Strategic Operations Leader, University Facilities

AFE; Buffalo, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

University at Buffalo invites nominations and applications for the position of Assistant Vice President of Operations, University Facilities. The AVP provides strategic leadership for the repair, maintenance, and operation of more than 110 buildings across 13 million gross square feet and 600 acres, overseeing 500–600 unionized employees and a $45 million budget.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management, or related field, plus at least 10 years of senior

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management, business administration, or related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership in large-scale institutional facilities operations.
• Proven record leading large unionized teams and complex infrastructure systems.
• Expertise with CMMS, KPI development, data analytics, and budget management.
• Exceptional communication skills; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Develop and carry out an operations strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
• Build a culture of accountability, safety, and service excellence.
• Oversee maintenance programs for critical infrastructure (reactive, preventive, predictive).
• Set up governance for consistent CMMS use; establish KPIs and root cause analysis.
• Develop SOPs, MOUs, SLAs, and university-wide operations policies.
• Maintain 24/7/365 readiness and emergency response with EHS partners.
• Administer collective bargaining agreements and staff development.

Skills

Leadership

Facilities management

Data analytics

KPI development

CMMS

Budget management

Communication

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management, business administration, or related field

IFMA CFM or related credential (preferred)

Advanced engineering degree (preferred)

Tools

CMMS

Job description

University at Buffalo invites nominations and applications for the position of Assistant Vice President of Operations, University Facilities. The AVP provides strategic leadership for the repair, maintenance, and operation of more than 110 buildings across 13 million gross square feet and 600 acres, overseeing 500–600 unionized employees and a $45 million budget.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management, or related field, plus at least 10 years of senior