Vice President of Facilities, Design, and Operations and University Architect

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University of Notre Dame

Location: Notre Dame, Indiana
Category: Executive-Administrative Vice President
Date Posted: October 30, 2024

Job Description

Job Title

Vice President of Facilities, Design, and Operations and University Architect

Job Description

The development and stewardship of the University of Notre Dames 182-year-old campus is informed by its Campus Plan and Seven Tenets of Planning. The first tenet advances the central idea that Notre Dame is a place of scholarship and research as well as prayer, of academic achievement as well as spiritual formation, and that our natural and built environments should honor and reflect these central dimensions. These tenets also aim to preserve the timeless beauty of Notre Dames campus while also allowing for expansion and innovation.

The Vice President for Facilities Design and Operations and University Architect serves as the leading advocate, planner, and steward of Notre Dames campus. This position reports to the Executive Vice President and leads a highly collaborative, richly talented, and deeply experienced team responsible for the following areas:

Planning, Design, and Construction
Utilities, including a broad and extensive infrastructure
Maintenance
Grounds and Landscape
Custodial and Recycling
University Facilities Information
International Facilities Management

The Vice President also closely collaborates with a variety of University senior leaders, including the Presidents Leadership Council, Deans and Board of Trustees Stewardship Committee.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Campus Planning: Guided by the Campus Plan, develop and implement long-term strategies for campus growth while integrating design, innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Architectural Vision: Serve as the University Architect overseeing the design and execution of new building and renovation projects to maintain Notre Dames renowned architectural character and identity.
Sustainability and Innovation: Lead the effort in advancing sustainable design and operations, focusing on energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, and achieving Notre Dames carbon reduction goals.
Facilities Operations Leadership: Oversee the day-to-day care of campus facilities ensuring exceptional performance in safety, maintenance, utilities services, landscape care, and housekeeping.
Collaborative Leadership: Partner with academic, administrative, and student leaders to ensure campus spaces meet the evolving needs of the University community while fostering accessibility, inclusivity, and engagement.
Construction and Capital Projects: Direct the planning and execution of all facility improvement projects with outcomes that are on-time, cost efficient, and reflect the Universitys quality expectations.
Team Development: Cultivate a culture of creativity, accountability, and professional growth among the Facilities Design and Operations (FDO) staff.
Preservation and Reinvestment: Plan and execute a renewal program for campus buildings and infrastructure to avoid a backlog of unintended deferred maintenance.

Why Join Us?

At Notre Dame, you will be part of a mission-driven community dedicated to shaping the future. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of the most beautiful and historic campuses in the world, all while contributing to a culture of excellence, innovation, and stewardship. We invite passionate and visionary leaders to join our team and to honor our commitment to be a force for good in the world.

Minimum Qualifications

Proven Leadership Experience: Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities design, architecture, operations, and capital project management, with a strong preference for experience in higher education.
Educational Background: A Bachelors degree and formal architectural training are required, with a strong preference for candidates who hold licensure as a registered architect.
Visionary Leadership: Demonstrated ability to envision and implement a comprehensive campus planning strategy (over the short and long-term) that integrates sustainability, innovation, and aesthetic excellence.
Development of People: Ability to create a high performing team undergirded by acare for colleagues and a track record of investing in their growth.
Commitment to Sustainability: Passion for and demonstrated experience in implementing sustainable building practices and operational efficiency.
Collaborative Approach: Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with a track record of successful collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders.
Project Management Expertise: Experience overseeing teams responsible for large-scale capital projects with a commitment to timely and cost-effective delivery.