Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Advisor- Campus Development Projects is responsible for leading and advancing all aspects of MBZUAI’s physical campus environment, including space planning, facilities management, campus development, and capital projects. As a key member of the leadership team, this role supports the management to ensure that MBZUAI’s physical assets and infrastructure align with the university’s mission, long-term strategic growth plans, and operational excellence goals. The Campus Development fosters an integrated, sustainable, and innovative campus experience that supports learning, research, and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Leadership:
- Lead and execute long-term campus master planning efforts, ensuring that future growth aligns with MBZUAI’s academic, research, and community goals.
- Develop strategic plans for physical space utilization, facilities services, sustainability initiatives, and campus expansion.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to align the capital projects strategies with institutional goals and national development objectives.
Campus Planning & Development Projects:
- Oversee the planning, design, and construction of major capital projects, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Lead project management teams in delivering projects on time, within scope, and on budget, ensuring stakeholder alignment and communication.
- Promote innovative campus solutions, including smart technologies, digital twin systems, and green building certifications.
Space Planning & Management:
- Direct the comprehensive management of space allocation, optimization, and utilization across all MBZUAI facilities.
- Implement innovative space solutions, including flexible learning environments, research hubs, and collaboration spaces to enhance user experience.
- Regularly evaluate and forecast space needs through data-driven modeling and stakeholder consultation.
Facilities Management:
- Oversee the operation, maintenance, and life-cycle management of all physical infrastructure to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable campus.
- Lead initiatives related to energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, and operational sustainability.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and environmental standards across all facilities.
Operational Excellence & Customer Focus:
- Champion service excellence principles across all corporate services functions, ensuring responsiveness to faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
- Establish and monitor KPIs and service standards to ensure continuous improvement across campus services.
- Foster a strong culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
Risk Management & Compliance:
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to mitigate operational risks associated with facilities, construction, and campus planning activities.
- Ensure full compliance with local and federal regulations, building codes, health and safety mandates, and environmental requirements.
Other Duties:
- Carry out all other duties as reasonably directed by the university President that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Academic Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, business administration, or a related field.
- A Masters degree or Ph.D. in a structural engineering or a related field is preferred.
Professional Experience:
Essential
- Minimum of 7–10 years of leadership experience in campus planning, facilities management, and capital project delivery.
- Proven track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams in space optimization, facilities operations, and construction management.
- Extensive experience overseeing large-scale capital improvement programs and advancing sustainability initiatives.
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic facilities planning, complex project execution, and real estate asset optimization.
- Strong financial management skills, with a proven ability to oversee multi-million-dollar operational and capital budgets, mitigate financial risks, and ensure institutional financial stability.
- In-depth knowledge of current trends, challenges, and best practices in higher education facilities and campus operations.
- Superior analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with strong attention to detail.
- Significant experience in building and managing stakeholder relationships at local and international levels to advance institutional objectives.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams toward organizational success.
- Understanding of Middle Eastern working practices and culture.
Preferred
- Professional certifications such as PMP, LEED Accredited Professional, Certified Facilities Manager or equivalent.
- Experience successfully working in the UAE.
