Associate Vice-Principal Facilities Manager

About Queen's University

Queen's University is a leading Canadian research-intensive institution with a transformative student learning experience. Our employment experience is diverse and interesting, with opportunities in globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering and construction, athletics and recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity-seeking groups, including women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community, and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

Job Summary

The Associate Vice-Principal Facilities Manager is a key member of the Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration) leadership team, providing leadership and operational oversight of pan-university infrastructure assets and facilities operations in support of the academic mission and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with key partners, contribute to a shared vision and lead the development of campus-wide plans to optimize resources and deliver strong value to the university in alignment with University priorities and strategic goals.
• Lead the planning, design, tendering, construction, operations, and maintenance of buildings, lands, and university infrastructure, including buildings, grounds, underground infrastructure, energy, and space design.
• Develop and administer the university's deferred maintenance management program.
• Provide strategic leadership in sustainable energy usage and deliver on the university priority of a sustainable campus.
• Lead or assist governance initiatives to manage competing priorities and manage risk, ensuring proactive risk management plans and an appropriate policy framework.
• Coordinate and negotiate with the City of Kingston, the Kingston Health Sciences Centre, and government agencies as required on planning and infrastructure needs.
• Develop and foster a culture of service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the finances of the Facilities portfolio, including operations, utilities, major capital projects, asset life cycle renewal, joint venture operations, and parking, promoting a culture of financial accountability and strong financial management.
• Provide strategic direction and support a diverse team of professionals, technical personnel, administrators, consultants, and contractors.

Required Qualifications:

• An experienced executive who can lead organizational development and change.
• Demonstrated success in providing organization-wide leadership in a complex, multi-constituent, and decentralized organization.
• Significant previous experience in a senior management role leading facilities management, strategic planning, and large complex teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in managing a large property portfolio (acquisition, development, project management, construction management, and building operations).
• A proven track record in recruiting, developing, motivating, and supporting diverse and inclusive teams and talent necessary to deliver excellent service, managing their gaps and capitalizing on their strengths.
• Demonstrated experience in leading transformative and innovative changes.
• Demonstrated human resources experience in a large, unionized workforce in a highly complex and diversified environment.
• Experience in strategic planning, policy development, financial management, risk management, and relationship management.
• Experience leading or providing oversight of large capital projects from concept through governance approvals, municipal approvals, and construction completion, along with required financial monitoring.
• Ability to work effectively in a collegial decision-making environment, yet unafraid of appropriately challenging established practices.
• Experience as an effective influencer and champion of the importance of infrastructure (our place) in contributing to the success of the organization and its core activities.
• University degree in architecture, engineering, or business management with at least 10 years of senior leadership experience.
• Previous work experience in a university or related environment is considered an asset.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Priority Skills and Attributes:

• Strategic skills – combines lateral thinking and considers a broad range of internal and external factors in the development of campus-wide plans and initiatives aligned with University Strategy.
• Leadership skills – able to influence, inspire, and motivate staff and others to work effectively around common objectives; patient but firm; able to achieve results; pushes for difficult decisions; acts with integrity at all times. Demonstrates strength of character and composure during stressful and challenging situations.
• Forward thinker – stays ahead of infrastructure needs, assesses opportunities, and offers guidance to key partners to meet goals.
• Communication skills – has superior written and oral skills; is effective in translating complex issues and conveying technical ideas in non-technical terms. A highly effective listener. Has proven presentation skills to champion new ideas and business cases.
• Operational skills – has a focus on strong execution; ensures that the team receives the necessary direction and support to meet their responsibilities and address client requirements. Knowledge of building systems and support infrastructure, inclusive of a complex district heating system supporting the university campus and local hospital.
• People development – develops strong leaders and highly functioning team members; skilled at finding and attracting talent to fill key roles and building a team spirit.
• Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism (I-EDIAA) – able to develop, manage, and value the merits of a diverse team. Ensures infrastructure is inclusive and accessible for all.
• Client focus – someone who inspires confidence, who instills this client focus in team members, who can add value and problem-solve with clients, and can mediate within conflicting demand situations.
• Innovative – a creative thinker, able to develop innovative yet practical solutions.
• Negotiation skills – adept at navigating complex discussions to reach mutually beneficial agreements.
• Business acumen – identifies key opportunities while minimizing risks to the University; can prepare and present comprehensive business cases.
• Project management – sets clear goals and metrics, using continuous improvement, quality assurance, and performance management best practices.
• High energy and dynamic, and an enthusiastic problem-solver.

Decision Making:

• Determine process changes and staff training required to improve service levels and instill a culture of continuous improvement.
• Determine budget, schedule, and appropriate strategies to ensure successful project management and implementation of major projects and/or process changes with relevant consultations.
• Determine and prepare and present content for Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team reports, policy documents, business cases, justifications for funding allocations, publications, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Determine which decisions require further consultations with or approval of the VPFA or the Senior Leadership Team. Determine priorities for operational and deferred maintenance of University infrastructure assets.
• Make crisis management decisions in the event of significant unplanned infrastructure, energy, and service degradation.