Position Description:

• Lead strategic and operational planning and implementation for the Facilities Management and Planning department, incorporating a clear understanding of the College’s priorities, as well as national trends and innovations in the management of college capital improvement programs and facilities operations. Help strengthen the 155-person department to deliver on these plans through effective processes, procedures, technology, and management. Together with the Director of Operations, maintain effective relationships with the labor union that represents College maintenance and service workers.
• Strategically lead Wellesley’s campus renewal program (more than $800 million in escalated dollars). Manage Wellesley’s investment to renew and maintain its historic campus to address significant deferred maintenance, ensuring that the facilities and the campus enable the College to fulfill its mission: to provide an excellent liberal arts education for women who will make a difference in the world. Steer the campus planning process and be responsible for delivery of all capital projects, making steady, visible progress that inspires confidence by demonstrating effective deployment of capital resources. Work with colleagues in Development charged with inspiring and engaging donor interest to build support for campus renewal. Frequently communicate progress of campus renewal to the Wellesley community.
• Serve as a key resource and partner to the VP for Finance and Administration and Treasurer in working with the Campus Renewal Executive Committee and the Campus & Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees, who have governance responsibilities and fiduciary oversight of the physical assets (property and facilities) and financial resources of the College. Convene and staff on-campus governance committees that relate to campus renewal and environmental sustainability. Prioritize renovation and repairs needed to steward and maintain the campus and develop and manage plans and budgets to best accomplish campus stewardship and renewal.
• As the department’s lead planner, support a robust and sustained planning function in the department and for the campus, producing and updating near term and long-range plans based upon established design guidelines and principles and reflecting institutional priorities. Develop and maintain financial plans and projections underpinning campus renewal. Regularly monitor campus planning and campus renewal during implementation through to completion.
• Incorporate sustainability goals in all aspects of facilities operations and project planning. Responsible for the roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality through the built environment. Incorporate environmental best practices into projects and operations for the College’s water supply, landscape, watershed management, and waste management.
• Responsible for working with the planning, design and construction team to implement criteria for the review of plans and specifications for significant renovations or new construction, and monitoring the implementation of such plans. Incorporate changing energy and code requirements and evolving industry best practices. Shepherd programs through the design process ensuring that Wellesley’s best interests are met through appropriate design decisions. Oversee the procurement of all design and construction services at the College.
• Oversee the Director of Operations who manages the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the campus, including custodial services, maintenance services (the trade shops), grounds, and motor pool. Establish and monitor performance targets for operational effectiveness, financial efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the Director of Environmental Health and Safety’s management of environmental health and safety of the campus community. Ensure regulatory compliance in all areas including safety in laboratories, workplace and construction sites, hazardous materials abatement, drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and air emissions.
• Oversee the Director of Energy, Infrastructure and Sustainability, who develops and implements plans to meet the College’s carbon neutrality goals, works to enhance sustainability performance in the built habitat by integrating design concepts with operations and maintenance of campus buildings and landscaping, and manages the central utility plant and energy shops. Supports the Director and the Office of Sustainability in its work to support sustainability-related activities in the academic, co-curricular, dining, and administrative sectors.
• Oversee an operating budget of $33 million, and a $15 million annual major maintenance program. Oversee the analysis, development, implementation, and monitoring of all facilities budgets, including operations, maintenance, utilities and capital projects budgets, ensuring that the department is highly productive and cost-efficient. Deliver Facilities’ budget targets and agreed financial performance objectives.
• Directly supervise directors with senior-level responsibility for the Facilities Management and Planning department. Foster and maintain a strong line of communication and cooperation between the units performing design, construction, operations, sustainability and environmental health and safety.
• As leader of the second largest department on campus, promote the professional development of the department staff, a strong work ethic, and collegial and effective work relationships within the department. Effectively oversee the full range of departmental activities and services and capably lead the senior management team in fulfilment of the department’s objectives. Foster constructive relationships between management and union leadership and staff.
• Serve as an astute and credible leader and key spokesperson for the College on physical plant planning, design, development, construction and facilities/operations issues, developing and maintaining a positive relationship with the college community, the Town of Wellesley, and state and local government agencies.

Primary Goals & Objectives:

Success in this role involves accomplishing the following objectives:

