Associate Dean, Facilities & Planning

Department: WCAS Administration
Salary/Grade: EXS/15

Job Summary

At Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, we are reimagining traditional arts and sciences education to prepare students for success in a complex and evolving world. With over 700 faculty, we pursue cutting-edge research across the physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The largest of Northwestern undergraduate schools, we teach over 4,000 students annually. Additionally, we offer over 30 graduate programs, supporting more than 1500 students pursuing Master's or PhD degrees.

Our Associate Dean for Facilities and Planning oversees the strategic utilization of the College's space, facilities, and equipment across 42 campus buildings, 26 disciplinary departments, and 50+ interdisciplinary programs, institutes, and centers. The Associate Dean leads in long-range planning to ensure the College's physical infrastructure supports and advances the academic mission. Managing over 1.2M square feet of space and all physical infrastructure, the Associate Dean is responsible for managing capital projects in collaboration with College departments, programs, centers, and institutes as well as the University's Facilities Management Office, Provost's Office, and other campus partners. The Associate Dean reports directly to the Dean of Weinberg College and services as a member of the College's leadership team.

The Associate Dean is a full-time staff position based in Evanston. This position works primarily onsite with some opportunity for remote work. The target hiring range for this position will be between $160,000 - 248,000 per year. Salary will be determined by the candidate's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

This is a unique opportunity for a candidate who possesses an extensive background in facilities management and planning; knowledge of laboratories and scientific research equipment; and familiarity with the needs of a major research university. The Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences is a highly collaborative environment; successful candidates will ensure clear and proactive communication with all College stakeholders and will have track record of leading in a cooperative style.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

• Develops and manages a comprehensive space plan for Weinberg College, advising the Dean and other campus leaders on the ramifications of growth in academic areas for space and facilities. Participates in campus master planning.Performs detailed space studies to ensure space is utilized appropriately and effectively. Develops plans for space usage, renovation, and relocation, taking into account building and budget limitations and working in collaboration with colleagues across the University.Develop policies to optimize space utilization and ensures compliance.

Project Management:

• Directs all capital projects for the College, in partnership with NU Facilities Management; projects range from small scale renovation at $0.2M to major capital projects exceeding $100M, including new buildings; lab renovations, including equipment purchase and installation; building renovations; department and program relocations; and major maintenance issues.Develop cost estimates for projects. Proactively addresses potential disruptions and conflicts and communicates updates to leadership team and affected constituent groups.

Budget:

• Oversees project budgets, assuring that projects are completed within budget parameters. Manages the College's facilities budget, assuring fiscal responsibility. Works with the Associate Dean for Finance and Business Operations to set annual and multi-year budgets including multi-year capital budget plans. Recommends budget priorities.

Faculty Recruitment:

• Analyzes scope and nature of space, facilities and equipment needs for prospective faculty, particularly in the lab science departments. Develops working estimates of lab and renovation costs for faculty offers. Works with the new faculty to carry out renovation plans.

Safety and Security:

• Oversee efforts to ensure safety and security of all facilities. Recommends policies and practices to enhance safety and mitigate risks. Assures lab safety plans are current and complete.Maintains emergency response plans and business continuity strategy.Advises College's building managers on safety protocols and best practices.

Supervision:

• Supervises the Associate Director for Facilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least ten years relevant experience including experience in a major research university or other research or medical facility. Demonstrated experience as an executive-level facilities manager.
• Proven project management experience, with a track record of meeting deadlines in evolving, complex conditions. Experience with long-range, strategic planning as well as developing accurate project estimates.
• Knowledge of building design and construction, facilities operations, and environmental services.
• Knowledge of scientific equipment and lab operations used in biological and/or physical science research laboratories
• Excellent people skills, including clear and productive communication, tact and diplomacy, persuasiveness, and negotiation.
• Ability to analyze data and present data in an organized, cogent manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degreein a related field (Master's or doctoral degree in Facilities Management, Architecture, Engineering, or Lab Science preferred)

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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