Senior Director of Facilities Management

Maryland Connect•Patuxent Riding, MD

3d•$150,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director of Facilities is the senior executive responsible for the leadership, management, and stewardship of the University's physical environment. This position provides strategic and operational oversight for all Facilities functions, ensuring the effective delivery of maintenance, utilities, grounds, custodial, fleet, work control, and contracted services in support of the institution's mission and long-term objectives. The Senior Director is responsible for establishing a culture of accountability, service excellence, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement while ensuring campus facilities are safe, reliable, well-maintained, and aligned with institutional priorities. This position serves as the University's primary authority on facilities operations, organizational performance, capital stewardship, and service delivery standards. The Senior Director partners closely with University leadership, academic and administrative stakeholders, Human Resources, Finance, Public Safety, and external service providers to ensure Facilities operates as a strategic asset that supports teaching, learning, research, student success, and the overall campus experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Project Management or closely related field required.
Minimum 8 years of facility management, capital projects, and operations experience.
At least 4 years in leadership role overseeing diverse teams.
Broad operations knowledge across facilities, utilities, custodial, and infrastructure.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Demonstrated ability to lead effectively within collective bargaining frameworks preferred.
Ability to supervise skilled trades and administrative staff.
Proven track record of developing and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with relevant stakeholders.
Proven ability to develop and achieve financial plans.
Ability to motivate and lead employees and hold them accountable.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Previous higher education experience preferred.
Preferred licenses or certifications include one or more of the following: General Building (GB98) contractor license; certified professional engineering (PE); Sustainability Facility Professional; Facility Management Professional (FMP); Certified Energy Manager (CEM); Project Management Professional (PMP).

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all Facilities functions.
Establish and maintain a high-performing organizational structure with clear accountability, supervisory effectiveness, and defined decision-making authority.
Strengthen operational performance through effective workforce management, service standards, preventive maintenance programs, and performance measurement.
Ensure responsible stewardship of financial, physical, and human resources.
Advance long-term facilities planning, asset management, and capital renewal strategies.
Foster strong partnerships across the University while maintaining a customer-focused service culture.
Promote continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making, workforce development, and operational best practices.
Provide executive leadership for all Facilities operations, including: General Maintenance, MEP systems and utilities, Grounds and fleet functions, Custodial oversight and vendor management, Work control and service request management.
Establish departmental priorities, service expectations, and operational goals aligned with institutional objectives.
Serve as the senior authority for operational, staffing, financial, and service delivery matters.
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and customer service.
Provide leadership and direction to Facilities managers, supervisors, and frontline staff.
Ensure organizational structures, reporting relationships, and supervisory spans of control support effective service delivery.
Oversee workforce planning, succession planning, recruitment, onboarding, employee development, and performance management.
Evaluate organizational effectiveness and identify opportunities to improve productivity, service quality, and resource allocation.
Foster employee engagement, professional development, and leadership growth across the department.
Partner with Human Resources on employee relations matters, collective bargaining considerations, and workforce strategy.
Establish and maintain governance frameworks that support consistent decision-making and operational accountability.
Define and monitor service level expectations and key performance indicators aligned with industry standards and institutional priorities.
Ensure consistent use of Facilities systems and technologies to support performance management, work order administration, asset management, and operational reporting.
Maintain standards for: Work order management and documentation, Service request responsiveness, Preventive maintenance execution, Quality assurance and work verification, Customer communication and follow-up.
Utilize operational data and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop and manage Facilities operating and capital budgets.
Oversee financial planning, forecasting, and resource allocation activities.
Monitor expenditures related to: Personnel and overtime, Contractor and vendor services, Materials and inventory, Equipment and fleet operations, Preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
Implement controls and reporting mechanisms to ensure responsible stewardship of University resources.
Support long-range capital planning, deferred maintenance reduction efforts, and asset lifecycle management.
Ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all campus facilities, infrastructure, and building systems.
Direct the development and implementation of preventive maintenance strategies and asset management practices.
Oversee maintenance planning, scheduling, and service delivery to maximize operational effectiveness.
Ensure coordination between maintenance, planning, construction, and campus stakeholders to support facility needs.
Support the development of capital renewal priorities and long-term infrastructure improvement plans.
Maintain alignment with APPA standards and other relevant facilities management best practices.
Oversee contractor performance and vendor relationships across Facilities operations.
Ensure contracted services meet performance expectations, service standards, and contractual obligations.
Evaluate opportunities to improve contractor utilization, service quality, and cost effectiveness.
Coordinate vendor activities with internal operations to support efficient service delivery.
Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, safety regulations, environmental requirements, and institutional policies.
Oversee workplace safety programs and promote a culture of safety throughout Facilities operations.
Coordinate emergency response planning, business continuity efforts, and facilities-related risk mitigation activities.
Serve as the primary Facilities representative to senior leadership and institutional stakeholders.
Build and maintain productive relationships with academic and administrative partners.
Communicate Facilities priorities, performance outcomes, capital needs, and operational initiatives clearly and effectively.
Ensure stakeholder needs are incorporated into planning and service delivery efforts.
Promote transparency, responsiveness, and trust through consistent communication and follow-through.