The Opportunity
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as its next Associate Vice President & Chief Facilities Officer. As a world-class research university and academic health system, UAB is committed to advancing discovery, education, and patient care within a complex, integrated campus environment. This leader will play a critical role in guiding the long-term development and stewardship of the University’s physical assets in alignment with its academic, research, and healthcare missions.
The successful candidate will orchestrate the strategic development, implementation, and continuous evolution of the University’s master plan and physical plant. This includes ensuring that campus infrastructure supports current needs while positioning the institution for future growth. The role requires a comprehensive, forward-thinking approach to planning and development within a complex, multi-faceted organizational environment.
The Associate Vice President & Chief Facilities Officer has oversight of all aspects of facilities operations, including campus planning, facility design, new construction, and the renovation and renewal of existing facilities, as well as architecture and engineering functions and energy management initiatives. Working in close coordination with the UAB Medicine Chief Facilities Officer, this position oversees the full spectrum of facilities operations and maintenance across academic, research, and clinical environments.
In addition to core facilities responsibilities, the position oversees institutional real estate activities and utility management, supports initiatives for innovative campus-wide sustainability, and serves as the institution’s primary liaison with affiliated entities, including the UAB Health System and UAB Medicine, particularly in matters related to capital planning and the provision of centralized services. Through these partnerships, the role ensures coordinated decision-making, shared strategic vision, and the successful execution of major capital and infrastructure initiatives.
Position Summary
As the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s key facilities leader, the next Associate Vice President & Chief Facilities Officer has a unique opportunity to guide the long-term planning, development, and stewardship of the university’s physical environment. The role oversees all facilities operations, real estate, and capital planning while partnering across UAB and its health system to support growth, sustainability, and mission-driven excellence.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Assesses and improves utilization of existing resources, the development of a strategic
plan for updating and renovating plant infrastructure, the improvement of overall standards
of custodial care and grounds upkeep, and strengthening the general facilities safety and
maintenance programs.
• Uses leadership acumen to interface with compliance agencies, planning commissions, including but not limited to, the State of Alabama, Jefferson County and the City of Birmingham for the purposes of long-range planning, obtaining building approval and building permits, passing inspections and meeting construction and renovation.
• Oversees the operations of the chilled water and steam enterprises to include reliability of service and financial plans for efficient operations. Provides leadership in the development and implementation of an innovative campus-wide sustainability program, which will be recognized locally, and nationally as a leader in sustainable practices and programs.
• Oversees the UAB Office of Real Estate, which serves as a partner to Facilities Planning in the acquisition and divestiture of real property as part of the campus master planning process. Manages the University’s property leasing program, in regard to leasing of appropriate University property to tenants and the securing of short-term leased property for University schools/divisions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering or a related field and ten (10) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.
• Facilities-related professional registrations are preferred.
ZRG Partners is partnering with The University of Alabama at Birmingham in this national search. For inquiries, nominations, applications, and confidential conversations, please contact:
uabfacilities@zrgpartners.com
Applications should include a detailed letter of interest and a current curriculum vitae/resume.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans. A preemployment background check is performed on candidates selected for employment. In addition, physicians and other clinical faculty candidates who will be employed by the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation (UAHSF) or other UAB Medicine entities must successfully complete a pre-employment drug and nicotine screen to be hired.