Director of Capital and Sustainability Programs

Director of Capital and Sustainability Programs

Reporting to the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Director of Capital and Sustainability Programs provides strategic leadership for the University's capital planning, project delivery, and institutional sustainability initiatives.

This role directs the development, endorsement, and implementation of the University's Facilities Master Plan and oversees the planning, design, and execution of capital and select renovation, rehabilitation, relocation, and repair projects across Empire State University locations.

The Director also serves as the University's sustainability leader, advancing implementation of the SUNY Climate and Sustainability Action Plan and positioning Empire to meet state and system climate goals. This includes directing campus-wide sustainability initiatives, advancing decarbonization strategies, and integrating sustainability into capital investments and operations.

As a key member of the Administration and Finance leadership team, the Director collaborates with campus stakeholders, the State University Construction Fund (SUCF), consultants, contractors, and external partners to deliver projects on time, within budget, and aligned with institutional priorities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Strategic Capital Planning & Master Planning

• Direct the planning, development, and implementation of the University's Facilities Master Plan, ensuring alignment with the strategic plan and senior leadership priorities.
• Lead feasibility studies, site analyses, and special planning initiatives to evaluate project viability and establish cost frameworks.
• Provide location analysis, space planning guidance, and move planning recommendations to support institutional growth and operational effectiveness.
• Obtain, verify, and document existing building, infrastructure, and utility information to inform capital planning decisions.

Capital Project Leadership

• Direct the planning, design, and construction of new facilities and renovation or repair projects across SUNY Empire locations.
• Oversee all phases of campus-managed ('let') capital projects and coordinate closely with SUCF on larger-scale initiatives.
• Provide leadership for architectural, engineering, civil, interior, landscape, structural, MEP, fire protection, and building systems scopes of work as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, regulations, SUCF directives, campus standards, and programmatic requirements.
• Maintain accountability for project budgets, schedules, cost estimates, and communication plans.
• Provide executive-level updates on project status and institutional impacts.
• Direct consultant and contractor performance to ensure work is completed on time and within approved budgets.
• Partner with Procurement to develop and execute contracts in accordance with SUNY and New York State policies and regulations.
• Oversee capital funding allocations, including critical maintenance (MCM) and related expenditures.
• Complete NYS Code Enforcement Basic Training Program and serve as a Certified Code Enforcement Official pursuant to 19 NYCRR Part 1208.

Sustainability & Climate Leadership

• Serve as the University's lead for sustainability strategy, policy, and implementation.
• Direct implementation of the SUNY Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, CLCPA, EO22, and related state and system requirements.
• Develop and advance decarbonization and energy-reduction initiatives across campus locations.
• Establish a roadmap for carbon neutrality, integrating capital planning and operational strategies.
• Collect, analyze, and report energy management data; recommend sustainable design and operational strategies.
• Track performance metrics and evaluate sustainability programs to ensure measurable progress.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of New York State regulations, SUNY policies, and executive orders related to capital construction, environmental compliance, and sustainability (including CLCPA and EO22 requirements).
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound professional judgment in resolving complex architectural, engineering, infrastructure, and energy management challenges.
• Proven ability to direct multiple concurrent capital and sustainability initiatives in a dynamic, evolving environment.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information for executive leadership and campus stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective working relationships across a diverse campus community and with external partners at the local, state and national level.
• Skilled in contract oversight, negotiation, and consultant/contractor performance management.
• Strong organizational and project leadership skills, with accountability for delivering outcomes on time and within budget.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, operational effectiveness, and sustainable best practices.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience directing capital construction projects and managing deferred maintenance plans.
• Demonstrated knowledge of design and construction disciplines including civil, landscape, environmental, architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and space planning.
• Working knowledge of engineering and architectural principles related to building systems and infrastructure.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, and consultant/contractor performance for projects exceeding $5M.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree or certification in Energy Management.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in capital project leadership or facilities planning.
• Experience updating or implementing a Facilities Master Plan.
• Demonstrated experience implementing sustainable design and operational practices, including familiarity with LEED standards, commissioning processes, and indoor environmental quality requirements.
• Experience in higher education capital projects, including collaboration with the State University Construction Fund (SUCF) or similar public-sector capital programs.
• Certified Code Enforcement Official or ability to obtain certification.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local building and environmental codes and regulatory frameworks.

Special Information:

• This position is located in Saratoga Springs, NY.
• Periodic travel, as well as occasional evening and weekend work, may be required.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

Additional Information:

Rank/Salary: Management-Confidential / $110,000+, dependent upon experience and qualifications.

We are pleased to offer our employees an excellent benefit package which includes NYS health insurance, free dental and vision, competitive retirement options, and generous vacation, sick and holiday accruals; and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. We also offer professional-development activities for professionals and support staff.

SUNY Empire is an AA/EEO/ADA employer...