• Successfully deliver the capital renewal program over the next decade, achieving steady, visible progress over time. Facilitate continuing long-term planning to ensure that campus renewal meets the evolving needs of the institution and remains fully aligned with the strategic direction of the College. Continually evaluate essential trade-offs and make recommendations to leadership to optimize the use of scarce capital resources. Ensure those who study, work and live at Wellesley experience meaningful improvements in the campus’ physical spaces that meet their needs.
• Deliver new construction and renovation projects that accomplish the agreed program and scope within, or below, budget and on schedule, with a level of quality that meets standards and enhances the campus. Gain confidence from college leadership and the Board of Trustees that Wellesley has obtained the best possible solution at the lowest total lifetime cost that achieves the program--including design and aesthetic--objectives.
• Articulate and implement design standards and space planning standards that are broadly and enthusiastically supported, and that maintain and enhance the excellence of the campus--both its buildings and its landscape.
• Ensure Wellesley’s campus is attractive, well maintained, and that work and services meet standards and expectations. Lead efforts to better align campus user expectations, service delivery, and available resources and budgets; where necessary, strengthen service delivery.
• Develop, build support for and execute a plan to address deferred maintenance and implement a comprehensive preventive maintenance program that complements the major renovations occurring through the campus renewal program. Prioritize and keep on top of upgrades and upkeep of campus buildings and landscape through the maintenance programs. Ensure that re-investment in the campus is as strategic and efficient as possible.
• Proactively identify and pursue new methods for delivering services at lower cost. Enhance the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the entire Facilities Management and Planning department and its operations. Build a culture that seeks out new ways of achieving objectives at lower total cost and with greater efficiency. Reliably deliver (or come in under) agreed-upon operating and capital budgets. Strengthen the department’s procurement and supplier management processes and procedures.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration between units within the Facilities Management and Planning department, and ensure managers work effectively as a team. Strengthen management and development of the entire department. Better leverage technology, knowledge and process management. Introduce appropriate new approaches and techniques to build on Wellesley’s existing assets. Strengthen supervision and develop talent at all levels of the department, building on the significant institutional knowledge and loyalty of the facilities staff. Ensure staff follow environmental and work safety requirements, and that the department and its clients are well served by motivated and effective employees.
• Strengthen working relationships between the Facilities Management and Planning department and the campus community (faculty, students and staff), developing credibility and trust within and between the department and the Wellesley community.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Business or related field and equivalent work experience is required.
• Relevant Master’s degree and/or applicable licensure or certification is preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, design and construction, and/or real estate development. Professional experience in a college or university campus setting, or in similar organizations, is preferred. Demonstrated managerial experience in a complex, consultative and mission-driven culture like that of higher education is helpful.
• Executive Leadership: Inspiring leader who can develop and articulate a compelling vision and then deliver it. Experienced executive who can lead the development of complex projects and budgets, critically assess legitimacy of budgets and costs estimates, and can drive implementation of the most cost-effective methods for project delivery. Ability to plan and develop sophisticated budgets, present business cases for facilities investments, and apply technology to achieve business objectives. Ability to evaluate structure and staffing based on experience and to adjust appropriately. Experience managing risk. Knowledgeable regarding effectively engaging third party resources when necessary. Strong financial acumen. Deeply experienced, capable and credible
• Capital Project Expertise: Experience with large capital projects ($60M+) or multiple smaller scale projects as part of a capital program with a minimum concurrent program value of $100M. Significant expertise in capital planning, design, and construction, and demonstrated experience leading a team to deliver projects on time and on budget. Understanding of the critical components of space planning combined with knowledge of and appreciation for the importance of historic preservation for a campus like Wellesley’s. Strong aesthetic vision and sensibility, encompassing both buildings and the landscape in which they are situated. Deep knowledge of the regulatory environment, including construction permitting requirements, workplace safety requirements, and environmental regulations. Understanding of all building construction trades and effective project delivery.
• Facilities/Property Management: Expert in creating efficiencies within facilities operations through effective organizational structures as well as implementation of facilities management technology and re-engineering of processes to enhance business practices. Demonstrated deep understanding of how to address aging buildings and infrastructure. Experience developing preventative and predictive maintenance strategies and creative approaches to deferred maintenance. Proven mechanical and engineering expertise or experience. Experience working in a unionized environment is strongly preferred. Understanding of Central Utility Plant operations and requirements.
• Teamwork/Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to build and establish credibility with all members of the College community; able to connect with diverse constituents with a variety of perspectives and priorities. Inclination to collaborate with peers and colleagues, for example, with the communications office to ensure timely communication regarding the status of campus renewal. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with the fundraising team to facilitate relationships with and engage potential donors. Ability to work with and gain the respect of College leadership, faculty, peers, and the facilities department staff. A team builder who can engage and motivate direct reports, the entire facilities department, and the campus community. Capable of listening to competing needs, acting as a consensus builder, and managing resulting expectations. High self-confidence and credibility.

Personal Leadership Qualities:

• Effective and inclusive leader who inspires with quiet confidence. Engages and motivates the team.  An exceptional delegator.
• Strong, reasoned decision maker who takes ownership of her/his decisions with a bias to follow-through and action.
• Customer service focused.
• Unimpeachable integrity and ethics.
• Believes in the mission of Wellesley College and a deeply held belief in the importance of “educating women who will make a difference in the world.” Inspired both by Wellesley’s identity as a leading academic institution, and by its spectacular campus landscape and historic buildings.
• Highly perceptive, strategic thinker who can navigate challenges and bring people together to achieve goals.
• Recognizes the importance of strong governance.
• Relentless in seeking out ways to improve, add value, and increase efficiency.
• Transparent and responsive communicator who can synthesize disparate ideas and perspectives.
• High emotional intelligence with authenticity and gravitas.

Wellesley as an Employer:

At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas—the best solutions—draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.