Furman University, a liberal arts institution in Greenville, South Carolina, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of associate vice president of facilities. This is an on-site leadership role.
Founded in 1826, Furman University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts and sciences universities, offering rigorous academics, broad research opportunities, a robust visual and performing arts program, and NCAA Division I athletics. Furman University is the oldest private university in South Carolina and among the seventy-five oldest institutions of higher education in operation today. Furman University is named for Richard Furman, among the most important Baptist clergymen during the early decades of the new nation and an influential advocate of educational institutions throughout the country.
Reporting to the vice president for finance and administration, the associate vice president of facilities (AVP) will lead a comprehensive facilities organization responsible for campus operations, maintenance, capital project management, sustainability initiatives, and infrastructure planning. The AVP provides strategic leadership and oversight for the planning, maintenance, and operation of the university's physical infrastructure in support of the institution's mission, operational priorities, and long-term campus planning goals. This position has direct supervision of six facilities staff and indirect responsibility for 100+ employees across multiple units. The AVP manages complex budgets of $17.5 million, projects, and operational systems to ensure the university's facilities are safe, efficient, and well-maintained in support of the campus community.
Qualifications Requirements include a bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical or civil preferred), architecture, construction science, or a related field, and a minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience in facilities management, including leadership and budget oversight. Competitive candidates will possess demonstrated experience managing complex facilities operations and infrastructure systems; exhibit strong leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills; have excellent written and verbal communication skills; and have a proven ability to work collaboratively across diverse organizational groups.
Preferred qualifications include a master's degree, licensure and registration as a professional engineer, and relevant certifications, such as, but not limited to:
Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) via APPA
Certified Facility Manager (CFM) via IFMA
Facility Management Professional (FMP) via IFMA
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) via AEE
Experience in facilities leadership within a higher education environment is also preferred. Application and Nomination Furman University has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin May 26, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/associate-vice-president-of-facilities/
Contact Laura Puckett-Boler at lpb@spelmanjohnson.com for confidential inquiries and salary information.
Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
Visit the Furman University website at www.furman.edu
Furman is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and staff. The university aspires to create a community of people representing a multiplicity of identities, including gender, race, religion, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, geographic origin, socioeconomic background, ideology, worldview, and varied abilities.