THE OPPORTUNITY
The University of Michigan, which is internationally renowned for its innovative academics, research and patient care and has an operating budget of more than $14 billion and a current capital program of $11 billion, seeks an outstanding individual for the position of Vice President for Facilities and Operations (VPFO). Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the VPFO is a key member of the Business & Finance executive leadership team.
The VPFO manages facilities for all of our physical properties, including 37 million square feet of building space on the Ann Arbor campus, and includes responsibility for sophisticated and complex academic, research, and clinical facilities, as well as the associated environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. The VPFO also manages large-dollar construction projects for Michigan Medicine and the Dearborn and Flint campuses.
The VPFO provides leadership, strategic direction, and operational planning for the following groups: Architecture, Engineering & Construction; Custodial & Grounds Services; Environment, Health & Safety; Logistics, Transportation & Parking; Maintenance Services; Operational Support; Capital Projects Alternative Delivery; and Utilities. There are approximately 1,700 employees in the organization, including approximately 1,100 union employees represented by three different contracts. The operating budget for the division is approximately $380 million/year. Annual construction expenditures for the University are forecasted at over $1 billion/year over the next five years.
As a critical member of the EVPCFO’s leadership team, the VPFO is responsible for stewarding the organization’s physical properties, providing exceptional service to university customers, and demonstrating a personal commitment to inclusive leadership practices.
The VPFO position is highly complex and has significant impact on facilities, campus land-use strategy, policy and organizational effectiveness across the enterprise. This role is highly visible and will interact with constituencies across the enterprise including the Board of Regents.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Qualifications
- The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in a related field with a minimum of ten years of leadership and management experience in a complex organization, including expert proficiency in leading a wide range of construction, engineering, facilities, and utilities operations work, including optimizing operations, providing quality service, and cost-effective service delivery.
- Eight (8) years of experience leading a large organization with a diverse base of professionals across the employee lifecycle, including workforce planning, recruiting, professional development, performance management, and succession planning, are required.
- Must have applied experience leading the development of facilities strategic planning and bringing those plans through to implementation, as well as deep technical expertise in construction and renovation management, including knowledge and appreciation of high-quality and environmentally sound design.
- Demonstrated ability to lead effectively through transformational change, experience leading a portfolio of large dollar and complex construction projects, and commitment to university values are required of the VPFO.
Required Capabilities and Attributes
- Possesses a broad and deep knowledge base around best practices for construction/renovation management, operations, alternative delivery models, facilities services, decarbonization, and creating a culture of safety, especially those closely related to academic life and the student experience or similar environments.
- Has a demonstrated commitment to cultivating collaborative relationships and building beneficial partnerships across all institution levels and the surrounding community.
- Possesses exceptional leadership, integrity, and organizational development abilities that inspire and nurture others, promoting a positive culture of unity, innovation, and teamwork throughout the division.
- Embraces a systems mindset, which includes a proactive approach to the job, the ability to take the initiative, identify areas that are lacking, provide efficient solutions for long-term success, see beyond the present day, and firmly understand how decisions may impact the institution in the long term.
- Maintains a strong sense of self, integrity, and confidence to appropriately challenge processes, actively listen to others, and genuinely advocate and connect with staff.
APPLICATIONS
Diversified Search Group has been exclusively retained for this search. Please submit a compelling cover letter and resume by completing our Talent Profile.
Visit the University of Michigan website at www.umich.edu.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.