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Inside Higher Ed · 1 month ago

Assistant Director, Academic Facilities Operations

Providence, RI

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

5+ years exp

Brown University is a leading research university that is distinguished by its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. The Assistant Director leads the planning, design, and management of research and academic facilities, ensuring alignment with programmatic needs and operational continuity while supporting the university's academic and research missions.

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No H1B

Responsibilities

Leads planning, design, and management of research and academic facilities across the Office of the Dean of Faculty portfolio

Partners with academic units and stakeholders to align facilities with programmatic needs

Ensures operational continuity and supports the university's academic and research missions

Possesses a strong understanding of building and laboratory mechanical systems

Serves as a key liaison with Facilities Management, Environmental Health and Safety, Fire Safety, Public Safety, and external contractors

Proactively addresses safety, security, and infrastructure issues related to HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural, and other systems

Supervises operational staff to maintain effective, reliable facility operations

Collaborates with university partners to deliver a wide range of projects in offices, laboratories, core facilities, and instructional spaces

Conducts feasibility assessments for scientific instrumentation, lab buildouts and closeouts, office and lab relocations, space planning, renovation projects, and emergency response coordination

Qualification

Research laboratory operationFacility managementBuilding mechanical systemsRegulatory complianceProject managementAnalytical skillsCustomer service orientationMicrosoft Office proficiencyGoogle Workspace proficiencyBluebeam RevuSmartsheetInterpersonal skillsAttention to detailCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsMentoring skills

Required

Bachelor's Degree plus 5-7 years of related construction or building maintenance experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience

Extensive knowledge of research and instructional facility management, including laboratory operations, safety, security, and regulatory compliance

Working knowledge of building and laboratory mechanical systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.) and their impact on research operations

Strong administrative, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal

Proven ability to manage complex workloads with accuracy and meet deadlines under pressure

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse individuals and groups, using tact, discretion, and sound judgement

Strong customer service orientation and the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality

Ability to lead, mentor, and support operational staff in delivering high-quality facilities services

High proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other standard software platforms

Ability to quickly learn and apply project management tools such as Bluebeam Revu, Smartsheet, or similar systems