Director, Facilities Operations

University of Baltimore

2d

About The Position

The Facilities Operations Director provides leadership for the maintenance, cleanliness, and functionality of UBalt, a non-residential, urban university campus serving approximately 4,000 students and encompassing 1 million GSF of academic, administrative, recreational, and public-use space. Reporting to the Senior Director of Facilities and Capital Project Management, this role oversees trades (MEP) and operational personnel which includes painting, carpentry, locksmith, housekeeping, groundskeeping, recycling, and shipping/receiving, including mail and package handling. This position manages UBalt operational and third-party contractual personnel, administers life safety systems conformance, supports the physical team members, and performs other duties as appropriate. This position interacts with internal clients and external contractors for diagnostics, planning, implementation and oversight of repair and maintenance (R&M), environmental hazard remediation assignments, and facility renewal projects. The Director collaborates closely with A&F leadership, the facilities operations team, the campus community, and external vendors to deliver responsive, cost-effective, and quality-driven facilities services in alignment with UBalt’s mission, goals, master plan and capital planning efforts. If a conditional offer is accepted, applicants must pass a thorough background check, including fingerprinting.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, facilities management, construction management, or business administration. Additional directly related managerial/leadership experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience: 7 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities operations, with 3 years of supervisory experience in trades, custodial, or grounds.
• Knowledge of: Building systems, preventive maintenance, and regulatory compliances (e.g., OSHA, ADA, fire/life safety codes).
• Relevant regulations regarding MEP trades & environmental hygiene
• Commercial building mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) systems and building electronics & automation controls (BAS).
• Commercial equipment operation (chillers, AHU’s, boilers, pumps, etc.)
• Commercial lighting systems and controllers.
• Environmental hazards (water & mold, indoor air quality (IAQ), asbestos) and remediation protocols
• Facility renewal and project documentation (RFP. RFQ, COM, AIA doc’s, PO’s, etc.)
• Skills in: Computer software, specifically, MS Office, including excel, CMMS, and facilities and project management tools.
• Continuously seeking to improve the quality of services and processes.
• Consulting with external agencies, campuses, or other high-level contacts.
• Ability to: Read, interpret, and work from blueprints, drawings, schematics, and specifications.
• Address multiple tasks and contingencies.
• Manage and develop trades, operational staff.
• Effectively communicate and negotiate with a broad range of internal and external individuals or agency representatives.
• Read and understand manufacturer's recommendations regarding scheduled and preventive maintenance, servicing, and operation.
• Prepare written reports and communicate effectively.
• Prioritize work, analyze and interpret facts, and make sound judgements.
• Work in hazardous or irritating environments, confined spaces, adverse weather, or temperature conditions.
• Work at heights up to 35 feet and to work off ladders and aerial lifts.
• Manipulate heavy equipment, tools and supplies and/or exert force up to 70 pounds.
• Work in, on, around, over and under fixed equipment and machinery.
• Be open-minded, even tempered, and treat people with civility.
• Strong people skills, data-informed decision-making, and a commitment to service excellence are essential.
• If a conditional offer is accepted, applicants must pass a thorough background check, including fingerprinting.
• Must have ability to respond to off-hour emergencies and call-in requirements.
• Must work when special administrative leave is granted (such as university closures) and extended hours as required.
• This position is an “essential personnel” position.

Nice To Haves

• Education: Certification in Facilities Management, Construction Management or Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
• Trades license in related MEP disciplinary field
• APPA certified educational professional (CEFP) or enrolled in APPA program.
• Experience: Maintenance experience in higher educational or public sector environment.
• Experience in a unionized work environment.
• Experience with building electronic controls & automation systems (such as BAS).

Responsibilities

• Facilities Maintenance and Trades Oversight - The Director leads and manages all aspects of building systems maintenance, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and general repairs, including developing and implementing an effective preventive maintenance program, ensuring timely response to service requests, regularly inspecting all facilities and grounds, and maintaining compliance with operational standards, applicable codes, and safety standards. The Director supervises skilled trades staff, coordinates with procurement of vendor contracts for specialized services, and ensures work is completed efficiently and by institutional standards. Emphasis is placed on minimizing downtime, extending asset life, and supporting energy efficiency initiatives
• Housekeeping and Custodial Services - Responsible for the cleanliness and hygiene of all campus facilities, the Director sets standards for and oversees custodial operations across academic buildings, administrative offices, recreational, and public spaces. This includes managing staffing schedules, quality assurance protocols, and coordinating supply procurement as needed. The Director ensures that cleaning practices meet health and safety regulations, supports sustainability goals (e.g., green cleaning products), and responds promptly to special event setups and emergency cleaning needs. A focus on customer service and continuous improvement is essential.
• Groundskeeping and Exterior Maintenance - The Director supervises groundskeeping staff responsible for landscaping, hardscape maintenance, snow and ice removal, and maintenance of exterior signage. This includes seasonal planning, equipment management, and coordination with city services as needed. This role ensures outdoor spaces are safe, attractive, and aligned with the university’s branding and accessibility standard. Also, the Director supports environmental stewardship initiatives and addresses snow removal and inclement weather events.
• Budgeting, Procurement, and Resource Management - The Director develops and manages the operational budget for facilities operations, working within authorization levels and university policies. These responsibilities include forecasting needs, monitoring expenditures, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. The Director coordinates with Shared Services and Procurement for supplies and services, ensures compliance with institutional and public procurement policies, and maintains accurate records for audits and reporting. Strategic resource allocation and vendor performance management are key components of this responsibility.
• Stakeholder Communication and Operational Planning - The Director serves as a key liaison between the Facilities department and campus stakeholders, including academic units, administrative offices, and external partners. This includes initiative-taking day-to-day communication about service schedules, project impacts, and emergency responses. The Director develops and disseminates clear, timely updates through appropriate channels, ensuring transparency and responsiveness. They also contribute to emergency preparedness planning, develop operational protocols, and support institutional initiatives such as space planning and sustainability.
• Operational Oversight – Manage other operational personnel, which includes painting, carpentry, locksmith, recycling, and shipping/receiving, including mail and package handling. Manage third-party contractual personnel. Respond and assist with snow removal and inclement weather events as needed.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive benefits package, including health, life, prescription, and dental plans, tuition remission benefits, paid leave (22 days of annual, 15 days of sick, 3 days of personal, and 14-15 holidays) and retirement plans with employer contributions.
• You can see more details on our benefits here.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees