The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success
of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
Here is what
we offer:
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and
vision insurance, plus mental health support - Work-Life Balance:
PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements - Financial Wellness:
Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match - Professional
Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement
paths - Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a
vibrant company culture
Join Howard University and thrive with us!
https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness
JOB PURPOSE:
The Executive Director of Physical Facilities Management (PFM) provides strategic
leadership and operational oversight of Howard University’s facilities operations and physical assets. Reporting to the Vice President for
Capital Planning & Facilities Management, the Executive Director is responsible for directing daily facilities operations, overseeing
multimillion-dollar budgets, managing external service contracts, and guiding University-wide space planning. This position ensures that the
University’s buildings, infrastructure, and grounds are safe, reliable, efficient, and aligned with Howard’s mission and long-term strategic
priorities.
SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:
Supervises directors, managers, professional staff, skilled trades, custodial teams,
contractors, and other personnel engaged in facilities management and space planning.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
Internal
contacts include senior leadership, academic deans, and administrative units to ensure facilities operations and space utilization align
with institutional priorities. External contacts include architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, utilities, and regulatory agencies to
oversee compliance, project execution, and contractual agreements. The role also requires close collaboration with Howard University
Hospital and inter-agency partners, as joint projects and shared facilities work will be prevalent.
PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Provides leadership for daily operations of maintenance, custodial services, grounds, utilities, and
building systems, ensuring service quality, responsiveness, and safety. - Oversees financial management of PFM operations, including
budget development, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost control for operating and capital funds. - Administers major vendor and
service contracts for custodial, maintenance, utilities, and energy procurement, ensuring performance accountability and fiscal
soundness. - Directs allocation, planning, and utilization of University building space to support academic, residential, and
administrative priorities. - Guides preventive and deferred maintenance programs, sustainability initiatives, and capital renewal
efforts to extend the life of University assets. - Ensures compliance with OSHA, EPA, fire/life safety, and all applicable local,
state, and federal regulations. - Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational efficiency, contractor
performance, timeliness and quality of work, and customer satisfaction. - Provides strong customer service, fostering collaboration
and timely communication across the University with internal and external stakeholders. - Serves as the University’s representative in
negotiations with external vendors, contractors, and government agencies on facilities-related matters. - Collaborates with Capital
Planning & Facilities Management leadership to align space management, renovations, and new construction with institutional
priorities. - Leads emergency preparedness and disaster recovery planning for facilities operations and infrastructure
systems. - Contributes to long-term campus facilities and capital master planning, aligning operational initiatives with the
University’s strategic growth and infrastructure needs. - Facilitates professional development opportunities for internal and external
partners, fostering a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence across the facilities ecosystem. - Performs other
duties as assigned in support of the University’s mission and campus environment.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Expertise in higher education facilities management, contract negotiation, and budget administration.
- Strong knowledge of
building operations, energy management, and space utilization strategies. - Demonstrated leadership in managing large teams, service
providers, and complex budgets. - Ability to develop long-term strategies that balance financial sustainability with operational
excellence. - Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills with focus on accountability and
innovation. - Commitment to service quality, timeliness, and the University’s mission.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, architecture, or related field and eight (8) to ten (10) years of
progressively responsible experience in facilities management, contract administration, and budget oversight; or a Master’s degree with five
(5) years of directly related experience. Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) credential from the Association of Physical
Plant Administrators (APPA) is strongly preferred, reflecting advanced expertise and commitment to professional excellence in educational
facilities management.
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
Expected Salary Range: $170,000 – $190,000
