As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values
As a people manager and university leader you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing by fostering an environment where everyone has the ability to thrive and navigate work and life’s challenges because they feel like they belong and have the tools and support they need.
We serve Cornell through the planning, design, construction, operation, and ongoing maintenance of University facilities. Additionally, we are proud to acknowledge the numerous accomplishments and successes of our staff as we partner with the broader university community in carrying out our mission. This website provides one-stop shopping for our customers to initiate a service, get current information about a project or building, or retrieve reference information. It is also designed to introduce you to the departments within Facilities and Campus Services (FCS). FCS is an administrative support division that includes the Office of the University Architect, Contract Colleges Facilities, Energy and Sustainability, Facilities Management, Transportation and Delivery Services, Engineering and Project Management, FCS Finance and Administration, and Environmental Health and Safety. The Cornell University campus is widely admired as one of the world’s most beautiful academic settings.
While position responsibilities vary, all people leaders are expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by being trustworthy; respecting all individuals; being flexible; supporting work/life integration as well as healthy boundaries; inviting new ideas, alternatives, and perspectives; speaking up and taking action if others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and recognizing the contributions of others.?
What Will You Do
The Senior Director of Contract Colleges Facilities is responsible for the capital planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of Cornell’s Contract Colleges facilities throughout New York State, including the Ithaca Campus, AgriTech in Geneva, and a number of smaller, widely distributed research and extension facilities. Collaborate effectively and ensure timely, accurate and tactful communications with deans and faculty, Cornell, and SUNY administration, with staff from the State University Construction Fund (SUCF), and with external consultants and contractors. Serve as College/Unit Liaison for the Contract College (CC) Zone as a strategic partner between the Contract Colleges and FCS. Advocate for CC zone needs, work with Unit Facilities Directors to develop annual capital plan and facilities maintenance planning, respond to high level inquiries and facilitate large scale problem solving. Provide expert facilities advice to the Vice Provost for Engagement and Land Grant Affairs. Establish effective relationships with key stakeholders including campus partners, colleagues, external agencies, and those with vested interests in capital facilities. Represent the University’s interests in facility matters with senior administrators, the Board of Trustees, state and local officials, faculty, union officials, and others.
As FCS / Central Unit Facilities Director, develop and cultivate partnership with zone service providers to ensure work is completed in alignment and in accordance with Cornell processes and vision. Direct and manage strategic implementation of maintenance operations while cultivating strong partnerships with key stakeholders. Advise Vice President for Facilities and Campus Services (FCS) on facility requirements, develop recommendations and strategies to implement maintenance activities in collaboration with other FCS stakeholders for strategic planning and alignment. Develop short- and long-term strategies for annual and periodic building and systems condition assessments while advocating and prioritizing needs for routine and planned maintenance, including forecasting maintenance needs in collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders. Develop and implement communication strategies in alignment with Central Facilities and University goals and mission for safe and consistent practices.
Develop project feasibility and determine priorities for assigned organizations. Navigate relationship with key stakeholders to prioritize needs and direct project alignment to college/unit and central facilities goals. Lead vendor and community relationships. Develop annual budgets and capital planning process for project plans while negotiating expenses and leading strategies for cost efficiencies.
Provide leadership and expertise for the mid-sized to large college/unit in the management and use of existing facilities, and in short- and long-term planning for the renovation of existing facilities or the construction of new facilities.
Key success criteria: Possesses full spectrum of facilities management expertise and stellar customer service management, proven solid decision and critical thinking skills, demonstrated ability to develop engaged teams, and the ability to maintain effective communication and strong relationships while managing multiple priorities.
The Sr. Director reports to the Vice President for Facilities and Campus Services.
Ours is a values-based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization's values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. FCS employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.
Cornell University provides excellent benefits that include professional development, access to many wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options and generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation, health and personal leave; 13 paid holidays (including end of year winter break), and great retirement options. Cornell has also been nationally recognized as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or relevant field with a minimum of ten years significant and responsible experience in private construction, governmental or university facilities management, or a responsible practice of architecture or engineering design, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Successful management and supervisory experience leading a professional project management team and/or facilities department, as well as managing significant capital program budgets.
Demonstrated ability to create an effective and positive team environment and to develop effective working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated successful experience working within a highly complex environment is required.
Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Demonstrated skill in understanding of cultural differences.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
New York State professional certification or the ability to achieve certification within one year.
College/university or government experience.
Application Information
When applying through our system, please remember to attach your application materials (Resume and Cover Letter) in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. In the Experience section of your application, use the ‘Drop Files Here’ box to manually drag document(s) into your application. For a more detailed description and instructions on how to apply online please visit https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CornellCareerPage and refer to requisition: WDR-00035681. NOTE: Cornell employees must apply through the Internal Cornell Career site.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
