Job Details

Assistant Vice President for University Operations & Chief Facilities Officer

Position Number: 6393400
Location: Columbus, GA
Position Type: Facilities Management

Assistant Vice President for University Operations & Chief Facilities Officer

Job ID: 288070
Location: Columbus State University
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Department Information

Plant Operations

Job Summary

Columbus State University (CSU) seeks a dynamic, experienced, and mission-driven leader to serve as Assistant Vice President for University Operations (AVPUO) and Chief Facilities Officer. This position is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational effectiveness, and stewardship of CSU's physical campus infrastructure and support services. The university seeks innovative, collaborative, and accomplished leaders who are forward-thinking professionals, deeply committed to excellence and high-quality service. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong dedication to fostering an accessible campus environment that supports students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

The AVPUO will provide oversight of facilities planning and operations, capital construction, maintenance, campus master planning, transportation and fleet management, custodial and grounds services, campus event operations, and the university's portfolio of conference and event rental spaces. The AVPUO ensures that campus operations align with CSU's strategic plan, support student success, and promote sustainability and service excellence across all areas

Responsibilities

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

Serve as the chief advisor to the COO and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) on matters related to campus infrastructure, operations, and capital projects.; Lead campus master planning and long-range facilities planning efforts in alignment with academic and strategic goals.; Identify, assess, and champion opportunities for data-driven decision-making, use of technology, process automation, and innovation.; Engage with the campus community to assess and improve services, support, programs, and reporting across all units. Develop, monitor, and recommend process improvements that align with the university's strategic vision.; Build competencies within Facilities by leading, coaching, developing, evaluating, and mentoring team members, all while promoting professional development and ensuring strong staff engagement and retention.; Partner with stakeholders to prioritize deferred maintenance, renovations, and capital construction needs.; Engages the University community in fostering a culture of planning within facilities and campus development, with a focus on long-term strategic planning, master planning, defined outcomes, and performance measurement.; Develops and implements policies, standards, and procedures to ensure effective communication with campus stakeholders, with a strong commitment to customer service and complete reliability.; Develops and leverages partnerships with the USG System Office, public and private partner campus stakeholders, and other governmental agencies to advance the mission of the University.; Lead the development and execution of innovative solutions to achieve positive environmental impacts that are socially responsible and economically viable.; Collaborates closely with institutional leadership and the USG System Office to deliver cost-effective and high-quality facilities maintenance services and highly reliable utility and building services; provide architectural and construction management services and support for institutionally, departmentally, and privately funded campus development.

Facilities & Campus Infrastructure

Manages resources to ensure high-quality cost efficient and effective facilities and services and manages campus efforts for sustainability.; Facilitates space planning and advises university space governance units regarding space allocation policy and decisions.; Implement strategies for continuous improvement of campus infrastructure, energy conservation, and sustainability.; Direct and manage all aspects of facilities operations, including building maintenance, energy management, custodial services, and grounds keeping.; Oversee all new construction and renovation projects, ensuring compliance with University System of Georgia (USG) and state policies.; Ensure physical campus assets are safe, well-maintained, and support a vibrant learning and working environment.; Negotiate and manage facility leases and rentals of both CSU and Foundation properties.; Responsibility for master facility scheduling management.; Set and enforce Standard Operating Procedures, Facility Management and Rental Guidelines, and Pricing Structures for all facilities and services.

Provide overarching leadership to all areas of the following:

Transportation & Fleet

Oversee university vehicle fleet management, including lifecycle replacement planning, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.; Ensure efficient and safe transportation services to support university operations and special events.

Campus Events & Rentals

Support university-wide event planning and execution, including academic ceremonies, university-hosted conferences, and third-party rentals.; Manage and market university facilities available for rental, including the Cunningham Center and other rentable spaces.; Collaborate with University Advancement and External Affairs on high-profile events and donor engagements.; Provides oversight for the planning, coordination, and direction through subordinate supervisors of all daily activities related to Event and conferences, warehouse and shipping operations, sign graphic and design, furniture acquisitions, custodial services, moving and setups, logistic services, parking services and in-house grounds.

Sustainability and Operational Excellence

Leads the development and promotion of an inspiring, University-wide vision for sustainability at CSU by coordinating and implementing comprehensive sustainability initiatives across operational areas, including energy use, water conservation, and green space management.; Implement operational improvements and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure high levels of efficiency, service quality, and customer satisfaction.

Team Leadership & Budget Management

Lead a diverse team of professionals across facilities, planning, custodial, grounds, transportation, and event services.; Manage operational budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships with a focus on transparency, accountability, and fiscal stewardship.; Plan and support the development of supervisors and administrative staff through ongoing career engagement, clear role definition, and effective project management.; Provides training and guidance to subordinate supervisors and staff to enhance their effectiveness and support their professional growth.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications include: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in Engineering, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or related field.; At least 10 (ten) years of progressively responsible management experience in different phases of facilities services, construction, capital planning, senior college administration, and public sector leadership, or similar work environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications include: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Construction Management, Facilities Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.; 12-15 years of progressively responsible management experience in different phases of facilities services, construction, capital planning, senior college administration, and public sector leadership, or similar work environments.; Experience managing multi-million-dollar capital construction projects and campus master planning efforts.; Familiarity with University System of Georgia (USG) policies and procedures.; Knowledge of sustainability frameworks, lifecycle costing, and facilities-related compliance standards

Proposed Salary

The proposed annualized salary range for this position is $174,500 - $180,200 and includes full benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: Strategic planning and effective execution.; Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration.; Budget management and capital project oversight.; Vendor management and contract administration.; Facilities and event operations management.; Stakeholder communication and partnership building.; Commitment to customer service, safety, and equity.; Knowledge of facility management and capital planning principles and practices.; Understanding of construction regulations and compliance requirements.; Expertise in RFP processes, bidding, and contractual terms.; Familiarity with accounting and finance regulations mandated by federal and state agencies.; Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific journals, financial reports, and legal documents.; Strong negotiation skills for contract terms and agreements.; Skilled in handling inquiries and complaints from customers, regulatory bodies, and business stakeholders.; Effective written and verbal communication, including professional presentations.; Proficiency in mathematical concepts, including probability and data analysis.; Problem-solving skills: defining issues, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing conclusions.; Ability to interpret complex technical instructions, including mathematical and diagrammatic information.; Knowledge of university operations and governance structures.; Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.; Strong supervisory and leadership capabilities.; Proficiency with office software and equipment.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Office at 706-507-8920, or e-mail to hr@columbusstate.edu.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:

A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter.

*Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. *

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.

Other Information

This is a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
This position does not require security clearance.

Background Check

Position of Trust + Education & Credit

Special Applicant Instructions

Visit Columbus State University's online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.

To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=30000&JobOpeningId=288070&PostingSeq=1