Assistant Vice President, Facilities Services

Position Title: Assistant Vice President, Facilities Services

Department: Facilities Services

Advertised Pay: Competitive

Campus Location: Washburn University

The screening committee will review all eligible applications submitted by May 16, 2023

Position Summary: The Assistant Vice President, Facilities Services is responsible for the strategic planning and management of all current and future buildings, campus conditions, and associated facilities and systems. The position is accountable for overseeing all capital construction projects including new builds and renovation of existing buildings and is responsible for developing and directing a facility plan that ensures all campus facilities and properties are maintained and operated at the highest efficiency possible. The Assistant Vice President of Facilities Services takes the lead in initiating, directing and supporting environmental sustainability, health and safety operations. This leader will work collaboratively to create exceptional customer service by all facilities staff to support our students, faculty, staff, and wider community, including campus visitors.

Essential Functions:
• The Assistant Vice President, Facilities Services understands the university’s mission, vision, and values and ensures the operations of Facilities Services are completed in a manner that supports them. Collaborates with and advises senior leadership to determine long term goals, resource planning, operational expectations and best practices. Provides appropriate reports to support findings or new or proposed initiatives, or when requested.

• Anticipates, plans, and leads the overall administration and provision of services, programs and staff functions for Facilities Services including physical plant operations, repair, maintenance, landscaping, custodial services, facility design and capital improvement construction projects at all Washburn University and Washburn University Institute of Technology campuses. This includes being ultimately responsible for the condition, function, appearance and safety of all University buildings and grounds as well as the staff, equipment and materials needed to maintain them.

• Identifies and implements best practices for the department and develops metrics to evaluate and manage performance as well as bring innovation and emerging trends to the campus in the areas of maintenance, operations, and sustainability. Will analyze data to ensure all functions of Facilities Services are cost-effective and mission-driven.

• As the team leader and motivator, maintains a healthy, fair, and inclusive work environment by promoting diversity, and exercising teamwork and collaboration. Actively promotes a professional workplace culture of mutual respect and collegiality for all members of the institution. Works to build positive and cooperative relationships with staff, encouraging them to work toward individual and departmental goals. Supports staff’s recruitment efforts and the evaluations of assigned staff’s performance and effectiveness. Models effective management practices to maximize employee performance and facilitate professional growth.

• Establishes service standards and sets of criteria for making quality decisions. Communicates these standards to staff and manages the implementation in ways that lead to measurable results. Establishes and monitors standards for maintaining high-level quality customer service, creativity, and innovation. Evaluates and reviews day-to-day operations of the department with appropriate staff to ensure compliance with Department and University policies, regulatory requirements and assignments.

• Oversees the development and management of all capital planning and construction projects from conception to completion and works closely with internal and external partners, on all capital planning expenditures and contractor relationships to ensure timely completion of projects according to plans and specifications. As the internal expert, makes appropriate recommendations concerning projects and assists with prioritizing those projects.

• Ensures appropriate inspection, testing and maintenance of all facilities' infrastructure and equipment is accomplished in a manner that is both planned and consistent with industry standards and all applicable state and federal regulations. Develops, maintains and enforces compliance with facilities-related policies. Accompanies inspectors during campus visits to answer questions and discuss issues and findings as identified.

• Develops and submits annual budgets to fund Facilities Services functions. Monitor expenditures, review and approve purchase requests as appropriate to manage approved budgets.

• Works collaboratively with appropriate University staff to implement the Memorandum of Agreement with the United Steel Workers Local 307-4. Serves on committees as needed to negotiate updates or terms of renewed agreements. Oversees department training, working with appropriate staff, and outside resources to ensure staff receives timely training to maintain effective performance standards and to incorporate new methods, materials and processes into their work to maximize safety, compliance, efficiency and customer service.

• Responsible for obtaining and maintaining current knowledge of industry standards and best practices and being apprised of future developments to incorporate needed changes to continually update and improve department efficiency and delivered services.

• Attend assigned executive, staff, and committee, meetings to be apprised of developing issues and concerns and to share important information.

• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or a closely related field.
• Seven years of senior leadership experience in facilities operations management.
• Demonstrated history of success in capital improvement project management.
• Proven effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to effectively work with inclusive and diverse staff and a demonstrated commitment to building and supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce at all staff levels.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with stakeholders.
• Successful track record of strong fiscal management and a high degree of integrity and professionalism.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements.
• A valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets University standards.

Physical Requirements:
Ability to climb ladders and/or lifts.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree.
• Licensure as an engineer or architect.
• Working knowledge of the State of Kansas and the City of Topeka building codes.
• Work experience in a higher education environment.

Full time Exempt Mon-Fri
Background Check and Driving History Required