Director of North Campus, University Unions, and Facilities Logistics

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

Department Summary:

Student Life Facilities partners with Housing, Dining, University Unions, Recreational Sports, and other units within Student Life to provide exceptional residential, recreational and learning experiences for students at the University of Michigan.  There are approximately 320 employees working in Student Life Facilities that support a building and infrastructure portfolio consisting of 3 university unions, 10 residential dining halls,19 residence halls, and more than 1500 apartments for graduate students and their families.  Student Life Facilities is comprised of 5 Directors who have distinct roles with Daily Operations, Capital Projects, Trades, & System Management with all members striving to fulfill the vision of having facilities that create community while being world class in appearance, affordable to the students, sustainable to the earth, and 100% reliable to the user.

Position Summary:

The Director of North Campus, University Unions, and Facilities Logistics and the Director of Central Campus Operations and Facilities Administration co-direct the Student Life Facilities Unit.  Their joint leadership reflects different competencies and expertise but as a whole directs the administrative, operational and developmental activities for Student Life Facilities.  The intent is to foster an environment that encourages accountability among management staff and helps all staff to creatively solve and take ownership of problems.  Open communication is encouraged to create an environment of inclusiveness, focusing on positive staff morale.  

Serving under the Director of Student Life Facilities, The Director of North Campus, University Unions, and Facilities Logistics is responsible for planning and directing the logistical activities of the department.  This position provides vision and direction for departmental training and logistics, including directly liaising to the University Unions, Department of Public Safety and Security, Environmental Health and Safety, Grounds Maintenance, Waste Management, Pest Management, and the Laundry vendor.  

This position is responsible for daily operations of the North Campus (2 Residential Halls and 1500 apartments)  and University Unions physical plant, including maintenance and custodial functions.

The Director of North Campus, University Unions, and Facilities Logistics oversees an $8.0M Apartment budget, a $5.5M Residential Hall budget, and a $5.0M University Unions budget which includes Utilities, Personnel, Contracts, and Supplies.  Approximately 65 employees report to this position, including an Associate Director.
 

Responsibilities*

North Campus and University Unions Daily Operations, Program Management, and Financial Control 30%

  • Develop and oversee operational procedures and policies for all North Campus Student Life Facilities and University Unions
  • Direct the operations of the North Campus physical plant including corrective maintenance, preventative maintenance and custodial activities.
  • Plans and controls operating expenses for utilities, labor, materials, and contracts.
  • Consult and Inform senior staff members about physical plant matters and problem areas.
  • Plan and conduct routine facility inspections for quality assurance and program compliance.  
  • Plan and conduct formal biennial building assessments

Staffing & Supervision 30%

  • Oversee and direct all personnel related actions, including hiring, training, discipline, and the annual performance management program.
  • Holds administrative responsibility and authority for staff
  • Lead and manage a work environment that maximizes the talents of each person, ensures that all direct reports and staff within the facilities area understand performance expectations, and holds self and others accountable for results.
  • Foster an organizational culture of respect, inclusion and innovation, and ensure that all employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and professionally.
  • Comply with, and enforce, all departmental and University Human Resources policies and procedures.
  • Hold staff within the facilities area accountable for consistently delivering excellent customer service.

Student Life Facilities Logistics Program and Oversight 30%

  • Provide Vision, strategic and tactical direction for Student Life Student Life Facilities programs: (e.g., Quality 

    Control and Assurance, Assessment, Training).

    • Develop and administer surveys and systems to measure the success of department services
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of the maintenance and environmental services functions
    • Evaluate the effectiveness and consistency of management practices.  Develop best practices
    • Provides feedback on performance evaluations
  • Develop and implement strategies to solicit student/customer feedback on a regular basis.
  • Develop, implement and audit quality control and assurance program for consistent compliance with Custodial performance and Health and Safety inspections    
  • Identify and initiate customer service improvements within the facilities area based on customer feedback, data and metrics.
  • Training
    • Develop, implement and coordinate staff training programs; develops and/or identifies staff training programs to attend to the growth of their professional and personal capacity.
    • Create and develop certification programs for staff growth and development
    • Identify departmental competencies for evaluation process and assure training addresses the need
    • Integrate industry standards/best practices.
  • Student Life Facilities liaison to the University Unions, Department of Public Safety and Security, Environmental Health and Safety, Grounds Maintenance, Waste Management, Pest Management, and the Laundry vendor.  
  • Oversee the Safety Committee for Student Life Facilities.
  • Oversee the Health and Safety Building Inspection Program for Student Life Facilities
  • Monitor progress related to the Facilities strategic plan, annual work plan and goals on a regular basis, to ensure that appropriate progress is being made to achieve desired results.
  • Contribute to the 5-year Capital Plan and 2 Year operational project plan for the Facilities area. Ensure that strategic initiatives and projects align with the University's mission/vision.
  • Leads change management as required

Other Duties as Assigned  10%
 

Required Qualifications*

Education:  Bachelor's degree in Institutional or Facility Management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

Experience:  

  • Minimum four (4) years supervising full-time personnel
  • At least 8 years facilities management in complex multi-facilities operation with progressively responsible administrative or management leadership role in an institutional environment

Knowledge: Specialized Skills/Tools/Technology:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of custodial/maintenance operations and best practices.  
  • Experience planning, leading, and implementing training and educational programming
  • Demonstrated strategic planning/budget development/management skills.  
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a diverse work environment
     

Desired Qualifications*

Education:  Master's degree or equivalent

Professional Certifications:  APPA, IFMA, ISSA CIMS, BOMI & or CBM certifications 

Experience

  • Working in Housing/Residential environments within Higher Education.
  • Experience working with bargained-for employees and labor contracts
  • Significant experience functioning in a higher education leadership/management capacity.  

Knowledge:

  • Understanding of student development concepts/theory and the impacts of facilities on a residential community

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

#studentlife

Position Responsibilities Criteria (leadership and behavioral qualities expected in this position):

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve and be adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate change effectively.
  • Highly developed interpersonal skills including the ability to develop and lead multi-functional teams and to address complex personnel issues in a decentralized environment.  
  • Subject matter expertise: knowledge of building maintenance, heating, cooling, air conditioning and electrical systems.  Knowledge of custodial operations
  • Facilities leadership experience
  • Training experience
  • Self-motivated individual with a high level of integrity and trustworthiness with demonstrated leadership experience.  
  • Able to work effectively in a diverse and participatory environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to navigate change effectively
     

Working Conditions:

Work schedule will vary depending on operational needs and expectations and will include work outside of normal business hours.

Physical Requirements:

The position requires the ability to regularly inspect a varied and extensive physical plant and meet staff in their areas of responsibility.  Extended periods utilizing desk and computer keyboard may also be necessary. 

Direct Reports:

  • Associate Director of Facilities.
  • Project Associate Manager (1)
  • Fire, Safety, and Health Building Inspector (2)
     

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.