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

Job Summary

Reporting directly to the Senior Director for Facility Operations, the Director for Energy & Engineering (DEE) will oversee the Homewood campus utility plants and engineering design efforts related to campus infrastructure, ensuring compliance with Johns Hopkins University (JHU) design guidelines and standards.

The Director will manage the procurement and efficient use of energy, develop and implement the carbon reduction plan, and identify and implement energy‑related sustainability concepts and initiatives to meet JHU's Sustainability Goals.

The Director will play a critical role in JHU's decarbonization, renewable energy procurement, energy efficiency and resiliency, and will guide the reliable operation and maintenance of Homewood's utility infrastructure, long‑term utility investment planning, and engineering support for capital planning, design, and construction.

Team & Operations

The Director will manage a team of 15–20 professionals, including a Senior Facility Engineer, Facility Engineers, Energy Manager, Energy Analyst, Utilities Plant Manager, Assistant Utilities Plant Manager, several Stationary Engineers, and Maintenance Mechanics. The team oversees three utility plants with an operating budget of approximately $12.5 million and manages $15.7 million in annual utilities for the Homewood Campus.

General Summary

The Director represents Johns Hopkins Facilities & Real Estate (JHFRE) in engineering planning for design and renovation projects on the historic JHU Homewood campus, with oversight for capital projects on other campuses. They introduce sustainable concepts focusing on decarbonization, energy efficiency, and reliable utility systems during the project planning stages.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, publish, and ensure compliance with JHU design standards for new construction and renovation projects.
• Perform analyses of existing building systems to recommend improvements in design, functionality, and performance.
• Develop, budget, prioritize, and track the 10‑year, $89 million Utilities Infrastructure Program (UIP).
• Plan, develop, and oversee the award and implementation of the Homewood Campus Decarbonization Plan.
• Develop and implement design standards for energy‑efficient and sustainable equipment and systems.
• Oversee campus utility plant operations and infrastructure, including chilled water, steam, electricity, and distribution networks.
• Manage departmental Facility Engineers, Utilities Plant Managers, Energy Manager, and Energy Analyst.
• Direct the Energy Manager in prioritizing tasks to improve system functionality, maximize energy efficiency, and reduce carbon footprint.
• Oversee the $15 million utilities budget and annual energy and water cost planning.
• Review consultants’ documents for design and construction projects, ensuring conformance with JHU standards.
• Recommend design solutions in collaboration with Planning & Architecture and Design & Construction.
• Review construction progress for quality and contract conformance, and resolve discrepancies.
• Implement policy and process improvements for design and construction project development.
• Provide guidance to JHFRE Sustainability and University constituents for progress on sustainability initiatives.
• Participate in the systems commissioning process to ensure proper startup and testing.
• Perform other strategic tasks and data gathering as assigned by the Senior Director of Facility Operations.
• Support the Sustainability Director and Team in the university’s climate change initiative.

Scope of Responsibility

• Develop and implement strategic engineering planning initiatives within the Capital Plan, evolving regulations, and market conditions.
• Ensure reliable, efficient, and safe utility plant operations.
• Maintain proper staffing and maintenance of utility plants.
• Guide campus and building engineering efforts to support the university’s Capital Plan.
• Develop engineering standards and deliverable requirements, and manage project management policies and processes.
• Identify, develop, update, and implement the Utility Infrastructure Plan, including prioritization and budgeting for associated projects.
• Develop and implement sustainability goals and initiatives for the Homewood Campus, including the Decarbonization Plan.
• Guide the development, contract award, and procurement strategy for all of JHU’s energy requirements.
• Oversee procurement, use, and payment of utilities for the Homewood Campus.
• Guide the university’s energy management objectives.

Decision Making

• Prepare information for decision‑making by senior leadership and trustees.
• Provide direction to project managers, consultant design teams, JHFRE Facility Operations, and other JHU constituents on engineering design and standards.
• Make decisions and establish work priorities on complex, problem‑solving operations with limited supervision.
• Prepare energy procurement recommendations for the Senior Director of Facility Operations.

Communication

• Communicate with leadership, staff, colleagues at peer institutions, and vendors using effective oral and written communication skills.
• Build camaraderie and alliances with a wide range of JHU constituents, employing a collaborative, inclusive, and mentoring style.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate graphically 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 the State of Maryland or a state with reciprocity – preferred.
• LEED Accredited Professional – preferred.
• Certified Energy Manager – preferred.

Experience

• At least ten years of experience in building and/or utility mechanical and electrical systems engineering and design work, specifications of mechanical and electrical systems, construction and renovation of a broad variety of building types and delivery methods, applying mechanical sustainable concepts, using MS Office and AutoCAD, and understanding architectural and engineering drawings.
• Use of BIM software and other graphics programs is desired.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond high school graduation, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to foster a collaborative, inclusive, collegial, and consensus‑building relationship with colleagues.
• Superior written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex material to diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker with proven analytical and organizational skills.
• Committed to the mission of the University, customer service, and best practices in planning, design, and construction.
• Knowledge of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, controls, and plumbing systems.
• Knowledge of commissioning processes and operation of mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of sustainable concepts and greenhouse gas generation.
• Familiarity with power, electrical, lighting, and low‑voltage systems.
• Knowledge and experience with developing accurate project cost budgets and cost impact reports.
• Ability to build comprehensive reports for data within spreadsheet and database systems.
• Ability to produce accurate, timely delivery of complex materials.
• Flexibility to work with last‑minute changes.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb ladders, move around construction sites, and navigate tight and/or confined spaces in mechanical, electrical, and utility rooms and tunnels.
• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
• Finger dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, e.g., using a keyboard.
• Communication skills using spoken and written word.
• Ability to see within normal parameters.

Job Classification

Salary commensurate with education and experience. This description is a general statement of major duties and responsibilities and does not exclude other duties as assigned.

Total Rewards

The referenced base salary range reflects the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Additional compensation, benefits, health, life, career, and retirement support are part of a total rewards package. For more information, visit the JHU benefits website.

Education and Experience Equivalency

Refer to the job description for equivalency guidelines. Undergraduate credits may substitute for experience on a 30‑credit basis, graduate credits on an 18‑credit basis, with up to two years of unrelated coursework allowed.

Applicants Completing Studies

Applicants who are completing their final academic semester or quarter will be considered eligible and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Background Checks

Successful candidates 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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity, and inclusion and advances these through its strategic framework.

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 protected veteran status.

EEO is the Law

For more information, review the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission resources.

Accommodation Information

Applicants requiring assistance or accommodation during the pre‑employment process may contact the Talent Acquisition Office.

Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine, with exceptions allowed for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

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