Senior Director, Energy & Utilities

CSU Careers•San José, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President, the Senior Director of Energy and Utilities provides campuswide leadership, administration, and supervisory oversight for the Energy and Utilities unit within Facilities Development & Operations. The role directs the reliable, safe, and efficient operation and maintenance of the central energy plant, utility infrastructure, and fire/life safety and security systems serving five university sites, more than 170 acres, 52 buildings, and over six million gross square feet. Operating under general direction, the Senior Director independently establishes priorities, manages staff and assigned budgets, and leads strategic energy, utility master planning, capital renewal, and operational resiliency initiatives. The position has significant institutional impact through regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, resource stewardship, customer service, and advancement of the university's carbon neutrality goals.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of complex central plant, co-generation, utility distribution, facility automation, energy management, fire alarm, and security systems.
Knowledge of building and energy codes, life-safety requirements, environmental and operational regulations, and public-sector policies applicable to utility infrastructure.
Knowledge of utility rates, tariffs, commodity pricing, recharge methodologies, project economics, funding mechanisms, and risk mitigation strategies.
Skill in preventive maintenance, asset lifecycle management, capital renewal planning, project management, contract development, and consultant or contractor oversight.
Ability to plan and manage significant budgets, forecast resource needs, establish internal controls, analyze performance, and prepare decision-quality reports.
Extensive personnel leadership skills, including performance management, labor relations, dispute resolution, staff development, team building, and inclusive workplace practices.
Ability to analyze complex technical and organizational problems, balance competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and develop practical strategic solutions independently.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, consultation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across diverse internal and external stakeholder groups.
Ability to translate sustainability, resiliency, energy conservation, and carbon-neutrality objectives into operational plans, standards, projects, and measurable results.
Ability to evaluate and responsibly integrate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while addressing data privacy, bias, accessibility, ethics, and compliance considerations.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental management, or a related field OR which may be obtained through equivalent experience such as might be attained through ten years of supervisory experience, of which a minimum of five years is associated with progressively responsible senior level experience.
Ten years of supervisory experience and five years of senior leadership experience within the field of utilities and infrastructure system maintenance, operation, and management including operation of a cogeneration plant, boilers, and chillers.
Demonstrated management experience leading and overseeing technical operations and services common to the field of central plant, utilities, and infrastructure organizations.

Nice To Haves

Prefer registration as a Professional Electrical or Mechanical Engineer
Prefer certification as a Certified Energy Manager or related credential
Supervisory experience within a collective bargaining and represented staff environment
Experience planning and implementing deferred maintenance, utility infrastructure, and energy efficiency projects including development of multi-year investment plans
Experience in maintenance and operational management of a State facility, College or University, or other large-scale, multi-facility complex such as a corporate or other campus

Responsibilities

Lead the administration, operations, and strategic direction of the Energy and Utilities unit in alignment with departmental and university priorities.
Direct maintenance and operation of the central plant, co-generation system, and campus utility distribution infrastructure to ensure reliable and efficient service.
Oversee fire/life safety and campus security systems, establishing standards and processes that support a safe and secure environment.
Manage preventive, routine, and emergency maintenance programs through effective work processes, computerized maintenance management systems, and prioritized resource deployment.
Administer assigned operating budgets, utility recharge methodologies, resource forecasts, internal controls, and performance reporting to ensure accountability and long-term financial sustainability.
Lead strategic energy planning, utilities master planning, capital renewal, deferred maintenance, and energy efficiency investment plans that strengthen resiliency and advance carbon neutrality.
Establish unit policies, goals, service standards, performance metrics, and continuous-improvement initiatives that optimize asset management and customer service.
Direct personnel management, including hiring, retention, performance management, labor relations, onboarding, training, professional development, and team engagement.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes, regulations, university policies, and safety requirements, and maintain business continuity and emergency response plans.
Represent the unit with campus partners, utility companies, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, and professional associations, and advise senior leadership on complex or sensitive matters.