Executive Director, Facilities Maintenance Services

Job Summary

The Executive Director, Facilities Maintenance Services is a key leadership position within the Facilities Services Department. Reporting to the Sr. Associate Vice President for Facilities Services, this position directs and oversees maintenance operations for the main campus and satellite locations, including Campus and Grounds Services, Utilities Services, and Maintenance Services. This position is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of university facilities and infrastructure through strategic planning, budget administration, preventive maintenance programs, operational oversight, and personnel management. This position provides leadership for facility maintenance operations, emergency response activities, energy conservation initiatives, and continuous service improvements that support the university's educational mission. The Executive Director collaborates with campus stakeholders, governmental agencies, and external partners to ensure effective facilities management and compliance with applicable standards and regulations. This position may require variable work schedules and participation in emergency operations during severe weather events, natural disasters, or other campus emergencies.

Essential Job Functions

Facilities Maintenance Operations and Strategic Oversight:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Facilities Maintenance Services, including Campus and Grounds Services, Utilities Services, and Maintenance Services.
• Establish and implement policies, procedures, and operational standards that promote safe, clean, functional, and well-maintained campus facilities and grounds.
  
• Develop and administer departmental budgets and ensure effective stewardship of financial resources.
  
• Direct the planning, implementation, and evaluation of preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize the lifecycle of campus assets and infrastructure.
  
• Oversee maintenance operations for campus electrical, HVACR, plumbing, carpentry, painting, custodial services, fire and life safety systems, locksmith services, grounds maintenance, waste and recycling services, moving services, and logistics operations.
  
• Direct campus utility operations, environmental systems, and energy conservation initiatives to support operational efficiency and sustainability goals.
  
• Monitor departmental performance metrics and service levels to ensure quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
  
• Lead and coordinate departmental response efforts during emergencies, natural disasters, utility disruptions, and other critical incidents.
  
• Represent the university with local, state, and regulatory agencies on matters related to facilities maintenance, operations, safety, and compliance.

Leadership, Personnel Management, and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Provide leadership, direction, supervision, and performance management for directors, managers, supervisors, and staff within assigned departments.
• Foster a collaborative and service-oriented environment that supports the mission and goals of the university.
  
• Develop staff through training, mentoring, succession planning, and professional development opportunities.
  
• Address employee relations, performance concerns, and personnel matters in accordance with university policies and procedures.
  
• Align staffing resources with operational needs and budgetary requirements to ensure effective service delivery.
  
• Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, staff, and campus stakeholders to identify facility needs and support institutional priorities.
  
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with governmental agencies, professional organizations, community partners, and industry representatives.
  
• Serve on university committees, task forces, and professional associations related to facilities management and operations.
  
• Represent Facilities Services before campus groups, external organizations, advisory boards, and community stakeholders.

Operational Administration and Continuous Improvement:

• Develop, communicate, and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and operational guidelines to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
• Evaluate operations, workflows, and business processes and recommend improvements to enhance service quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
  
• Maintain communication with campus constituents and solicit feedback to identify opportunities for operational improvements.
  
• Conduct research, analysis, and planning to support departmental initiatives, operational changes, and program enhancements.
  
• Prepare reports, budget recommendations, operational assessments, and other documentation required to support departmental and university objectives.
  
• Lead and support special projects, strategic initiatives, and operational improvements as assigned.
  
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of university operations.
  

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Business, Engineering or Constructions Management or a related field.
  
• Minimum of five (5) years of directly related, progressively responsible experience managing construction, facilities maintenance, and personnel within a complex institutional or facilities operations environment.
• Class C driver’s license and must be insurable to drive university vehicles.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Facilities Management, Business, Engineering or Construction Management or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of directly related, progressively responsible experience managing construction, facilities maintenance, and personnel within a complex institutional or facilities operations environment.
  
• Certified Education Facilities Professional (CEFP) or Facilities Management Professional (FMP).
  

Supplemental Information

Key Competencies:

• Broad knowledge of technical fields of building trades, including HVAC, electrical, carpentry, and plumbing principles.
• Ability to perform general building maintenance and work independently on facility maintenance trouble calls.
  
• Demonstrate high levels of ethics and lead by example.
  
• Provide exemplary customer service to staff, faculty, and students.
  
• Collaborate effectively to meet the needs of the department and university.

Physical Requirements:

• Sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work.
• Activities include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, crawling, working at heights, and in confined spaces.
  
• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects weighing more than 45 pounds.
  
• Full range of physical motion to operate manual/ electrically powered tools.

Job Conditions: Exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, machinery, vibrations, traffic hazards, or toxic agents.

Who We Are:

Home to more than 18,000 students, Lamar University is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 120-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals. Lamar University strives to educate leaders, demonstrate excellence in student learning and career readiness, and pursue research with relevance.

Lamar University is committed to fostering an environment of teamwork where all students, faculty, and staff can learn, work, and become a part of our community.

Benefits:

Health, dental & vision insurance?Life insuranceState of Texas Retirement plansTuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents.Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays.?

To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Benefits - Lamar University

Special Note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Finalists for this position are subject to a criminal history background check, employment history check, and off-list reference checks. Applicants are required to sign an authorization for release of prior employment records to Lamar University. We will only contact prior employers and off-list references for finalists.

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.