Director of Facilities Management

University of Arkansas - Monticello

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Facilities Management is a senior leadership position responsible for planning, operating, maintaining, repairing, and continuously improving university facilities, grounds, utilities, and infrastructure. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, the Director provides strategic oversight of facilities operations, custodial and grounds services, capital construction and renovation projects, environmental health and safety programs, regulatory compliance, energy management, and sustainability initiatives. The role ensures that campus facilities remain safe, functional, attractive, and supportive of the university’s educational mission. The Director manages departmental personnel, budgets, contracts, vendors, and long-term facilities planning, and provides direct oversight of supervisors responsible for building maintenance, custodial services, and grounds operations. Areas of oversight include maintenance, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, utilities, grounds, custodial, fleet, and administrative services. The Director develops departmental goals and procedures, directs preventive maintenance programs, oversees construction and deferred-maintenance projects, manages operating and capital budgets, ensures regulatory and safety compliance, leads emergency response, and identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency and infrastructure.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, business administration, or a related field.
Six to ten years of progressively responsible facilities management experience, preferably in higher education, including four years at the senior level.
Working knowledge of plant operations, including custodial services, grounds, maintenance, shipping and receiving, and transportation.
Knowledge and experience with energy monitoring and management systems.
Fundamental knowledge of codes, regulations, and laws related to construction, the environment, and conservation.
Knowledge of bid specifications and contracting procedures.
Experience working with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants on projects of varying levels.
Familiarity with safety regulations, fire prevention, HAZMAT handling regulations, and disaster response procedures.
Ability to collaborate with internal and external groups and work with diverse faculty, staff, and students.
Ability to think strategically and align institutional goals and priorities with available resources.
Leadership skills to motivate, evaluate, manage, and supervise staff.
Fluency with analytical tools and concepts for reviewing Plant Operations financial and budget requirements.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work in office and field environments and respond to emergencies outside normal business hours.
Ability to work primarily in an office setting, travel occasionally, and work extended hours occasionally.
Limited exposure to hazardous chemicals and work conditions involving electrical systems, machinery, and heavy equipment.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise and assistance in facilities maintenance, renovations, project management, energy-saving programs, general management, and assigned projects or programs.
Plan, control, and direct facilities activities, including resources, support services, personnel, and budgets for capital planning and construction.
Develop short- and long-term facilities operations and maintenance goals and workload measures to evaluate progress.
Develop strategies and procedures for capital improvements aimed at reducing the deferred-maintenance backlog.
Implement policies, strategies, and training programs to support safe, healthy, clean, and environmentally responsible campus buildings and venues.
Lead ongoing operational improvements involving daily operations, personnel management, policy and procedure development, process evaluation, training, customer service, and contract management.
Oversee administrative affairs and services across plant operations departments, and coordinate department and staff workloads and priorities.
Coordinate campus-wide capital improvement projects and oversee contracted construction and renovation projects to ensure compliance with specifications and codes and alignment with the University’s mission and Master Plan.
Oversee facilities operations, including maintenance, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, utilities, grounds, custodial services, fleet, and administrative services.
Lead emergency response efforts and identify operational efficiencies and infrastructure improvements.