Assistant Vice President of Operations

Assistant Vice President of Operations

Position Information

Position Title: Assistant Vice President of Operations
Department: Facilities
Posting Link: "">
Job Type: Full-Time

Posting Detail Information

Position Summary

As a key member of the University Facilities' senior leadership team, the Assistant Vice President of Operations (Asst. VP) provides strategic leadership and oversight for the repair, maintenance, and operations of the university's physical facilities within a dynamic, research-intensive institution.

The University at Buffalo spans three distinct campuses, North, South, and Downtown, comprising more than 110 buildings that range from historic early 20th-century structures to modern facilities. This diverse portfolio requires robust operational strategies to ensure effective maintenance, regulatory compliance, infrastructure reliability, and uninterrupted campus operations.

University Facilities encompasses Capital Planning, Campus Planning, Design & Construction, Environment Health & Safety, Energy Management & Decarbonization, Facilities Finance, Facilities Operations, and Real Estate & Property Management As such, the Asst. VP Facilities Operations reports directly to the Associate Vice President of University Facilities.

The Asst. VP leads a workforce of 500–600 unionized employees and is responsible for managing operations across the three campuses, totaling approximately 13 million gross square feet and 600 acres of grounds. Departments reporting to the Asst. VP include skilled trades, utilities operations, warehouse and storeroom management, customer service, fleet operations, grounds maintenance, and custodial services.

The Asst. VP supports the development and oversight of the Facilities' Operations operating budget (not the full University Facilities budget) which approximates $30 million in annual payroll and $15 million in maintenance, repair, and operations ( MRO ) expenses. This includes providing financial forecasts and variance analysis to the Director of Finance and maintaining appropriate oversight of related service and maintenance contracts. This role also helps to inform the Director of Capital Planning & Deferred Maintenance, who manages the minor critical maintenance capital funds, of capital-related maintenance needs.

Although the Asst. VP is not expected to personally respond during all off‑hours incidences, they are accountable for maintaining continuous operational coverage and organizational readiness for 24/7/365 response, including emergencies, and may be required to respond as needed when circumstances require leadership presence, employee support, or when designated responders are unavailable.

Consistent with the operational and response-driven nature of the Operations department, this position is designated as on-site only and is ineligible for remote or telecommuting arrangements.

Specific to Facilities Operations (verses University Facilities), key responsibilities of this role include but are not limited to:

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive operations strategy aligned with institutional and departmental priorities and research needs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and service excellence in a dynamic, demanding environment.

• Operational Oversight
  • Direct and manage skilled trades, utilities operations, grounds, fleet, warehouse operations, and custodial services across three campuses.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and safety standards.
  • Oversee reactive, preventive and predictive maintenance programs for critical infrastructure.
• Emergency Response & Continuity
  • In coordination with the Environment, Health, and Safety team, establish and maintain emergency response plans for facilities-related incidents, including power outages, weather events, and critical system failures.
  • Ensure teams are trained and equipped to respond promptly to emergencies at any time.
• Performance Management
  • Establish, monitor, and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and tools for data visualization and performance tracking for all operational areas.
  • Conduct root cause analysis for recurring issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Drive continuous improvement through benchmarking and best practices.
• Process Development
  • Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all functional areas.
  • Draft and manage Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs) with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Draft and manage Service Level Agreements with internal and external stakeholders
  • Develop, interpret, negotiate, and implement University-wide facilities operations policies, standards, and procedures in alignment with the strategic objectives of the University at Buffalo and SUNY . The position exercises broad independent judgment in establishing and enforcing operational policies that govern campus infrastructure, utilities, maintenance, custodial services, grounds, and skilled trades, with direct impact on the safety, reliability, and performance of the institution's physical assets.
• Financial & Resource Management
  • Manage an annual operating budget of approximately $45 million, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with institutional goals.
  • Inform the Director of Capital Planning & Deferred Maintenance, who manages the minor critical maintenance capital funds, of capital-related maintenance needs.
  • Optimize resource allocation for labor, materials, and equipment.
  • In conjunction with Central Procurement, maintain appropriate oversight of related service and maintenance contracts.
• Employee Relations & Workforce Management
  • Promote professional development, engagement, and retention strategies for staff at all levels.
  • Coordinate with Human Resources / Employee Relations to manage complex relations issues, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

About The University at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo (UB) #ubuffalo is one of America's leading public research universities and a flagship of the State University of New York system, recognized for our excellence and our impact. UB is a premier, research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. Our research, creative activity and people positively impact the world. Like the city we call home, UB is distinguished by a culture of resilient optimism, resourceful thinking and pragmatic dreaming that enables us to reach others every day. Visit our website to learn more about the University at Buffalo .

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States by their start date. The University at Buffalo does not guarantee that it will sponsor, support, or otherwise assist with obtaining work authorization.

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Learn more:

• Our benefits , where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.
• Being a part of the University at Buffalo community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in facilities operations of large-scale institutional settings.
• Demonstrated success in managing large, unionized teams and complex infrastructure systems.
• Familiarity with CMMS implementation, optimization, and reporting.
• Strategic thinker with ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Expertise in KPI development, data analytics, and root cause analysis.
• Experience managing operating budgets, including planning, forecasting, and cost control.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of a large, complex institution—from front-line staff to senior executives.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) for daily administrative and reporting tasks.
• Ability to be available as needed for critical issues and emergencies, ensuring operational continuity 24/7 through team coverage and leadership oversight.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with facilities operations in higher education and research institutions.
• Certification in facilities management (e.g., IFMA CFM ) or related credentials.
• Advanced degree in the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering or related field.
• Experience with multiple CMMS or ERP systems.
• Strong understanding of grounds, building systems and mechanical equipment, including HVAC , electrical, plumbing, and other critical infrastructure components.
• Proficiency in developing SOPs, MOUs, and compliance documentation.

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to perform work in a combination of office and field settings. The Asst. VP must be able to walk extended distances across campus, climb stairs and ladders, access rooftops and elevated areas , and enter electrical, mechanical, utility rooms, and construction spaces as needed to support operational oversight and emergency response. The role may involve occasional lifting, bending, and reaching. All activities are performed in accordance with applicable safety protocols. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as required by law.

Salary Range
Competitive

Special Instructions Summary

Is a background check required for this posting?
Yes

Contact Information

Contact's Name: Suzanne Gentz
Contact's Pronouns:
Contact's Title: Director of Finance
Contact's Email: View email address on us.fitly.work
Contact's Phone: View phone number on us.fitly.work

Posting Dates

Posted: 08/21/2026
Deadline for Applicants:
Date to be filled: 12/31/2026

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