Associate Vice President for Facilities and Infrastructure

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement plan options

Job summary

Ohio State University seeks an Associate Vice President for Facilities and Infrastructure to lead ERIK’s research infrastructure strategy and capital initiatives on the Columbus campus. You will oversee planning, activation of research spaces, and major initiatives aligning with university priorities.

The role reports to the Vice President for Research, guiding governance, budgeting, and external partnerships to advance institutional research growth and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or other relevant field (or equivalent)
• 12 years of relevant work experience
• Extensive experience in administrative, space management and/or project management roles
• Strong experience with research environments
• Experience in strategic and long‑range planning

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for governance processes, policies and enterprise planning frameworks
• Oversee research space allocation strategies, utilization analyses and long‑term infrastructure planning
• Lead ERIK capital budgeting and long‑term financial planning for research infrastructure
• Manage operations of ERIK‑managed facilities and core research spaces
• Develop and nurture partnerships with external industry and academic stakeholders
• Oversee organizational structure, staffing and professional development for ERIK teams

Skills

Administrative leadership

Space management

Project management

Strategic planning

Research environment experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field

Master’s degree (desired)

Job description

Job Title

Associate Vice President for Facilities and Infrastructure

Department

ERIK | Administration

Position Overview

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Facilities and Infrastructure provides strategic and operational leadership for research infrastructure planning, capital initiatives, and facility strategy across the Enterprise for Research, Innovation, and Knowledge (ERIK). This role leads the ERIK’s research facility and infrastructure function, overseeing planning, development, and activation of research spaces and major initiatives that enable institutional research growth and impact. As an institutional leader, the AVP develops and executes enterprise strategies aligned with the university’s mission, vision and strategic priorities while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies. The position serves as a key advisor to ERIK senior leadership on research infrastructure investments, risks and opportunities. Collaborates with colleges, academic units, and administrative partners across Ohio State to ensure institutional research priorities are understood, aligned and effectively advanced through infrastructure planning and resource allocation. The individual in this role will report to the Vice President for Research. The role will lead enterprise research infrastructure strategy and long-range planning, translating institutional priorities into actionable capital and space initiatives that support research growth and impact. The role will provide executive oversight of ERIK capital planning activities in collaboration with ERIK Finance & Business Operations and university partners, and guide development and activation of major initiatives, including the Innovation District and VISTA Space Park, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.

Capital Projects & Facilities Development

Oversee planning, design, construction, renovation, and activation of ERIK‑stewarded facilities in partnership with Facilities Operations and Development (FOD), Facilities Design and Construction (FDC), Planning, Architecture, and Real Estate (PARE), and Medical Center facilities leadership. Execute leasing strategies for ERIK‑managed spaces in coordination with Business & Finance and PARE. Ensure research infrastructure projects meet quality, schedule, cost and compliance requirements. Provide strategic oversight for research‑related facilities operations and maintenance considerations, including utility service delivery and infrastructure readiness.

Innovation District & External Partnerships

Lead strategies to attract industry partners, startups, and external organizations to ERIK facilities and innovation district initiatives. Build and maintain strategic relationships with industry, government agencies, community organizations, and economic development partners to advance research collaboration and space utilization. Serve as the primary liaison between the university and external tenants located within ERIK‑managed facilities, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and research goals. Partner with Corporate and Foundation Engagement and other university units to support economic development and industry engagement efforts.

Governance, Policy & Space Strategy

Provide leadership for research infrastructure governance processes, including policies, procedures, and enterprise planning frameworks. Oversee development of research space allocation strategies, utilization analyses and long‑term infrastructure planning to optimize institutional resources. Ensure appropriate physical access controls and compliance requirements for ERIK‑stewarded facilities, including secure research environments, in collaboration with Research Compliance and other partners. Coordinate stakeholder engagement processes related to research infrastructure planning and project prioritization.

Financial & Business Operations

Lead ERIK capital budgeting processes and long‑term financial planning for research infrastructure investments. Oversee two earnings operations with combined annual budgets exceeding $10M, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic allocation of resources. Direct ERIK engagement with Business & Finance on facilities‑related components of federal Facilities & Administrative (F&A) rate renewal and negotiation processes. Monitor financial performance of infrastructure initiatives and recommend adjustments to support institutional goals.

Operations & Performance Excellence

Oversee operations of ERIK‑managed facilities, including research incubator environments and shared infrastructure resources. Establish performance metrics and monitoring processes to evaluate facility utilization, tenant success, and infrastructure effectiveness. Translate best practices from peer institutions into enterprise improvements for research infrastructure planning and operations. Facilitate the opening and operational launch of ERIK‑directed cores and research facilities.

Research Cores & Data Strategy

Oversee directors for university‑wide Research Cores programs, including Campus Microscopy and Imaging Facility (CMIF) and Campus Chemical Instrument Centre (CCIC) and work to enhance administrative, operational and financial effectiveness of core facilities. Oversee development and management of enterprise data systems for research space, tenants, equipment and facilities conditions. Integrate research infrastructure data with productivity and performance metrics to support institutional reporting, planning and decision‑making.

Team Leadership

Provide leadership and direction for a growing team of infrastructure, facilities and project management professionals responsible for planning, design, construction, activation and operations of ERIK‑managed facilities. Oversee organizational structure, staffing strategy, performance management, and professional development for assigned teams. Direct supervision includes the Director of Economic Development and other leaders as assigned.

Stakeholder Engagement & Institutional Representation

Serve as a senior representative of ERIK on behalf of the Vice President for Research with internal and external stakeholders, including university leadership, colleges industry partners, funding organizations and state and local leaders. Maintain strong collaborative relationships with Associate Deans for Research, college research administrators and institutional partners to support research infrastructure priorities. Advise ERIK senior leadership on complex, high risk and high‑impact research infrastructure matter and recommend strategic solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or other relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 12 years relevant work experience.
• Extensive experience in a progressively responsible administrative, space management and/or project management capacity, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Strong experience with research environment.
• Experience in strategic and long‑range planning.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration or other relevant field.
• Minimum of 15 years relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of university research policies and procedures.

Application Materials

A resume and cover letter are required to be submitted at the time of application to be considered for this position.

Additional Information

Salary Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Work Location This position is expected to work in‑person on The Ohio State University's main campus in Columbus, Ohio. Some domestic travel is expected.

Additional Information Ohio State will not sponsor applicants for a work visa for this position.

Research Infrastructure and Strategic Initiatives Overview

The Research Infrastructure and Strategic Initiatives team supports the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge’s ambition to create and sustain dynamic infrastructure and capabilities that drive discoveries and to continuously increase operational excellence enabling shared and individual research and innovation success. ERIK Overview Join the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward‑thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity‑driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

Location and Employment Details

Location: University Square South (1032) Position Type: Regular Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top‑20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.