Penn State University · 1 day ago
Senior Director of Facilities Operations
Pennsylvania, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$142K/yr - $220K/yr
10+ years expPenn State University is seeking an experienced Senior Director of Facilities Operations to lead operational strategy and regulatory compliance for its facilities. This role involves overseeing operations and maintenance, ensuring environmental compliance, and driving strategic decision-making to align Facilities Operations with university goals.
Higher Education
No H1B
Hiring Manager
Jessica Griffin
Responsibilities
Provide executive leadership for operations across buildings, grounds, utilities, maintenance, work reception center, custodial, and infrastructure systems
Develop and execute operational strategies to ensure safety, reliability, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction
Oversee utility distribution systems, including chilled and potable water, steam, electricity, natural gas, stormwater, and high-voltage networks
Ensure organizational structures, staffing plans, and operating standards are optimized to meet University-wide needs and goals
Serve as the delegated signatory for all facilities-related regulatory filings, permits, compliance reports, corrective actions, and environmental documentation
Represent Penn State in all formal interactions with federal, state, and municipal regulatory agencies
Ensure environmental compliance across utility systems, waste management, emissions, water treatment, and energy systems
Ensure compliance with permitting—including air, water, waste, energy, and building system requirements—and lead responses to audits, inspections, or enforcement actions
Direct the development of compliance strategy, monitoring systems, and internal controls
Lead budget development, forecasting, rate analysis, and operational financial planning for Facilities Operations
Ensure operational decisions are aligned with long-term business strategies, sustainability targets, and the University’s institutional priorities
Approve major expenditures, contracts, and resource allocations across operational divisions
Champion continuous quality improvement, operational benchmarking, and performance analytics
Collaborate with Design & Construction, Commonwealth Services, Strategic Programs, Operational Technology, and Business Administration to ensure seamless transition of capital projects into operations
Partner with Strategic Programs on reliability-centered maintenance programs, building renewal priorities, staffing levels, budget priorities, and deferred maintenance reduction strategies
Serve as an internal advisor to senior leadership on operational impact, regulatory requirements, and long-term infrastructure needs
Communicate effectively with broad internal and external audiences, including senior executives, governing bodies, regulators, consultants, and community partners
Lead labor relations strategy for Facilities Operations, including contract administration, grievance resolution, and workforce guidance in partnership with HR and executive leadership
Lead a highly diverse, multi‑level team with varied technical and professional competencies spanning a wide range of professional backgrounds and responsibilities
Foster a culture aligned with OPP values: integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community
Ensure departmental units have strong safety programs, compliance training, and high expectations for customer service
Support talent development, professional registration pathways, and succession planning
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree
10+ years of relevant experience, including 5+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S
Preferred
Facilities management experience, senior leadership/supervisory role managing complex operational units
Demonstrated experience working with regulatory agencies, environmental compliance programs, and infrastructure-related permitting
Strong business acumen with proven success in budgeting, forecasting, rate development, and resource optimization
Knowledge of building systems, utilities, maintenance operations, work reception centers, and operational processes
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management skills across diverse groups, including a union environment
Advanced degree (Master's) in engineering, business (MBA), or related field
Experience in higher education, healthcare, or large-scale public/institutional facilities operations
Experience leading large multi-level teams
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Robust retirement plans
Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
Company
Penn State University
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Hamza Jamjoom
Co-Founder - Arts & Architecture Student Council
Kara Pytko
Co-founder of Virtual Scientist Webinar Series
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