Director of Operations and Maintenance

General Description:    
The Director of Operations and Maintenance (equivalent to Chief of Maintenance) is the strategic lead for all university maintenance and operations functions. This role is responsible for the technical integrity of the university’s 24/7 utility infrastructure and the execution of the Asset Lifecycle Management model.

Executive Development Track: This position has a structured 2–5 year professional development track designed to transition the incumbent into an Executive Director-level role. Promotion to the Executive level is contingent upon demonstrated mastery of institutional budgeting, university-wide space policy development, and the leadership of large-scale capital improvements.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:    

Strategic Team Leadership:

• Manage and mentor two primary technical leads: the Plant Engineer & Mechanical Team Lead and the Operations Manager, ensuring alignment between 24/7 utility operations and administrative work-management functions.
• Workforce Planning: Oversee hiring, performance management, and succession planning for the operations and maintenance departments to build a resilient, skilled workforce.

Trade Oversight:

• Chief of Maintenance: Serve as the “Chief of Maintenance” for all campus trades, providing strategic direction for skilled labor (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry).
• Workflow Optimization: Modernize and oversee the prioritization, scheduling, and quality assurance of all routine work orders, preventative maintenance schedules, and in-house projects.
• Resource Allocation: Optimize the utilization of labor, materials, and external contractors to maximize campus uptime and extend the lifecycle of university assets.
• Vehicle Fleet management: oversee maintenance and operations of campus fleet.

Compliance, Sustainability & Modernization:

• Compliance Lead: Direct the campus-wide plant operations to meet the 2029 state compliance roadmap and lead the implementation of the Building Automation System (BAS) Master Plan.
• Support Modernization and Reduce Deferred Maintenance: Identify, prioritize, and manage deferred maintenance risks, collaborating with university leadership to secure funding and execute capital renewal projects.

Safety & Training: Ensure all university safety regulations are observed and that maintenance staff are trained in modern technical methods and the proper use of PPE.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:    

• Proficiency in using data-driven tools (e.g., AssetPlanner) and reliability metrics to prioritize investments.
• Ability to translate complex technical needs into a financial “business case” for university administration.
• Ability to act as a strategic buffer between technical operations and university leadership, maintaining a focus on stewardship and institutional mission.
• Sufficient knowledge of high-pressure steam safety, DDC controls, and structural systems to effectively direct specialized technical leads.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of campus stakeholders.
• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Required Qualifications:    

• Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of experience in facilities leadership OR in lieu of a degree, 5+ years of work experience with at least 3 years in facilities leadership.
• Valid driver’s license (Must have had a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years).
• Finalist applicants must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks, including a driving abstract check, and pass PLU’s Driver’s Certification Training.

Preferred Qualifications:    

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Experience in a higher education or complex institutional environment.

Work Conditions:    

• Frequent exposure to varied conditions (hot/cold/noisy) and potential hazards typical of a central utility plant.

Work Schedule:    

• Full-time; primary working hours Mon-Fri, 7AM-4PM, on-call 24/7 for campus emergencies; serves as the acting AVP for Facilities and Housing Operations during the AVP’s absence.

Physical Requirements:    

• Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb to inspect facilities and project sites across a 100+ acre campus.

Other Information:    
PLU is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration — it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. Because PLU is a community committed to the creation and advancement of knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented and minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities.

PLU offers an excellent benefits package including tuition remission for employees and their dependents, retirement plan, medical, dental, paid vacation and sick leave, major holidays off (including Christmas/New Year’s break), additional flexible time off, and many other great university benefits. PLU is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. Click here for detailed benefits information.

For general application questions or if you need accommodations at any point in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu.

Please apply or share with your network! Full details here: https://employment.plu.edu/postings/8804