Director of Facilities and Planning — Facilities Planning Space Mgm Asst Dir/S
Michigan State University College of Engineering, East Lansing, MI, United States
Director of Facilities and Planning
The College of Engineering at Michigan State University is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Director of Facilities and Planning. This is a highly visible role responsible for shaping, optimizing, and advancing a diverse portfolio of academic, research, and administrative spaces across both on‑campus and off‑campus locations.
Key Responsibilities
Facilities & Operational Leadership
Lead and oversee day‑to‑day operations of College of Engineering facilities, ensuring high‑performing, responsive, and reliable environments that support research, teaching, and administrative excellence.
Ensure facilities effectively support research labs, instructional spaces, and administrative operations.
Partner with campus units (e.g., Infrastructure Planning and Facilities) to coordinate maintenance, renovations, and capital improvements.
Oversee operations across multiple on‑campus and off‑campus facilities, ensuring consistent service levels and operational standards.
Receive, review, evaluate, and authorize execution of unit‑initiated service requests, ensuring alignment with operational priorities and resource availability.
Strategic Planning & Project Management
Drive the strategic direction of facilities and space planning across the College.
Develop and implement long‑range facilities and space plans aligned with college priorities, including research growth and space optimization.
Lead high‑impact renovation and capital projects from concept through execution, improving space utilization, meeting code requirements, and ensuring accessibility.
Prepare, direct, or participate in the development of building program statements for major capital projects.
Conduct and direct space utilization audits; evaluate current and future space needs and provide data‑driven recommendations.
Manage the University classroom pool for the College, including monitoring utilization patterns and planning for ongoing maintenance and upgrades aligned with evolving instructional pedagogy.
Coordinate space planning initiatives in consultation with departments to support evolving academic, research, and operational needs.
Financial & Resource Management
Strategically manage facilities‑related budgets, including forecasting, financial tracking, and reporting.
Administer and monitor financial records and project accounts related to facilities projects, renovations, and capital improvements.
Provide strategic input and support in the preparation and development of annual capital outlay budget requests in collaboration with college and university leadership.
Align financial decisions with long‑term infrastructure and space strategy.
Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies while maintaining high service and safety standards.
Oversee procurement of equipment, materials, and services in alignment with university policies.
Compliance, Safety & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal regulations related to safety, environmental health, accessibility, and facilities operations.
Conduct regular inspections to maintain safe, functional, and compliant environments.
Collaborate with Environmental Health & Safety and other units to support risk mitigation and incident response.
Leadership & Staff Management
Provide leadership and supervision to facilities and operational staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and workforce planning.
Foster a collaborative, service‑oriented team culture aligned with the College’s values.
Support staff development and continuous improvement initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement
Act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to faculty, researchers, and administrative leadership on facilities and space planning.
Consult with and advise administrative unit leaders to resolve complex space allocation and utilization challenges.
Negotiate and collaborate with stakeholders to align facilities decisions with institutional priorities and operational needs.
Maintain and enhance facilities‑related databases; develop and deliver recurring and ad hoc reports to support data‑informed decision‑making.
Respond to and resolve facilities‑related concerns with professionalism, responsiveness, and a solutions‑oriented approach.
Support college events, research initiatives, and operational needs through effective coordination and communication.
Impact of the Role
This role is central to advancing the College’s mission. The Director of Facilities and Planning directly shapes the physical environment that enables groundbreaking research, innovative teaching, and a world‑class student experience. Success in this role ensures that spaces are not only functional but forward‑thinking, adaptable, and aligned with the future of engineering.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that normally would be acquired by completing a four‑year college degree program in Business or a related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in facilities planning and space alterations and improvements, budget development and management; and an understanding of institutional facilities and physical plant matters; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
Experience in higher education, research, or laboratory environments
Strong understanding of complex building systems and infrastructure
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and leadership skills
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Work Environment
Combination of office and on‑site facilities environment
Regular walking, site inspections, and coordination across multiple buildings and locations
Travel between on‑campus and off‑campus facilities will be required
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The College of Engineering at Michigan State University is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Director of Facilities and Planning. This is a highly visible role responsible for shaping, optimizing, and advancing a diverse portfolio of academic, research, and administrative spaces across both on‑campus and off‑campus locations.
