Associate Director of Maintenance and Trades

Job Details

Company Description:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - to meet a public need and promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs, and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve, and FSU right along with it. 

Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham, and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded, but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate and professional students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and professional fields, and enrolls 48% BIPOC students and 54% first-generation college students in our undergraduate programs. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU eight Insight Into Academia Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Awards and led to our recognition in the Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation, and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

General Statement of Duties: The Associate Director of Maintenance and Trades is responsible for the oversight and efficient management of multiple trades disciplines in a complex institutional environment. This position manages and coordinates internal staff and outside vendors who perform services, including but not limited to, repairs in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, painting, grounds, and equipment. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in facility maintenance and operations, leadership abilities, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

Supervision Received: Under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Facilities and Capital Planning, or designee.

Supervision Exercised: Exercises direct supervision of up to 16 union skilled trades staff for assigned projects, tasks and operational duties. Will also oversee the work of outside vendors and contractors at/on University buildings and grounds.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs and supports daily and planned work activities. Has the authority to undertake the following employment actions: participate in the hiring, termination, corrective action and performance reviews process of the skilled trades staff.
• Will support tasks, projects, and assignments from the Director of Capital Projects and Planning, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety, and the Director of Plant and Utilities Operations. Will work together with the Associate Director of Facilities Operations in coordination of tasks and assignments.
• Maintains current knowledge of all applicable codes, regulations, standards, and accreditation requirements for area of responsibility.
• Serves as liaison to the capital projects for all aspects of trades support; act as inside consultant for issues for projects relating to building construction projects, understanding the interactions between building systems.
• Understanding of applicable OSHA, NFPA and ANSI regulations.
• Requisition tools, equipment, and supplies needed to effectively maintain and operate the facility.
• Initiate, develop and implement plans to motivate trades and maintenance workers to achieve University goals.
• Monitor staff work assignments and various reports daily; strong computer skills, analytical skills and knowledge of data collection and analysis.
• Contact vendors, suppliers, and contractors to review proposed work, obtain quotes, make repairs, install new equipment, etc.
• Create requests within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and collect invoices for payment processing.
• Conducts building inspection tours to identify deficiencies throughout the facility buildings and grounds.
• Understanding and coordinating scope and estimate of work required on projects or work order completion, to ensure deadlines are met. Involving contractors when appropriate to complete.
• Survey existing conditions, identify building systems needs/capabilities, act as Facilities Department liaison with internal stakeholders; participate in design review meetings, specify appropriate equipment, work scope, assist in installation, and approve project turnover.
• Responsible for ensuring 24/7/365 coverage for operational and emergent situations such as weather-related emergencies and/or utility disruptions.
• Is available to be on-call on a rotating schedule with other Department employees.

Special Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: May work indoors and outdoors and be exposed to adverse weather conditions; lift and carry heavy objects up to 50lbs; are required to climb ladders or scaffolds; may work varied shifts and/or irregular hours; may be exposed to high noise levels, high voltage wires, noxious fumes, etc.; may work in confined or cramped spaces; may be required to operate light motor vehicles; and may be required to stand for prolonged periods of time.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Relevant Master's degree and two years of full-time maintenance or management experience -OR- Bachelor's degree and three to five years of relevant full-time maintenance experience -OR- Associate degree and 10 or more years of relevant full-time maintenance experience -OR- High School Diploma or GED and 15 years of relevant full-time maintenance experience, with at least five of that in a management capacity.
• Demonstrated knowledge and direct oversight of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, painting, grounds, and equipment maintenance in an institutional or commercial environment.
• Three to five years of direct supervision of 5 or more employees.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines as well as demonstrated flexibility to meet changing needs to handle anticipated and unpredictable deadlines.
• Experience using a computerized work order management system, scheduling logic, and proficiency with standardized office suite software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including creating reports, conducting meetings, and training personnel; demonstrated ability to communicate to large groups within a multilevel organization.
• Must be available in emergency after hours and recall situations as needed.
• Possession of a current valid driver's license.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in planning, implementing and controlling budgets.
• Working knowledge of the Massachusetts State Building Code and its relevant applications.
• Valid OSHA 10 Certification.
• Valid Massachusetts Construction Supervisors License (Unrestricted).
• Working knowledge of steam power plant operations and distribution systems.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Associate Director. The starting salary range is $82,000 - $88,000/annually.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).

For best consideration, please submit application materials by June 12, 2026. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.