coverage as required.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Lead capital project planning, programming, design, and execution for renovations, renewals, infrastructure upgrades, and space modernization projects across the Libraries; serve as leadership representative and coordinate with FRES, architects, engineers, contractors, and library stakeholders.
• Develop and implement long-range facilities and space planning strategies that support evolving academic, research, collections, teaching, technology, and workplace needs; establish project priorities and capital investment recommendations.  
• Provide leadership for facilities operations and building stewardship across library locations, ensuring safe, functional, accessible, and welcoming environments throug