Director of Facilities Management Higher Education

Role Overview

Are you a visionary facilities leader ready to shape the physical future of a prestigious academic institution? We are seeking a Resident District Manager (RDM) to serve as the senior-most executive leader overseeing the Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) portfolio for Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

In this high-impact role, you will be the primary liaison between our organization and campus C-suite leadership, trustees, and senior administrators. You will provide strategic direction for a $9M+ operating and capital budget, guiding a multi-disciplinary, unionized workforce to ensure the campus environment reflects the excellence of its academic mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Strategy: Serve as the primary executive liaison to University leadership, shaping long-term facilities strategy, sustainability goals, and capital planning.
• Comprehensive IFM Oversight: Lead a large-scale organization encompassing physical plant, custodial, grounds, EH&S, energy management, and construction services.
• Financial Stewardship: Manage a combined annual portfolio exceeding $9M, ensuring rigorous financial controls, forecasting accuracy, and contract compliance.
• Capital Project Leadership: Provide executive oversight for complex construction and renovation projects from conceptual design through final closeout.
• Operational Excellence: Drive safety, reliability, and performance across the built environment, ensuring all campus facilities meet the highest standards.
• Relationship Management: Foster a collaborative culture with faculty, students, staff, and union representatives.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this executive role, candidates must meet the following criteria (no exceptions):

• Higher Education Expertise: Direct experience in a senior facilities leadership role within a college or university campus environment is required.
• Proven Leadership: A minimum of 5 full years in a Director-level role (or equivalent senior leadership) overseeing entire facilities/account operations.
• Executive Presence: Exceptional presentation skills with a track record of presenting to and influencing C-suite stakeholders and Boards of Trustees.
• Budget Accountability: Demonstrated experience managing multi-million-dollar ($9M+) operating and capital budgets with complex financial modeling.
• Union Management: Strong experience leading and collaborating with a large, unionized workforce.
• Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant industry certifications (e.g., CFM, PMP) preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in Integrated Facilities Management (IFM).
• Deep knowledge of HVAC, mechanical systems, life safety, and asset lifecycle management.
• Experience in the New York regional market and familiarity with local union practices.

Work Environment & Relocation

• 100% Onsite: This position requires a 5-day onsite presence in Geneva, NY.
• Location: Located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region (commutable from Canandaigua, Auburn, Rochester, or Syracuse).
• Relocation: Candidates must currently reside within a commutable distance or have a clear, near-term plan to relocate to the Geneva area.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to lead a critical portfolio for a historic campus while enjoying the stability of a senior executive role. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the ability to make a tangible impact on the future of higher education infrastructure.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.