Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Reporting to Executive Vice President, Finance and Operations, the Assistant Vice President for Facilities Operations and Capital Planning (AVP) provides visionary, strategic leadership in the planning, development, maintenance, utilization, and stewardship of Getty’s physical infrastructure and the teams responsible for this work. This role is central to supporting Getty’s mission as the best-resourced art institution in the world, especially in a moment of organizational change and new energy.

 

The AVP oversees the institution’s Engineering (Building Operations and Energy Management), Capital Program and Campus Planning, and Grounds and Landscape Architecture departments, leading a team of approximately 175 FTE with an operating budget of $60 million.

The AVP is responsible for creating and executing Getty’s long-term strategy for capital planning, space, construction, and facilities operations across Getty’s programs, including all physical locations noted above. This role requires someone who is hands-on, calm under pressure, a strong communicator, and effective at managing people and processes across a complex organization. The successful candidate will possess excellent problem-solving and change management skills and will be a strong operational leader who is responsive, collaborative, and optimistic.

 

The AVP will cultivate a culture of innovation, transparency, inclusion, and open communication within the facilities team, across the broader Getty community, and with its neighbors and partners. Primary leadership impacts of the AVP are to define and implement innovative practices and systems across the units in Facilities Operations & Capital Planning and to model collaboration and synergy across these functions that advance executive leadership’s commitment to driving a “One Getty” mindset across the enterprise.

The ideal candidate brings the ability to listen well, lead constructive conversations, and inspire confidence among internal and external stakeholders alike. They will sustain a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative approach that encourages idea-sharing and enables decisions to be made, communicated, and implemented with timely clarity and confidence.

 

Getty has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Confidential inquiries, applications, and nominations should be submitted by email to thomas.lapierre@opuspartners.net. Only candidates who express interest and provide their materials in this way will be considered by the search committee. Please consult Opus Partners for more information about the application process.

• Provide vision and leadership for Getty’s physical infrastructure in a time of transformation.  Manage and implement multi-year, comprehensive physical plans across the entire facilities portfolio, ensuring that facilities meet the evolving needs of staff and visitors.
• Oversee the Engineering department, which is responsible for campus-wide operations including maintenance, energy management, custodial services, and utilities. Strong emergency responsiveness is essential.
• Lead the Capital Program and Campus Planning amid a $600M-$800M capital improvement and expansion program. Prioritize transparent, well-scoped projects and ensure smooth execution from planning through closeout. Prioritize thorough pre-planning and scope development to reduce costly mid-course corrections.

•  Foster a new governance model and a transparent, inclusive approach to capital project planning and space management, ensuring that staff across the organization feel informed and able to contribute ideas.

•  Support a culture of excellence in Getty’s Grounds department, where gardens and landscapes are integral to Getty’s identity and visitor experience. Lead current recovery and reimagining efforts following the Palisades Fire. 
• Increase internal communication and information-sharing, modeling clarity of thought and frequent outreach to maintain momentum and awareness across departments.
• Collaborate effectively with Getty's senior leadership and other stakeholders to align facilities projects with programmatic goals. Ability to manage permitting processes and relationships with local, state, and federal agencies is essential.
• Embed sustainability and resiliency into all aspects of facilities operations and planning, in alignment with the priorities of Getty’s President and CEO.
• Lead transformational change by encouraging a culture of shared responsibility, breaking down silos, and focusing on the institution as a whole.
• Champion equity and inclusion in hiring, team development, and daily operations. Be open, present, and committed to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or related field required; advanced degree preferred 
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in facilities operations and capital planning in complex organizations such as museums, higher education, or government
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale capital projects and facility operations with high standards of excellence and alignment to institutional priorities
• Ability to manage teams and build organizational capacity while fostering a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and managing capital project expenditures
• Ability to navigate change, lead process improvement, and inspire trust during organizational transitions
• Experience working with local governments and regulatory agencies, and understanding of permitting and compliance requirements
• Appreciation for the role of facilities in supporting beauty, sustainability, and the visitor experience in an art-focused environment
• Familiarity with museum environments, particularly around the care of collections, is preferred but not required

• Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or related advanced certification preferred.

The next AVP will be a strategic thinker and hands-on leader who possesses the technical depth to oversee ambitious projects and the interpersonal finesse to lead change across the Getty. They will demonstrate a deep appreciation for Getty’s mission, a strong sense of stewardship, and a high standard for excellence across all facets of their work.  The ideal candidate will be:

• A strong manager and collaborative leader who is approachable, inclusive, and able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels
• An excellent communicator who is clear, responsive, transparent, and comfortable being highly visible within the organization
• A skilled problem solver with a proven ability to lead multi-year strategic initiatives while also juggling day-to-day operational needs
• Someone who values dialogue and considers a range of perspectives before making decisions and is capable of listening openly and fostering idea-sharing across teams
• Experienced in navigating complex institutional structures and systems, ideally with a background in museum, higher education, or other mission-driven organizations
• A proactive and forward-thinking leader, energized by the opportunity to modernize and improve how capital projects are planned, governed, and executed
• Committed to sustainability, organizational transparency, and supporting a diverse and talented facilities team

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

 

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.