Princeton University seeks a dynamic, distinguished executive to serve as its inaugural Assistant Vice President/Chief of Staff of the Facilities Organization. Princeton University is among the oldest colleges in the U.S., is one of the nation’s Ivy League institutions, and is highly ranked in all publications that evaluate institution of higher learning. Princeton’s central campus consists of approximately 9.5 million square feet of space in more than 200 buildings on 700 acres. The University also accommodates more than 1,000 units, totaling more than 1.2 million square feet, of rental housing for graduates and faculty/staff. The University owns more than 1,040 acres in Princeton, more than 860 acres in Plainsboro Township and more than 520 acres in West Windsor Township. The University, with approximately 6,900 benefits-eligible employees, is one of the region’s largest private employers and brings close to 860,000 visitors to the region each year.

Reporting to the Vice President, Facilities, the AVP/Chief of Staff will serve on the facilities leadership team charged with completing the most aggressive capital expansion in Princeton’s history. The project is projected to add an additional net of 3M GSF to the University’s portfolio by 2030. With five direct reports and a team of 16 employees, the AVP/Chief of Staff shares in the operational management of an annual operating budget of $130 Million. This candidate will embody the core values of the Facilities organization: teamwork, innovation, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and sustainability.

In this role, the AVP/Chief of Staff will:

• Serve as a leader in the Facilities organization by providing strategic planning and development, as well as assisting the Vice President in the day-to-day management of Princeton’s Facilities.
• Manage and oversee the lifespan of internal projects; including ongoing monitoring and oversight of service delivery and compliance with documentation standards.
• Take a leadership role in creating a respectful and inclusive work environment and fostering cultural diversity.
• Partnering with the Director of Office of Sustainability, provide strategic level leadership and guidance for all sustainability matters the Office is engaged in.
• Support the recruitment, coaching, development, and retention of high-performing team members. Attract, develop, retain, and motivate team members.

Successful candidates will need to have ten or more years of relevant experience in progressively responsible positions in a large, complex academic, healthcare, or institutional organization with diverse stakeholders. An undergraduate degree in a related field and prior experience in a higher education setting having a residential campus are required.

We've partnered with Witt Kiefer, executive search firm, to fill this critical role. Please direct all nominations and inquiries to Ben Haden, Courtney MacKinnon, and Anissa Conner at PrincetonAVP-ChiefofStaff@wittkieffer.com