"Director of Building and Maintenance Operations"

Job Details

Department
Vice President for Administration and Finance

Job Posting Title
Director of Building and Maintenance Operations

Job Description
Fort Hays State University seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Director of Building and Maintenance Operations. This pivotal role is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the university's physical campus infrastructure, ensuring a safe, clean, and fully functional environment that supports our academic mission and enhances the student experience.

The Director provides leadership for a diverse team of skilled trades professionals, supervisors, and support staff. This position oversees maintenance, repairs, in-house construction, environmental safety, motor pool, and the lock shop, while managing budgets, developing long-term preventative maintenance plans, and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with deep knowledge of construction, skilled trades with a hands-on approach, capable of inspiring a team, managing complex projects, and aligning departmental goals with the university's strategic vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategic Management
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of supervisors and skilled trades staff, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Establish and execute departmental goals, policies, and procedures that align with the university's strategic plan and operational needs.
  • In collaboration with facilities planning, help develop and implement comprehensive long-range plans for preventative maintenance, deferred maintenance, and capital renewal to preserve and enhance university assets.
  • Serve as a key liaison, collaborating effectively with academic departments, student life, contractors, and other campus stakeholders to ensure seamless service delivery.
  • Organize and lead departmental meetings and safety training programs to ensure staff are informed, engaged, and compliant with best practices.
  • Examine the administrative procedures and rules of facilities and recommend improvements.
• Operational Oversight
  • Direct the daily operations for the maintenance and repair of all academic and residential facilities, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, and associated infrastructure.
  • Oversee the university's Lock Shop operations, ensuring campus security and effective key control management.
  • Manage in-house construction and renovation projects, from initial planning and scoping to execution and completion, ensuring projects are on time and within budget.
  • Source, negotiate with, and manage external vendors and contractors for specialized services, ensuring quality work and adherence to university standards.
  • Maintain records and documentation on projects.
• Financial & Resource Management
  • Develop and manage the annual operating and capital budgets for building and maintenance operations.
  • Analyze resource needs, forecast future expenditures, and provide budget reports to senior leadership.
  • Authorize and oversee the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to university purchasing policies.
• Compliance, Safety & Training
  • Ensure all facilities and operations comply with federal, state, and local codes and regulations, including OSHA, EPA, and ADA standards.
  • Champion a culture of safety by developing, implementing, and enforcing robust safety protocols and training programs for all departmental staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field OR four (4) years of directly related professional experience in lieu of a degree. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may also be considered.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in physical plant, facilities, or maintenance operations.
• Experience with skilled trades, building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), and construction principles.
• Experience with applicable codes and regulations (OSHA, EPA, ADA, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a higher education, public sector, or similarly complex institutional setting.
• Experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity, with demonstrated success in leading and developing a team.
• Proven experience with budget development and financial management.

Additional Skills: Ability to cultivate and sustain relationships with diverse audiences, Ability to organize and prioritize work, Ability to solve problems, Ability to think critically and use independent judgment, Ability to work collaboratively, Knowledge of tools, materials, and methods used in general maintenance and repair work, Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.

Priority Deadline: September 25, 2025. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately following the priority deadline and will continue until the position is filled.

Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Required Application Documents: Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact: Wesley Wintch at wdwintch@fhsu.edu or (785) 628-4254.