Director Energy & Engineering (Johns Hopkins Facilities & Real Estate)

Director Energy & Engineering (Johns Hopkins Facilities & Real Estate)

Reporting directly to the Senior Director for Facility Operations, the Director for Energy & Engineering (DEE) oversees the Homewood campus utility plants and engineering design efforts related to campus infrastructure, maintaining Johns Hopkins University (JHU) design guidelines and standards. The role develops and implements the carbon reduction plan, identifies and implements energy‑related sustainability concepts, and collaborates with Design and Construction, Facilities Operations, Planning and Architecture, and the Office of Climate and Sustainability to achieve the University’s sustainability goals.

Overview

The Director will play a critical role in ensuring JHU reaches its ambitious sustainability goals, including decarbonization, renewable energy procurement, and energy efficiency. The Director will guide the reliable operation and maintenance of Homewood’s utility infrastructure, long‑term investment planning, and engineering support for capital planning, design, and construction. This position manages a team of 15‑20 professionals including senior engineers, facility engineers, energy managers, and utilities plant managers.

The Director represents Johns Hopkins Facilities & Real Estate (JHFRE) in engineering planning efforts for design and renovation projects on the historic Homewood campus and occasionally on the East Baltimore campus, Peabody campus, and Washington, D.C. The Director ensures that sustainable concepts are introduced early in project planning, focusing on decarbonization, energy efficiency, and reliable utility systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with stakeholders, planning & architecture staff, and external consultants to develop, publish, and enforce JHU design standards for new construction and renovation projects.
• Perform analyses of existing building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, utilities, and infrastructure) and recommend design and performance improvements.
• Develop, budget, prioritize, and track the 10‑year, $89 million Utilities Infrastructure Program (UIP) to replace and improve campus utility infrastructure.
• Budget, develop, and oversee the award and implementation of the Homewood Campus Decarbonization Plan and subsequent projects to meet decarbonization goals.
• Oversee the development and implementation of design standards for energy‑efficient and sustainable equipment, systems, and materials for all construction projects.
• Manage campus utility plant operations and infrastructure, including generation capacities of approximately 12,000 Tons Chilled Water, 225,000 Pounds Per Hour Steam, 4.6 Megawatts of electricity, and underground distribution networks.
• Lead departmental Facility Engineers, Utilities Plant Managers, Energy Manager, and Energy Analyst.
• Provide direction to the Energy Manager on daily task prioritization to improve building system functionality, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction.
• Oversee the $15+ million utilities budget and annual energy and water cost planning.
• Review consultant documents for design and construction projects, ensuring conformance with JHU standards.
• Interface with planning & architecture to recommend appropriate design solutions, addressing durability, financial sustainability, and engineering appropriateness.
• Review construction progress for quality assurance and resolve discrepancies and disputes.
• Implement policy and process improvements for design and construction project development and management.
• Support Sustainability Director and Team in advancing the University’s climate change initiative.
• Participate in systems commissioning to ensure thorough startup and testing of system performance.
• Perform data gathering, analysis, research, and presentation preparation as assigned by the Senior Director of Facility Operations.

Scope of Responsibility

• Develop strategic engineering planning initiatives aligned with the Capital Plan, regulatory requirements, and market conditions.
• Oversee utility plant operations for reliability, efficiency, and safety.
• Ensure proper staffing and maintenance of utility plants.
• Guide campus and building engineering efforts in support of the Capital Plan.
• Develop and manage engineering standards, deliverables, and project management policies.
• Prioritize and budget Utility Infrastructure Plan projects.
• Oversee sustainability goals, including the Homewood Decarbonization Plan.
• Develop procurement strategy for all JHU energy requirements.
• Manage utility procurement, use, and payment for Homewood Campus.
• Guide university energy management objectives.

Decision Making

• Prepare information for senior leadership and trustee decision making.
• Provide direction on design, materials, systems, and standards to ensure sound engineering principles.
• Make decisions and set work priorities on complex, problem‑solving operations.
• Prepare energy procurement recommendations for the Senior Director.

Communication

• Communicate with leadership, staff, peers, and vendors using effective oral and written skills.
• Build camaraderie and alliances with JHU constituents and maintain a collaborative, inclusive mentoring style.
• Display graphical communication skills through sketching, drafting, and marking up drawings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer license in Maryland or a reciprocal state (preferred).
• LEED Accredited Professional (preferred).
• Certified Energy Manager (preferred).

Experience

• Minimum ten years of experience in building and/or utility mechanical and electrical systems engineering and design, including specifications, construction and renovation of diverse building types, and sustainable concepts.
• Proficiency in MS Office, AutoCAD, and BIM software.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience; additional related experience may substitute for required education as permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Foster collaborative, inclusive, consensus‑building relationships.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with proven analytical and organizational skills.
• Commitment to university mission, customer service, and best practices in planning, design, and construction.
• Knowledge of HVAC, controls, plumbing, electrical, and low‑voltage systems.
• Knowledge of commissioning processes and mechanical system operation.
• Understanding of sustainable concepts and greenhouse gas generation.
• Familiarity with power, lighting, and low‑voltage systems.
• Experience in accurate project cost budgeting and cost impact reporting.
• Ability to produce comprehensive reports and deliver complex materials accurately and on time.
• Flexibility to work with last‑minute changes.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders, move around construction sites, and navigate confined spaces.
• Reaching by extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Finger dexterity required for keyboard and small object manipulation.
• Communication skills using spoken and written word.
• Visual acuity within normal parameters.

Job Classification

• Salary commensurate with education and experience.
• This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.

Start Salary Range

$111,800 – $190,000 Annually (Commensurate with experience)

Employee Group

Full Time

Schedule

Monday - Friday

FLSA Status

Exempt

Location

Hybrid/JH at Keswick

Department

Engineering & Energy

Personnel Area

University Administration

Diversity and Inclusion

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law

Accommodation Information

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre‑employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit

Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions may be provided for individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

Background Checks

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre‑employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice‑involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice.

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