This unique role combines leadership in campus capital project management with the critical oversight of the institution’s facilities operations related to off-campus, leased, or satellite housing and properties. This position ensures that all projects are delivered on time and within budget, and that all off-campus properties meet institutional standards for safety, functionality, and student experience.
Key Responsibilities
This position reports to the Director of Facilities and is responsible for two distinct, yet related, areas:
I. Facilities Project Management (60%)
● Project Oversight: Manage the planning, design, bidding, and construction phases of a diverse portfolio of minor capital projects, deferred maintenance projects, and facility renovations (typically ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000 in scope).
● Stakeholder Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison between end-users (academic departments, student life, administration), Facilities Operations, and external architects, engineers, and contractors.
● Budget & Schedule Control: Develop, track, and manage project budgets and schedules, ensuring strict adherence to approved plans and minimizing operational disruption.
● Quality Assurance: Conduct regular site inspections and punch list reviews to ensure construction quality meets design specifications, building codes, and institutional standards.
● Procurement: Oversee the preparation of RFPs, contract documents, and manage contractor selection and performance.
● Sustainability: Manage sustainability capital improvement projects. Partner with the Office of Sustainability on initiatives to further the College’s CAP 3.0 priorities.
● Compliance: Obtain and maintain all necessary permits, licenses, etc. for the operation of facilities, including elevators, sprinkler systems, and fire systems.
II. Off-Campus Housing Facilities (40%)
● Facilities Operations: Serve as the primary Facilities contact and operational lead for all institutionally leased or managed off-campus and satellite housing properties.
● Maintenance & Repairs: Coordinate all routine and emergency maintenance, repairs, and tenant turnover operations for the off-campus portfolio, utilizing both in-house staff and third-party vendors.
● Lease Compliance: Ensure that all facilities operations and maintenance activities related to leased properties comply with the terms and conditions of the respective lease agreements.
● Life Safety & Code Compliance: Ensure all off-campus residential properties comply with all fire, life safety, environmental, and building codes, prioritizing the health and safety of student residents.
● Inspection & Assessment: Develop and execute a regular preventative maintenance and inspection schedule for off-campus units to proactively identify and address facility needs.
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or a related field.
Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of experience in managing commercial or institutional construction and renovation projects, including budget and schedule control.
Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated technical knowledge of building systems, construction methods, engineering principles, and building codes.
Communication & Management: Strong organizational skills and excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with proven success in managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Licensing: Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to various off-campus locations.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working within a higher education or institutional setting.
Professional certification such as PMP (Project Management Professional), CFM (Certified Facility Manager), or similar.
Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) and project management software.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
● Experience in trades, specifically general contracting; ability to prioritize in a changing environment.
● Prior capital planning and operations management experience required.
● Able to manage multiple projects and negotiate with contractors.
● Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
● Demonstrated success in managing complex, substantial budgets.
● Experience working with a diverse and wide variety of constituencies and a diverse student population. Able to develop and maintain harmonious working relationships.
● Able to effectively lead and motivate staff through daily operations and emergency responses while meeting the needs of the campus.
● Strong critical thinking skills with demonstrated sound judgment
● Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
● Strong leadership, interpersonal, and collaboration skills required.
● Strong computer skills and knowledge of applicable systems with a focus on changing technology.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
● Able to work extended hours/flexible schedule.
● Able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
● Able to maintain composure under stressful situations.
● Able to independently drive to various locations for College business.
● Able to walk several flights of stairs, and/or attend meetings on or off-campus.
● Visual and hearing ability to perform all required duties related to the position.
Complexity
● The Associate Director must effectively and efficiently balance time between projects and programs needing assistance.
● Able to work autonomously toward departmental and institutional priorities with limited direction.
● The Associate Director is expected to have a thorough knowledge of, and experience in, facilities management (preferably within higher education) and proven ability in supervising trades, custodial, and grounds staff; as well as the entire campus and facilities planning process.
The College reserves the right to change or reassign job duties or combine positions at any time.
Please provide a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. https://apply.interfolio.com/179141
Lafayette is deeply committed to creating a diverse community, one that is responsive, inclusive, and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the College community share in the responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. All Lafayette operations reflect the College’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives, and Lafayette welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.