Position Summary 
San Diego State University seeks a relational leader with exceptional technical expertise and emotional intelligence to serve as the next Executive Director of Facilities Services. Success in this role demands a collaborative leader who can engage stakeholders early, implement change thoughtfully, and maintain high service standards in a 24/7 operational environment. 

The Executive Director will provide leadership and strategic direction for over 250 employees and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land across multiple campus locations, including the main San Diego campus, Mission Valley, and expanding lab facilities. The incumbent has responsibility for the day-to-day administration and management of staff, represented by unions, and 18 managers (4 of whom are direct reports). 

Under the general supervision of the AVP of Business Operations, the Executive Director of Facilities Services (EDFS) serves as a key member of the AVP’s leadership team and is responsible for providing strategic leadership and overall management within Facilities Services (FS) including work control, custodial services, grounds and landscaping, building maintenance, engineering services, fleet services, energy management utilities operations, and safety/OSHA compliance. The position is also responsible for the management of special funded facilities programs such as deferred maintenance, special repairs, and projects under the minor capital improvement program.  

San Diego State University has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Katie Dean, Partner, Kenna Boyd, Partner, and Marisea Rivera, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be submitted by email to Marisea at marisea.rivera@opuspartners.net. To be considered by the University’s search committee, candidates must provide a resume and a letter of introduction that addresses the specific responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications described above. Please consult Opus Partners for more information about the application process.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits. 
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. 
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego

Department Summary

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive campus environment while providing the highest quality service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure and human resources at San Diego State University. 

SDSU Facilities Services (FS) is a customer-service based organization providing facility maintenance activities through a transparent and deliberate process. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel, and alteration activities in support of the academic and research mission of the university. Facilities Services employs approximately 250 employees and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land.

For more information regarding the Facilities Services department, click here.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible facilities management experience, including understanding of requirements for operating high voltage electrical systems, cogeneration power plants, central chiller plants, and steam/boiler systems.
• Demonstrated success is required in managing large complex budgets, working in collective bargaining environments with union representatives, overseeing work control and billing systems, implementing process improvements, and executing sustainability initiatives including LEED O&M, waste diversion, and energy efficiency projects.

Key Qualifications

• Ideal candidates will have facilities management experience across diverse facility types and energy infrastructure systems, management experience in higher education, professional engineering registration (civil, mechanical, or electrical), LEED AP or Green Associate certification, and APPA Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) or similar credentials. 

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $200,000 to $220,000 annually.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.