Director, Building Automation and Performance

Overview

The Director, Building Automation and Performance within Facilities Operations Engineering and Campus Energy is a leader and strategic partner in the Facilities organization, providing direction, planning, and execution for the stewardship of over 350 buildings with 10+ million gross square feet of space and over 2,600 acres on campus. The Director of Building Automation and Performance is responsible for leading the management, monitoring, and continuous improvement of building controls within university buildings to ensure optimal performance of building systems across the campus portfolio. This role involves strategic planning, secure integration of innovative technology, energy conservation/efficiency project implementation, and management of ongoing commissioning/maintenance of HVAC, Lighting, Electrical, and Plumbing system controls. The successful candidate must ensure that the University is receiving the best value for HVAC controls on both existing buildings and all new construction and renovation projects. This full-time, permanent position will report directly to the Executive Director of Engineering and Campus Energy in Facilities Operations.

 

The successful candidate will be responsible for the personnel management of the Building Automation group consisting of controls engineers and control system operators. This includes guidance and oversight of the central supervisory control systems (CSCS) for university buildings as well as the energy metering and fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) platforms. This position is responsible for the management of the Campus Controls emergency 24-hour response system, is personally on call 24/7, and is a backup responder for off-hour alarms. This work includes responding to emergencies anytime during the day or night or weekends. In addition to management and oversight of internal resources, this position includes program management associated with energy conservation, ongoing commissioning, and controls major maintenance projects executed through consultants and contractors on behalf of Engineering and Campus Energy. This effort includes pursuit of incentives and rebates offered by the Board of Public Utilities and our Utility providers.

 

This position requires an understanding of commercial building HVAC, electrical and plumbing system controls including their design, installation, operation, and maintenance. Analytical skills are needed to acquire building systems data, analyze it, and develop energy reduction strategies from the data. An understanding of engineering economics is required to determine and effectively communicate project economic benefits and costs for evaluation of new projects. Good personnel and customer service skills are required to interact with facilities engineers, project managers, building occupants, maintenance personnel, and design professionals. The person in this position is expected to stay current in the building control field and be able to research and apply innovative technologies in the pursuit of better environmental conditions that use minimal energy.

Responsibilities

 

Leadership and Management

This position requires a strategic leader who provides guidance and oversight to managerial, supervisory, technical, and administrative staff. Key responsibilities include setting priorities, implementing programs that enhance performance, fostering team cohesion, and promoting core values such as safety and inclusivity. The role emphasizes clear communication, presenting strategic plans, and building positive relationships with peers. The leader must handle ambiguity, be responsive to directives, and advocate for the interests of Engineering and Campus Energy while aligning with broader institutional goals. Additionally, the role involves managing recruitment, training, evaluation, and discipline, while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work environment where all employees feel valued and professional growth is encouraged.

 

Building Automation Controls System

 Responsible for leading the management and continuous improvement of building control systems across the university to ensure optimal building performance, with a focus on sustainability and energy conservation. The role involves overseeing the selection, acquisition, and implementation of new building controls, managing vendors and contractors, and ensuring staff training. The leader will direct building control technicians and engineers, particularly in the installation and operation of HVAC control systems, and manage ongoing commissioning and maintenance of HVAC, lighting, electrical, and plumbing controls. They will also oversee the Campus Environmental Controls System, collaborating with IT teams to manage the system's network and ensure alignment with the university's critical infrastructure and risk management frameworks.

 

Campus Energy and Sustainability

Plays a critical leadership in advancing the university's strategy to reduce fossil fuel usage, carbon emissions, and energy costs at the building level, playing a key part in achieving Net Zero carbon scope 1 and 2 emissions. Responsibilities include advising university leadership on energy conservation, sustainability initiatives, and funding, as well as overseeing strategic planning and project implementation related to energy efficiency. The role also involves integrating innovative technology, monitoring and reporting on energy conservation, and leading special projects aimed at conserving water and energy. 

 

Program and Project Management

Provides leadership in administrative, financial, and operational planning to ensure the efficient execution of energy conservation and efficiency programs and projects. Key responsibilities include resolving project issues, tactfully communicating sensitive information, and defining work plans and scope while assigning responsibilities. The role involves tracking projects to completion, organizing regular team and construction meetings, and ensuring coordination across trades and technologies. It also includes managing project budgets, forecasting cash flows, ensuring projects stay on budget and schedule, and handling financial aspects like processing invoices, tracking payments, and managing change orders. 

 

Enterprise Asset Management

Responsible for managing and optimizing building control assets across the campus, with a focus on enhancing preventive and predictive maintenance. Key duties include assessing asset conditions to inform decision-making, leading the implementation of the Campus Controls Network and associated platforms, and supporting the use of the Computerized Maintenance Management System and other software tools. The role involves optimizing the use of technology to align with departmental goals, identifying programs to improve asset reliability, and minimizing downtime. It also includes staying current with emerging technologies, driving innovation in building control systems through data analytics, and initiating pilot projects to advance system performance. 

 

Business Administration

Provides leadership on the efficient and effective management of Building Automation Systems, overseeing administrative, financial, and operational planning. Responsibilities include analyzing performance reports, making recommendations for improvements, and managing operating and project budgets in compliance with university policies. The role also involves overseeing purchasing, accounting, and vendor contracts, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, and approving financial transactions. Additionally, the leader promotes a data-driven decision-making culture, identifying opportunities to leverage data for enhanced insight and planning. They stay informed on higher education trends and collaborate with internal and external organizations to integrate business intelligence tools and strategies into decision-making processes within Facilities. 

 

Stakeholder and Partner Engagement

Maintains strong relationships with key campus stakeholders, including the Critical Infrastructure Committee, Lab Animal Resources (LAR), and the Office of Information Technology (OIT). Responsibilities include participating in campus, regional, and international committees, fostering communication and cooperation across campus, and collaborating with external organizations like the NJ Board of Public Utilities and PSE&G on utility-related matters. The role also involves advocating for the university in regulatory discussions, managing feedback on Facilities services, and adapting the organization to ensure high service delivery. Additionally, the leader stays informed on industry best practices, participates in trade associations, and monitors future trends to report progress and apply best practices in Engineering and Campus Energy. 

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Controls) or related field and 10 years or more of progressive experience in building controls and energy efficiency improvement projects; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success in leadership of people with proven skills to effectively engage, advocate for, and motivate a diverse workforce.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, at all levels and give formal presentations to diverse audiences.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks at once and determine appropriate priorities.
• Ability to make independent interpretations and make appropriate decisions that are in the best interest of the organization and that are consistent with the objectives of senior administration
• Experience managing programs and projects with responsibility for scope, budget, schedule, and quality.
• Ability to prepare, analyze and manage complex operating budgets.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand construction documents, product specifications, sequences of operation, control drawings, and other technical data.
• Proficient in the use of business application software.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in engineering, business, or closely related discipline
• Experience as a Programmer and/or Operator with Siemens, Distech, Tridium, or ALC systems
• Experience in a range of environments including Laboratories; Vivariums including AAALAC Information Storage systems; Clean rooms; Data center plant operations including branch circuit monitoring systems; Libraries including rare document storage systems; Museums; or Natatoriums
• Prior experience in a higher education residential campus setting
• Experience with central utilities plant and distribution infrastructure
• Experienced in the use of a computerized maintenance management software program
• Certified Energy Manager Accreditation
• LEED Accreditation

 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours36.25Eligible for OvertimeNoBenefits EligibleYesProbationary Period180 daysEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)YesPhysical Capacity Exam RequiredNoValid Driver’s License RequiredNo Experience LevelDirector#LI-SB1

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