Oberlin College & Conservatory

Description

ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Senior Director of Capital Improvements/Deputy Chief Facility Officer for Oberlin College & Conservatory.

For more details about this opportunity, please view the position profile by clicking on the cover image below.

Position Description:

Senior Director of Capital Improvements/Deputy Chief Facility Officer (DCFO) is responsible for the overall leadership, direction and coordination of project management professional staff members who provide planning, design, engineering and construction services to the campus through effective and efficient project management of new construction and modernization projects. The incumbent reports to the Chief Facilities Officer and acts as the primary point of contact for all campus, construction, modernization and facility design and engineering activities.  As Deputy Chief Facility Officer, the incumbent provides second level supervision as directed/needed for approximately 75+ full-time who execute a $45M+ facilities capital/operations/maintenance budget.

Responsibilities:

The Senior Director of Capital Improvements/Deputy Chief Facility Officer ensures that the design and construction of new buildings and modernization meet established design standards, fits within the architectural design and tradition of the campus, and that the planning of new facilities fits within requirements of Oberlin’s development plan. The Senior Director of Capital Improvements/Deputy Chief Facility Officer will coordinate project related permitting and approvals with the city and the local community. The incumbent will have extensive project management experience with complex facilities. They will also be capable of operating in a high-paced environment with a focus on delivering customized solutions on compressed schedules and tight budgets.

• Lead all architectural and engineering design services
• Oversee and coordinate implementation of sustainable concepts in project design and construction
• Direct project cost estimating and scheduling
• Manage capital program master planning, budget development and financial control
• Assist all campus space planning and management
• Manage contract administration (with Purchasing Services)
• Lead all construction project management
• Direct construction inspection, quality control and safety
• Manage and coordinate IT support for various facilities systems including space management and project management.
• Oversee campus planning functions related to city planning, long range development plan, site planning, program development, concept studies and coordination with Advancement on donor funded projects.
• Promote teamwork among members of the staff and with other areas of the Facilities Group (most notably Facilities Operations and the Office of Energy and Sustainability).
• Focus on project total cost of ownership in project design and construction and will foster and positive working relationship with the shop personnel through adequate collaboration and feedback.
• Serve as a principal advisor to Oberlin Senior Leadership on matters of campus planning, design, development, space planning, construction management and related capital program performance.

About Oberlin:

Located in the vibrant college town of Oberlin, Ohio, Oberlin College and Conservatory is one of the most historic and forward-thinking institutions in the United States. Founded in 1833 as the Oberlin Collegiate Institute, Oberlin was among the first American colleges to embrace coeducation and racial integration, admitting women and Black students from its earliest days. It officially became Oberlin College in 1850, and the Conservatory of Music—now the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the country—was established in 1865. The campus spans approximately 440 acres and fosters a unique environment where academic rigor, artistic excellence, and social consciousness converge.

Just 35 minutes from Cleveland, Oberlin, OH is a quintessential college town. Oberlin enrolls nearly 3,000 undergraduates: approximately 2,350–2,400 in the College of Arts & Sciences and around 400–600 in the Conservatory, plus roughly 180 students pursuing the five-year double-degree (BA/BM). The student-faculty ratio is around 9:1 overall, with notably smaller ratios—about 10:1 in the College and a striking 6:1 in the Conservatory—creating an intimate and mentored academic atmosphere.

Oberlin’s uniqueness lies in its integration of rigorous liberal arts and elite musical training on a single campus. The Double-Degree Program enables students to earn both BA and BM degrees in just five years—a pathway unmatched by most institutions. Beyond music and academics, the Allen Memorial Art Museum—a top-tier teaching museum with over 13,000–15,000 works—is another core asset, enriching campus life with art history and cultural engagement.

Aligned with a legacy of progressive values, Oberlin continues to lead in sustainability and social engagement, for instance, the campus’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2025 and bold infrastructure investments like geothermal heating and cooling systems. In all, Oberlin embodies a powerful blend of moral idealism, scholarly ambition, and artistic excellence—a place where tradition meets innovation, and students are encouraged to shape the world thoughtfully and creatively.

Location:

Oberlin, OH

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience: 10+ years of demonstrated progressive experience in the management of facilities programs. 6+ years of demonstrated progressive experience in the leadership and management of staff and the allocation of resources in a complex organization.
• Education/Licensing: Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, business, planning, or other construction-related field of study is required.
• Exceptional work ethic and self-directed, with a proactive and engaging approach to working with others.
• Exceptional skills in oral and written communication, active listening, conflict resolution, and the ability to deal with difficult and sensitive situations in a positive manner. Ability to adapt to a variety of styles to meet the needs of a diverse audience.
• Ability to interact with engineers and architects (at a technical level) regarding campus infrastructure, as well as design and construction of the various building types.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in architecture, engineering, business, planning, or other construction-related fields of study is highly desired. Registration as a Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer (any state) is highly desired.
• Proven track record of leading multiple, critical high-profile projects. Ability to set priorities and manage multiple projects/deadlines.
• Experience in campus, city or urban planning
• Certification as a Project Management Professional, DBIA Certification, Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or Certified Construction Manager or the ability to achieve.

Diversity Statement:

Oberlin College is committed to the creation and nurturing of a diverse community of individuals through inclusive excellence.  Diversity involves recognizing the value of differences and the inclusion of all members of the community including those that experience discrimination or under representation.  This is a core value of the organization as we strive for a culturally diverse student body, faculty and staff that reflect the multicultural nature of the nation and our world and bring unique strengths and abilities, which contribute to our institution.

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