Key Responsibilities
Facilities & Operational Leadership
Lead and oversee day‑to‑day operations of College of Engineering facilities, ensuring high‑performing, responsive, and reliable environments that support research, teaching, and administrative excellence.
Ensure facilities effectively support research labs, instructional spaces, and administrative operations.
Partner with campus units (e.g., Infrastructure Planning and Facilities) to coordinate maintenance, renovations, and capital improvements.
Oversee operations across multiple on‑campus and off‑campus facilities, ensuring consistent service levels and operational standards.
Receive, review, evaluate, and authorize execution of unit‑initiated service requests, ensuring alignment with operational priorities and resource availability.
Strategic Planning & Project Management
Drive the strategic direction of facilities and space planning across the College.
Develop and implement long‑range facilities and space plans aligned with college priorities, including research growth and space optimization.
Lead high‑impact renovation and capital projects from concept through execution, improving space utilization, meeting code requirements, and ensuring accessibility.
Prepare, direct, or participate in the development of building program statements for major capital projects.
Conduct and direct space utilization audits; evaluate current and future space needs and provide data‑driven recommendations.
Manage the University classroom pool for the College, including monitoring utilization patterns and planning for ongoing maintenance and upgrades aligned with evolving instructional pedagogy.
Coordinate space planning initiatives in consultation with departments to support evolving academic, research, and operational needs.
Financial & Resource Management
Strategically manage facilities‑related budgets, including forecasting, financial tracking, and reporting.
Administer and monitor financial records and project accounts related to facilities projects, renovations, and capital improvements.
Provide strategic input and support in the preparation and development of annual capital outlay budget requests in collaboration with college and university leadership.
Align financial decisions with long‑term infrastructure and space strategy.
Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies while maintaining high service and safety standards.
Oversee procurement of equipment, materials, and services in alignment with university policies.
Compliance, Safety & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal regulations related to safety, environmental health, accessibility, and facilities operations.
Conduct regular inspections to maintain safe, functional, and compliant environments.
Collaborate with Environmental Health & Safety and other units to support risk mitigation and incident response.
Leadership & Staff Management
Provide leadership and supervision to facilities and operational staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and workforce planning.
Foster a collaborative, service‑oriented team culture aligned with the College’s values.
Support staff development and continuous improvement initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement
Act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to faculty, researchers, and administrative leadership on facilities and space planning.
Consult with and advise administrative unit leaders to resolve complex space allocation and utilization challenges.
Negotiate and collaborate with stakeholders to align facilities decisions with institutional priorities and operational needs.
Maintain and enhance facilities‑related databases; develop and deliver recurring and ad hoc reports to support data‑informed decision‑making.
Respond to and resolve facilities‑related concerns with professionalism, responsiveness, and a solutions‑oriented approach.
Support college events, research initiatives, and operational needs through effective coordination and communication.
Impact of the Role
This role is central to advancing the College’s mission. The Director of Facilities and Planning directly shapes the physical environment that enables groundbreaking research, innovative teaching, and a world‑class student experience. Success in this role ensures that spaces are not only functional but forward‑thinking, adaptable, and aligned with the future of engineering.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that normally would be acquired by completing a four‑year college degree program in Business or a related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in facilities planning and space alterations and improvements, budget development and management; and an understanding of institutional facilities and physical plant matters; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
Experience in higher education, research, or laboratory environments
Strong understanding of complex building systems and infrastructure
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and leadership skills
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Work Environment
Combination of office and on‑site facilities environment
Regular walking, site inspections, and coordination across multiple buildings and locations
Travel between on‑campus and off‑campus facilities will be required
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