Position Summary
Lehigh University is seeking its next Associate Vice President for Facilities & Campus Planning (AVP). Reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance & Administration, the AVP and chief facilities officer manages a $53M operating budget and a portfolio of capital projects valuing $50 million annually. This position leads a diverse team of 70 plus professionals in delivering a high-quality, sustainable, and safe environment and is responsible for the implementation of Lehigh’s bold new campus plan, Making The Future. This executive leadership role offers the opportunity to oversee the planning, development, operation, and maintenance of 165 buildings spanning over 5 million GSF of academic, research, and residential facilities. Click here to review the full position profile including a downloadable pdf.
About the Opportunity
Position Number: S89460
This position is a Grade: 15 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $250,000 - $300,000 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.
To ensure a timely review, please submit your application by April 24, 2026, when the formal review process begins.
As the leader of Facilities & Campus Planning, the AVP will:
- Lead, develop, and execute multi-year capital plans that aligns the physical campus with the University's long-term strategic goals.
Partner with academic and administrative leadership to optimize the use of the university’s physical plant and solve complex challenges.
- Act as a key contributor to the Campus Planning and Operations committee of the Board of Trustees, providing critical data and strategic updates.
- Direct the design, engineering, and construction of all new facilities and large-scale renovations.
Ensure every project meets rigorous quality standards while remaining strictly on schedule and within budget.
- Oversee the maintenance and reliability of 5 million square feet of building space and 1,600 acres of land, including complex HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Manage and evaluate outsourced services for groundskeeping and custodial operations to ensure a pristine campus environment.
Champion the University’s environmental stewardship initiatives and carbon footprint reduction goals.
Manage complex energy procurement strategies to ensure efficiency and alignment with the University’s Sustainability Strategy.
- Direct an annual operating budget exceeding $53M and oversee multi-million dollar capital project funds.
Proactively identify opportunities for cost savings and resource optimization without compromising service quality.
- Serve as the University's primary representative to local government and the Bethlehem community regarding zoning, land use, and infrastructure development.
- Ensure all campus projects and operations adhere to local, state, and federal regulatory standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Architecture or the equivalent combination of education and experience; Master's Degree preferred
- Ten or more years of progressive leadership in facilities management, preferably within a complex higher education or institutional setting
- Deep knowledge of architectural design, MEP systems, structural design, LEED certification, and campus utility infrastructure
Proven track record of managing a large organization
- Exceptional ability to present complex technical data to non-technical stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees
Ability to anticipate future campus needs and technological shifts in facility management.
- Sophisticated understanding of capital financing and lifecycle cost analysis
- Experience managing emergency responses and navigating the complexities of a historic campus
Why Choose Lehigh University
Located in Pennsylvania's beautiful Lehigh Valley, our university combines the intimate feel of a liberal arts college with the resources of a major research institution. Lehigh is one of the most selective private research universities in the U.S., offering programs across five colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, College of Education, and College of Health. Graduate and doctoral programs are available in all five colleges.
Lehigh University is a well-resourced institution with $3.5 billion in total assets, a $2.1 billion endowment, and a dynamic $545 million annual operating budget. We employ more than 595 full-time faculty, including 464 tenured or tenure-track professors, and nearly 1,300 staff members. The university has a vibrant alumni network of over 88,000.
Lehigh University has embraced “The Principles of our Equitable Community,” which details the collective responsibility to foster a welcoming and collaborative environment. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission. Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to Health Care, Retirement and Educational benefits. Information can be found on our website.
In the Wall Street Journal’s 2025 Best Colleges in the US, Lehigh ranked 15th among the top 500 U.S. colleges and universities, and US News & World Report consistently ranks it among the top 50 national universities. Lehigh’s Inspiring the Future Makers strategy, reflects our commitment to empowering students to take leadership roles and create unique student experiences that foster community and growth.
Special Considerations
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist at inhro@lehigh.edu.
- This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University
- This position is considered Essential Services Staff; Essential Services Staff are required to report to campus and remain during inclement weather and other emergency situations; they are defined as those needed to deliver student services and maintain campus facilities, campus safety and security
- The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community
- Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.
Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.
