Associate Director for Building Operations, Safety and Security

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

The position, located in Doha, Qatar, will lead building operations, maintenance, safety and security at the Georgetown University's Qatar campus, ensuring safe, sustainable, compliant and customer-focused services. The role will support the Chief Facilities Management Officer (CFMO) with strategy, budgets and performance across Facilities Management, Auxiliary Services, Bookstore and Events, while developing the broader leadership capabilities needed for potential future progression to CFMO, subject to organizational needs and readiness.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead building operations, maintenance, custodial, safety and security services, while ensuring continuity, compliance with local and international regulations and effective use of resources.
• Manage relationships with Qatar Foundation (QF), contractors and university stakeholders to maintain high service standards and resolve escalated issues.
• Oversee service delivery, staff and contractor performance, operational risk, emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance.
• Support the CFMO with integrated planning, budgets, performance reporting and improvement across the wider Facilities Management portfolio.
• Lead delegated cross-functional initiatives and deputize for the CFMO within agreed authority.

Key Activities:

• Oversee planned and reactive maintenance, building systems, cleaning, security, space planning, capital works and asset management in coordination with QF.
• Ensure effective use of the helpdesk and permit-to-work systems; monitor service levels, contractor compliance and customer feedback.
• Maintain safety procedures, inspections, fire warden arrangements, emergency plans, drills and corrective actions; support relevant QF committees.
• Act as the Chief Fire Warden during evacuation emergencies.
• Drive sustainability, accessibility, energy efficiency, waste reduction and technology-enabled improvements.
• Coordinate operational support for university events, IT/AV projects and shared campus users, including Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
• Oversee access control, CCTV, ID cards, keys, vehicle tags and the Student Guard Programme.
• Monitor expenditure, contracts, procurement and service performance; identify savings and support annual budgeting, forecasting and capital priorities.
• Work with Auxiliary Services, Bookstore and Events leads to understand their service, commercial and financial priorities.
• Prepare performance reports and business cases; lead assigned cross-functional projects and represent the CFMO when delegated.
• Keep faculty, staff, and students informed on facility updates and building projects; manage FM content on GU-Q’s web portal and supply weekly operational updates for university newsletters and CFMO leadership briefings.
• Manage and oversee the work of direct reports, including setting and reviewing performance objectives, and identifying training and development needs.
• Liaise with Human Resources to manage recruitment, hiring, onboarding and offboarding of direct reports, as required.
• Supervise, train and mentor contracted staff and service providers.
• Respond to urgent requests and concerns via email, texts, and phone calls outside of normal working hours.
• Respond to and manage safety and security-related issues, including coordinating procedures and communicating with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide operational support during evenings and weekends, as needed.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of hard and soft facilities services, building systems, security, safety, sustainability and relevant Qatar/international standards.
• Ability to manage budgets, contracts, procurement, risk, projects and performance indicators.
• Strategic thinking, commercial awareness and understanding of auxiliary, retail/bookstore and events operations.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, problem-solving and change-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CAFM and relevant building/technical systems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• CFM/FMP (IFMA or equivalent) and NEBOSH IGC or equivalent.
• Postgraduate management qualification, LEED/SFP, NFPA fire certification and professional membership preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years’ relevant facilities/building operations experience, preferably in higher education.
• 8+ years’ experience leading diverse teams, contractors and complex projects.
• Experience with budgets, supplier performance, strategic planning, safety/security and sustainability.
• Experience working across cultures and functions; exposure to commercial services, retail or events desirable.
• Demonstrated progression in leadership responsibility and ability to develop managers.

Expatriate Benefits and Relocation Support

GU-Q offers a highly competitive expatriate benefits package including a monthly transportation and home leave travel allowance, worldwide health insurance, and generous private school tuition support for accompanying children, along with other benefits.

Relocating to a new country can be a significant undertaking, and GU-Q is committed to providing comprehensive relocation support. This includes visa processing, arranging travel to Qatar, fully furnished temporary accommodation, transportation upon arrival, and campus orientation, helping new employees and their families settle into life in Qatar and the GU-Q community.

Current Georgetown Employees:

If you currently work at Georgetown University, please exit this website and login to GMS (gms.georgetown.edu) using your Net ID and password. Then select the Career worklet on your GMS Home dashboard to view Jobs at Georgetown.

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.

Need Assistance:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at (202) 687-4798 or [email protected].

Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.

EEO Statement:

GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.