Associate Director of Mechanical and Structural Operations

Associate Director of Mechanical and Structural Operations

Company: University of Colorado Boulder

Job Location: Boulder, Colorado

Category: Manager/Director

Type: Full-Time

Requisition Number: 71758

Location: Boulder, Colorado

City: Boulder

State: Colorado

Employment Type: University Staff

Schedule: Full-Time

Posting Close Date: 17-May-2026

Date Posted: 01-May-2026

Job Summary

Facilities Management (FM) at CU Boulder encourages applications for an Associate Director of Mechanical and Structural Operations! This role provides leadership and management to 89 FTE within the skilled trades work units including HVAC, Structural, Pipe Trades, Cross Training, Preventive Maintenance, Access Services, Project Support, Small Construction and Research Support teams. These work units provide essential services, preventive and reactive maintenance, emergency repair work, support to capital construction and assist with prioritizing the deferred maintenance (DM) requirements for both general and auxiliary funded facilities for the CU Boulder campus.

This position develops, manages and analyzes performance of its operating budgets, service levels, staff development, staffing levels and schedules. In addition, this position recommends and implements facilities maintenance strategic program initiatives to the director of Maintenance and Operations to support maintaining critical systems in campus buildings and works with FM Engineering, Utilities, building proctors and managers to solve complex problems and provide engagement and outreach regarding program changes and customer service issues and concerns.

This position may serve as a FM/Operations departmental member/liaison for campus emergency management and provides key support and guidance to the DM Program. This position also serves on or supports the campus energy management program and other sustainability and safety committees as needed. Additionally, this position has the authority to act on the behalf of the director of Facility Maintenance and Operations when required.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Facilities Management is responsible for the overall physical development and maintenance of campus. The mission of the department is to provide a safe physical environment that promotes the advancement and transfer of knowledge.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Leadership and Personnel Management

• Provide leadership, management and administration to a diverse organization of essential skilled trades work units (Structural, HVAC, Pipe Trades, Access Services, Cross Training, Project Support, Preventive Maintenance, Research Support, and Small Construction teams). Supervise and manage the work of various unit managers, supervisors and programmatic front-line authority figures. Develop and recommend plans, goals, operating polices and guidelines. Design, implement and oversee program(s) activities and workplace performance standards.
• Working with Infrastructure and Resilience Human Resources (I&R HR) manage/oversee human resources activities including position descriptions, evaluations, hiring, recruiting, performance management and progressive discipline.
• Determine staffing needs and recommend reallocation of positions as appropriate. Be the appointing authority delegate for assigned work units where the administration of corrective and disciplinary action is necessary. Understand and adhere to state, labor union, university, and departmental policies and procedures. Address personnel issues in a timely, consistent and effective manner.
• Manage employee career development training for assigned work units. Determine work unit training needs and ensure training budgets are in alignment with requirements. Work with I&R HR training coordinator regarding scheduling and coordinating leadership and supervisor trainings within the division.

Fiscal Planning and Budget Management

• In collaboration with the director of Maintenance and Operations, FM Accounting, FM Work Management and auxiliary funded clients, this position directs personnel and work unit operating budgets that total approximately $13.4 million by evaluating service levels, maintenance and repair priorities, scheduling needs and analyzing performance metrics to develop and recommend routine preventive maintenance and long-range maintenance and repair plans. Develop personnel and shop budgets including general fund and auxiliary funded goals. Work closely with the FM Engineering, FM Asset & Work Management and FM Planning to identify funding needs, determine priorities, and allocate resources for Deferred Maintenance.

Plan Strategically, Process Development and Improvement

• Collaborate with other I&R leaders, auxiliary funded departments and other facilities partners on campus to ensure the critical building functions of the university are uninterrupted. In support of this function, review work management metrics, implement quality control practices, and identify process improvements to anticipate and exceed customer expectations. Address concerns related to building system functionality and CU Boulder critically important functions; including allocating resources and sharing facilities operations performance data to specific campus research efforts. Work closely with the director of Maintenance and Operations and Planning, Design & Construction (PD&C) leadership to ensure construction standards, building commissioning processes and quality assurance of contracted work results in the delivery of high quality and maintainable building systems.
• For in-house work execution programs, ensure routine inspections are performed for quality assurance/control, safety, and compliance with service level agreements. Develop, recommend, implement, evaluate and refine programs and work processes. In conjunction with FM Work Management develop metrics that effectively measure the delivery of services and resources in order to benchmark and trend performance. Stay current with industry standard methodologies to drive performance and service levels toward continuous improvement and toward achieving the vision of "best in class."

Liaise with Campus Community and Internal FM Community

• Provide exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with key customers.
• Work with other I&R staff (PD&C, Sustainability, Utility & Energy Services) to review plans and revise building standards and operational protocols as necessary to meet energy reduction, sustainability and climate action goals.
• Keep client service level agreements updated for assigned work units and coordinate efforts on keeping MOUs with strategic partners updated and accurate.

Promote a Workplace Culture of Safety

• Support and strive to continuously improve the Facilities Maintenance & Operations organization's workplace safety program. In collaboration with division safety officer, Environmental Health and Safety, employee safety committee, and other Facilities Operations leadership, actively support the implementation of adequate standard operating procedures, employee training and proper personal protective equipment to meet workplace occupational safety and health standards. Assist safety assessments, review root cause analysis incident investigation, support safe behaviors and workplace standard processes to mitigate job hazards and minimize incident rates.

What You Should Know

The anticipated work schedule for this in-person position is Monday - Friday from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $128,000 - $137,940 annually.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be effective. Be innovative. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration or directly related field. Can substitute experience for the degree on a year for year basis.
• 5 years of directly related experience to the duties and responsibilities described above, including supervisory experience in increasingly responsible positions.
• Strong budget and financial management skills, including experience preparing operating budgets.
• Experience with use and optimization of computer based or integrated work management systems to support business process and management decision-making.

What You Will Need

• Excellent oral/written communication skills and strong customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to effectively lead, motivate and influence others and the ability to develop strong professional working relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience managing facilities operations and maintenance at a higher education institution or other large campus environment that includes complex research facilities.
• Advanced degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Business Administration or directly related field.
• Strong knowledge of complex building systems (HVAC, Structural and Plumbing). Journeyman license in the state of Colorado for one of the assigned work areas preferred.
• Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP), Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or closely related license or certification.
• Knowledge of the State of Colorado Personnel Rules, labor union collective bargaining agreement, and university and departmental policies.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by May 17, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Essential Services

This position is designated "essential services." The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures.