Assistant Director, Academic Facilities Operations

Job Description

The Assistant Director leads planning, design, and management of research and academic facilities across the Office of the Dean of Faculty (DOF) portfolio. The role partners with academic units and stakeholders to align facilities with programmatic needs, ensure operational continuity, and support the university's academic and research missions.

The Assistant Director possesses a strong understanding of building and laboratory mechanical systems and serves as a key liaison with Facilities Management (FM), Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Fire Safety, Public Safety (DPS), and external contractors to proactively address safety, security, and infrastructure issues related to HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural, and other systems.

The position supervises operational staff to maintain effective, reliable facility operations and collaborates with university partners to deliver a wide range of projects in offices, laboratories, core facilities, and instructional spaces. Responsibilities include feasibility assessments for scientific instrumentation, lab buildouts and closeouts, office and lab relocations, space planning, renovation projects, and emergency response coordination.

The work location for this position is on-site.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree plus 5-7 years of related construction or building maintenance experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience in research laboratory operation, planning, design, and construction preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of research and instructional facility management, including laboratory operations, safety, security, and regulatory compliance.
• Working knowledge of building and laboratory mechanical systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.) and their impact on research operations.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to manage complex workloads with accuracy and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse individuals and groups, using tact, discretion, and sound judgement.
• Strong customer service orientation and the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and support operational staff in delivering high-quality facilities services.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other standard software platforms.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply project management tools such as Bluebeam Revu, Smartsheet, or similar systems.

All offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background check and/or education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

Why Brown?

Brown University is a leading research university that is distinguished by its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty, and staff are driven by the idea that their work will impact the world.

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance, summer hours, winter break, and a comprehensive Benefits package, including time off and annual paid holidays. Benefit offerings include health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts, and more. Read more about the benefits of working at Brown here.

Additional Details

• Posted: 13-Feb-26
• Location: Providence, Rhode Island
• Type: Full-time
• Categories: Facilities/Maintenance/Trades, Staff/Administrative
• Internal Number: 6924553
• Recruiting Start Date: 2025-12-03
• Job Posting Title: Assistant Director, Academic Facilities Operations
• Department: Office of the Dean of the Faculty
• Grade: Grade 11
• Worker Type: Employee (Regular)
• Time Type: Full time
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5
• Position Work Location: Onsite

Submission Guidelines: Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.