Executive Search
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona)
Recruiting for Senior Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and Management
Cal Poly Pomona is a renowned institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and innovative learning environments. In recent years, the university faced significant challenges in stabilizing leadership within its Facilities Planning and Management department due to high turnover and the need for a strong cultural fit. To address these challenges, Cal Poly Pomona partnered with Another Source to find a Senior Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and Management who could bring stability and leadership to this critical role.
The Story
Cal Poly Pomona, located in Southern California, has a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. However, in the last three years, the university’s Facilities Planning and Management department experienced substantial turnover, leading to a series of interim leaders and a lack of continuity. After an unsuccessful search, the university turned to Another Source to find a candidate who could not only fulfill the technical requirements of the role but also align with the university’s culture and leadership needs.
The Challenge
The recruitment for the Senior AVP for Facilities Planning and Management presented both challenges and opportunities. Previous hires encountered challenges with adapting to the communication style and change management approach, which contributed to some instability. The university needed a leader who could bring stability, strong leadership, and the ability to navigate the unique challenges of higher education facilities management. The search required a meticulous approach to ensure that the right candidate was selected, not only for their technical skills but also for their ability to integrate into the campus culture and lead the department effectively.
Why Another Source
Cal Poly Pomona chose Another Source for their deep expertise in higher education recruitment and their ability to tailor the search process to the university’s specific needs. The university valued Another Source’s collaborative approach and their focus on identifying candidates with a strong cultural add. Another Source’s structured interview process and emphasis on soft skills provided Cal Poly Pomona with the confidence that they would find the right leader to stabilize and guide their Facilities Planning and Management department.
How Another Source Responded
Another Source implemented a structured and intentional recruitment process to address Cal Poly Pomona’s needs. They worked closely with the university’s search committee to establish a clear timeline and consistent evaluation criteria. Recognizing the importance of cultural add, Another Source emphasized soft skills in their candidate assessments. Through targeted outreach and close engagement with applicants, they built a strong pool of candidates who aligned with both the technical and cultural requirements of the role. This collaborative approach ensured a successful outcome for the university.
The Result
The partnership between Cal Poly Pomona and Another Source yielded successful results. Out of 14 candidates interviewed, 10 were moved forward to interviews. Five candidates were then presented to the search committee, with three advancing to interviews with the university president.
The intentional and structured approach to interviews, combined with the strong partnership and engagement throughout the process, resulted in the selection of a candidate who met both the technical and cultural requirements for the Senior AVP for Facilities Planning and Management role. This success marked a significant step towards stabilizing leadership within the department and addressing the long-standing challenges that had impacted the campus.