Director of Facilities Planning and Capital Projects

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Director of Facilities Planning and Capital Projects

Job Profile Title

Director C, Facilities

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice Provost for Operations, the Director of Facilities Planning and Capital Projects provides strategic leadership for the planning, development, operation, and improvement of Penn Libraries’ physical environments. The Director leads capital planning, renovation initiatives, space planning efforts, and facilities projects across the Libraries’ portfolio, while maintaining oversight of building operations at Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center and coordinating facilities services at departmental libraries and other library-operated locations. Working closely with Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES), architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and library stakeholders, the Director develops project priorities, establishes program requirements, manages project execution, and ensures that facilities investments support Penn Libraries’ long-term strategic goals. The Director serves as Penn Libraries’ primary representative for facilities planning and capital project development, leading projects from concept and programming through design, construction, occupancy, and post-project evaluation. In partnership with library leadership, the Director develops long-range facilities and space strategies that anticipate evolving academic, research, teaching, technology, and workplace needs, while advancing accessibility, sustainability, and effective space utilization. The Director also oversees facilities operations, including maintenance, housekeeping, security coordination, vendor management, and event readiness; supervises facilities staff, the Libraries Event Planner, and contracted service providers. This role will have direct oversight of 445,000 sq ft encompassing the Penn Libraries physical plant at Van Pelt Library and the Library Research Annex (LIBRA), as well as indirect oversight of an additional 108,000 sq ft of library space across campus. This position is designated as essential personnel and participates in on-call coverage as required.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• •Lead capital project planning, programming, design, and execution for renovations, renewals, infrastructure upgrades, and space modernization projects across the Libraries; serve as leadership representative and coordinate with FRES, architects, engineers, contractors, and library stakeholders.
• •Develop and implement long-range facilities and space planning strategies that support evolving academic, research, collections, teaching, technology, and workplace needs; establish project priorities and capital investment recommendations.
• •Provide leadership for facilities operations and building stewardship across library locations, ensuring safe, functional, accessible, and welcoming environments through effective maintenance, housekeeping, security coordination, and facilities services.
• •Manage facilities renewal, deferred maintenance, and asset management programs, identifying needs, developing scopes and budgets, and coordinating project implementation with university.
• •Lead stakeholder engagement, communications, and project governance, facilitating planning discussions, gathering requirements, presenting recommendations, and communicating project impacts, timelines, and outcomes.
• •Supervise facilities staff, the Libraries Event Planner and contracted service providers, establishing priorities, managing performance, allocating resources, and ensuring effective service delivery and event execution.
• •Prepare and manage the Facilities Department budget. Work closely with Finance Department staff to set and monitor budgets, assess and implement the project and vendor bid processes, and generally operate within sound financial practices and in alignment with applicable procedures and policies

Qualifications

• •Bachelor's and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• •Professional licensure or certification such as Registered Architect (RA), Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Facility Management Professional (FMP), Certified Facility Manager (CFM), or similar credential.
• •Experience in higher education, research libraries, museums, cultural institutions, healthcare, or other large and complex public-serving environments.
• •Experience with campus master planning, strategic space planning, workplace strategy, or portfolio planning.
• •Knowledge of historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and renovation of legacy or architecturally significant buildings.
• •Experience integrating sustainability, resilience, energy management, and accessibility principles into capital projects and facilities planning.
• •Familiarity with public procurement processes, design and construction contracting methods, and capital budgeting practices within higher education.
• •Experience preparing materials and presentations for senior university leadership, governing boards, donors, or external stakeholders.

Application Requirement

A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV ; multiple documents are allowed.

About the Penn L i braries

The Penn L i braries provides a network of information resources and know l edge services that are vita l to teaching, research, and l earning at the University of Pennsy l vania. This network inc l udes 19 physica l l i braries, recognized for their co l l ections, and a digita l l i brary known for innovation and richness of content. Through dynamic programming and exhibitions, and through the acquisition and preservation of l i terary and artistic artifacts, the Penn L i braries documents a wea l th of socia l and historica l periods, bringing scho l arship to l i fe at the University and in the various communities it serves.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

University Library

Pay Range

$110,907.00 - $139,600.00 Annual Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Cand