University seeking leader for capital projects

A search is under way for a chief facilities officer who will lead Northern Arizona University’s planning and development, design, construction, maintenance and operational efforts for its main campus in Flagstaff and facilities throughout the state.

The responsibilities of the position were previously held by Rich Bowen, former associate vice president for Administration and Finance. Bowen was reassigned last year as associate vice president for economic development and sustainability and charged with a new focus on leveraging the university’s strength as an economic driver in the state and region.

Though Bowen’s vacancy was not permanently filled, a temporary special assistant to President John Haeger has been assisting with the management of capital projects. But Haeger said the university’s aggressive capital improvement plan requires a permanent manager.

“NAU continues to grow with new strategies and initiatives that necessitate a dedicated person on board to drive our plans forward,” Haeger said. “With a number of projects in the pipeline—the student health and wellness center, a distance learning expansion and a plan to considerably improve our athletics facilities, to name a few—we need someone who can lead those significant efforts.”

The chief facilities officer will direct and manage Capital Assets and Services, which includes planning and development, utilities, maintenance, safety and operations, and Campus Supply.

The successful candidate also will oversee the university’s facilities management, monitor all capital project execution, coordinate master planning and development, and provide leadership in presenting project approval requests to the Arizona Board of Regents and Legislature.

A complete job description is available online. The position will be open until filled. A review of applications began July 1.