Executive Director for Facilities Services

San Diego State University seeks a relational leader with exceptional technical expertise and emotional intelligence to serve as the next Executive Director of Facilities Services. Success in this role demands a collaborative leader who can engage stakeholders early, implement change thoughtfully, and maintain high service standards in a 24/7 operational environment.

The Executive Director will provide leadership and strategic direction for over 250 employees and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land across multiple campus locations, including the main San Diego campus, Mission Valley, and expanding lab facilities. The incumbent has responsibility for the day-to-day administration and management of staff, represented by unions, and 18 managers (4 of whom are direct reports).

Under the general supervision of the AVP of Business Operations, the Executive Director of Facilities Services (EDFS) serves as a key member of the AVP’s leadership team and is responsible for providing strategic leadership and overall management within Facilities Services (FS) including work control, custodial services, grounds and landscaping, building maintenance, engineering services, fleet services, energy management utilities operations, and safety/OSHA compliance. The position is also responsible for the management of special funded facilities programs such as deferred maintenance, special repairs, and projects under the minor capital improvement program.

Required Qualifications:

Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in a related field and seven years of progressively responsible facilities management experience, including understanding of requirements for operating high voltage electrical systems, cogeneration power plants, central chiller plants, and steam/boiler systems. Demonstrated success is required in managing large complex budgets, working in collective bargaining environments with union representatives, overseeing work control and billing systems, implementing process improvements, and executing sustainability initiatives including LEED O&M, waste diversion, and energy efficiency projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will have facilities management experience across diverse facility types and energy infrastructure systems, management experience in higher education, professional engineering registration (civil, mechanical, or electrical), LEED AP or Green Associate certification, and APPA Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) or similar credentials.

For a full list of responsibilities and qualifications, please view the full position description here.

To Apply

San Diego State University has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Katie Dean, Partner, Kenna Boyd, Partner, and Marisea Rivera, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be submitted by email to Marisea at marisea.rivera@opuspartners.net. To be considered by the University’s search committee, candidates must provide a resume and a letter of introduction that addresses the specific responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications described above. Please consult Opus Partners for more information about the application process.

Anticipated hiring range: $200,000 - $220,000 annually