Executive Director, Facilities & Support Services

Overview

The Executive Director of Facilities provides strategic leadership and oversight for all facilities operations, maintenance, and planning across the organization. This role ensures that physical infrastructure, technology systems, security, and environmental standards align with organizational goals, sustainability initiatives, and compliance requirements. The Executive Director partners with senior leadership and the University of Iowa to coordinate major projects. The Executive Director partners with senior leadership to develop long-term strategies for space utilization, capital projects, and operational excellence.

The position also oversees Office Services, event space management, and physical security systems.

• Office Location in Iowa City, Iowa. Levitt Center for University Advancement (LCUA) and Advancement Services Building (ASB).
• Due to the nature of and location of the work required, this position is not eligible for telecommuting/work from home.
• On-call availability for emergencies.
• Occasional evening or weekend work for special projects or events.

• Strategic Operations & Maintenance — Develop long-term strategies for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems to optimize efficiency and sustainability. Oversee enterprise-wide preventative and predictive maintenance programs. Establish service-level standards and monitor performance metrics for timely resolution of facilities issues.
• Capital Planning & Space Strategy — Lead strategic planning for facilities projects, including major renovations and organization-wide initiatives. Drive space optimization strategies to support organizational growth and operational priorities. Collaborate with University of Iowa leadership on joint planning and shared projects.
• Technology & Systems Governance — Provide oversight for building automation systems and emerging technologies. Ensure integration and optimization of service request platforms, lighting controls, and audiovisual systems. Champion innovation in facilities technology to support sustainability and smart-building initiatives.
• Physical Security — Oversee physical security programs, including camera systems, access control, and badging. Establish security policies and ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory standards. Coordinate with security vendors and internal stakeholders for risk mitigation.
• Office Services — Direct Office Services operations, including mail sorting and delivery, package handling (receiving and shipping), office supplies, and parking management. Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and customer service.
• Event Space Oversight — Provide executive oversight for the use and scheduling of organizational event spaces. Ensure readiness and resource allocation for major institutional events.
• Risk Management, Security & Compliance — Set organizational policies for emergency preparedness and compliance. Oversee audits, documentation, and reporting for compliance and risk mitigation.
• Financial Stewardship & Vendor Governance — Develop multi-year facilities budgets aligned with organizational priorities. Negotiate high-value contracts and establish vendor performance standards. Implement procurement strategies that support diversity, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.
• Leadership — Cultivates a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement across Facilities, Office Services, and Event Management teams. Champions a customer-focused mindset across teams, ensuring responsive, high-quality support for staff, leadership, and partners. Facilitates transparent communication, cross-team coordination, and collaborative decision-making to align Facilities functions with organizational needs and priorities.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering, construction management, business administration, or a related field. Equivalent combination of education and significant relevant experience will be considered.

Skills & Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in facilities management.
• Expertise in strategic planning, capital project management, and compliance.
• Strong financial acumen and vendor management experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Facility Manager (CFM) – IFMA
• OSHA Safety Certification
• Building Automation System (BAS) training

• Reports to:
  
  Chief Information Officer
• Direct Reports:
  Facilities Manager, Office Services Manager, Events Coordinator.