Director of Facilities & Operations

University of Texas at Austin

1d•$129,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Student Affairs is the hub of student life and well-being at The University of Texas at Austin. The team inspires all students to live the Longhorn life through its uniquely designed programs, spaces and resources. They serve every student through physical health, mental health and well-being services; recreational sports; university student union facilities; family orientation and the University's official parent association. The Division supports 1,000+ student organizations; student governance organizations; student outreach, veteran, legal, and disability and access services. The team also provides student employment; leadership, first generation and volunteer programs. Serving under the Division of Student Affairs, the University Unions' mission is to enhance the student experience and enrich campus life by providing cultural, educational, social and recreational programs as well as related goods and services to the campus community. What sets you apart when you join University Unions? As a Longhorn, you'll be working for a globally recognized university. Your work will make a difference in the lives of faculty, staff, and of course, our students! During your time on campus, you will contribute to programs, organizations, and activities that help our students develop a sense of community and provide valuable leadership and career readiness skills that they will carry with them throughout their professional and personal lives. Position Summary The Director of Facilities & Operations leads the planning and management of facilities, operations, maintenance, custodial services, event support, safety, building systems, capital planning, risk management, and retail and dining operations within the portfolio of the University Unions. This position ensures a secure, inviting, efficient, and well-maintained environment that supports student engagement, campus life, conferences, meetings, retail operations, and special events while collaborating with campus partners to advance the University Unions mission.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
Ten years of progressively responsible experience in facilities, operations, event services, or building management.
Demonstrated supervisory and budget management experience.
Knowledge of facility maintenance, building systems, safety regulations, and events operation
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related field.
Experience in higher education, student unions, conference centers, or large public assembly facilities.
Professional certifications such as: Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facilities Management Professional (FMP), Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP), Project Management Professional (PMP).
Experience managing capital projects and large-scale events.

Responsibilities

Direct the daily operation, maintenance, and stewardship of the University Unions facilities portfolio, including the Texas Union, WCP Student Activity Center, Student Service Building, UA9, and Hogg Memorial Auditorium.
Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs, monitor facility conditions, and coordinate repairs, renovations, and facility improvement projects to address operational deficiencies and enhance building performance.
Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, ADA requirements, fire and life safety standards, EHS requirements, and university policies.
Oversee operational services supporting meetings, conferences, student activities, retail services, and special events, including the Union Underground, Alienware Longhorn Esports Arena and Lounge, and the Cactus Café, ensuring successful event execution through oversight of room setup, audiovisual support, furniture management, event logistics, and collaboration with campus departments and external partners.
Develop and implement operational procedures and service standards to promote consistency, efficiency, and service excellence.
Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities for cost savings, operational efficiencies, and strategic investment in facilities and operations.
Develop long-range facility planning recommendations and lead facility renovation and capital improvement initiatives, collaborating with Planning and Construction Services on project planning, design review, construction coordination, and occupancy processes.
Maintain facility asset inventories and replacement schedules and recommend equipment and technology upgrades to support operational effectiveness.
Develop and maintain emergency response and business continuity plans, including facility-related emergency procedures and training programs.
Serve as a key liaison with campus police, environmental health and safety, risk management, and emergency management personnel.
Recruit, supervise, train, and evaluate professional, technical, sales, support, and student staff.
Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence by establishing performance goals and professional development opportunities for employees.
Provide leadership and direction during operational challenges and special events.
Participate in strategic planning efforts for University Unions facilities and services through collaboration with student leaders, university departments, vendors, and community partners.
Analyze facility utilization data and operational metrics to develop recommendations that enhance facility effectiveness, space management, and user satisfaction.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
Optional Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options.
Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan.
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b).
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
Robust free training access through Linkedln Leaming plus professional conference opportunities.
Staff tuition assistance once eligible.
Expansive employee discount program includin·g athletic tickets.
Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums.
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses.