Position:

Essential Duties:

• Develop and lead the strategic values and vision for Facilities and Operations in alignment with the University of Maine System (UMS) strategic plan, as well as the University’s goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Define and implement a strategic plan for Facilities Management (FM) that supports the strategic priorities of UM/ UMM and aligns with UMS’s broader initiatives.
• Lead with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, inclusion, student recruitment and retention, while adhering to the UMS strategic plan.
• Develop strategies and plans, set priorities, identify measurable outcomes, and oversee all major facilities functions and policies in alignment with the institutions’ strategic initiatives. 
• Recommend strategic and operational initiatives in support of the Master Plan.
• Maintain awareness of changing trends and regulations that may impact the institution and recommend or take appropriate corrective action as required. 
• Collaborate with campus leadership in planning for disaster recovery and emergency response strategies.
• Develop a robust preventative maintenance lifecycle program and recommend funding streams for the replacement of campus infrastructure.
• Participate in planning and executing campus sustainability goals, specifically as they relate to the University’s carbon commitment.

• Align the organizational structure, staffing levels, and succession planning with the strategic plan, ensuring inclusive and equitable practices in position description design.
• Develop a talent management plan, including competency mapping, succession planning, professional development, training, and career progression opportunities.
• Provide coaching and ongoing development to staff, ensuring best practices in facilities are implemented and foster a culture of quality customer service and continuous improvement. 
• Participate in the collective bargaining process with unions, as needed, to promote fair and equitable outcomes.
• Offer technical expertise and guidance to Directors, Team Leads, and supervisors on building systems and equipment.
• Facilitate professional development, hold team members accountable for performance and conduct, and ensure effective recruiting, hiring, training, evaluating, and motivating employees. Administer progressive discipline when necessary, recognize and reward good performance, and foster an environment where all employees feel valued. Promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in all work units and decision-making processes. 

• Oversee university operations, including grounds, landscaping, compliance, garage, lock shop, central supply, motor pool, custodial services, and resource recovery.
• Provide leadership for the university maintenance shops including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and architectural trades.
• Oversee utilization of the computerized maintenance management system, including work orders process design through monthly reporting. 
• Prioritize and assign work in alignment with institutional needs and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, and development of all facilities-related assets to meet institution-wide needs. 
• Ensure quality control with clearly defined, measurable outcomes for all facilities and operations work.
• Explore, evaluate, and prioritize opportunities for automation, efficiency, and cost reduction opportunities.
• Administer vendor, consultant, and service contracts, and ensure that UM receives the full scope of service as outlined in contracts. 

• Oversee a gross operating budget of approximately $44 million, maintenance projects of approximately $3.8 million annually, and designated facilities renewal gifts of approximately $1 million annually.
• Prepare department (34 departments) annual budgets and administer funds according to budget approval.
• Develop a multi-year financial plan that incorporates capital renewal and operating expenses.

• Oversee steam plant operations.
• Recommend multi-year energy and utilities contracts in collaboration with UMS’s Strategic Procurement department and energy consultant.
• Develop and implement programs to reduce energy and carbon footprint that align with system-wide goals and reporting, including participation in the Carbon Commitment Committee.

• Collaborate with Capital and Space Management in Pre-Construction.
• Provide FM review of capital projects, commissioning, and decommissioning buildings. 
• Engage with diverse stakeholders across campus to ensure open communication and collaboration. 
• Oversee internal communications, including website management, break communications, and status reporting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Required: 

• Strategic thinker who can partner with institutional leaders and align the departmental goals with broader university objectives.
• Advanced knowledge and leadership skills to guide departments toward achieving the highest standards of support for UM’s faculty, students, and staff. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including effective communication and relationship management.
• Well-respected, trusted leader known for integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Proven leadership experience within higher education or similarly complex organizations.
• Demonstrated success in implementing and managing administrative policies and processes in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Strong ability to effectively manage budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate with diverse groups, including within a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a broad organizational perspective and foster positive relationships with other departments to support internal and external collaborations. 
• Proficient in information technology and its application to facilities management.
• Dependable, flexible, and willing to oversee, manage, and respond to campus issues, including during non-standard work hours.
• Knowledgeable of building codes and standards, such as BOCA, NFPA, NEC, and ADA.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively.

About University of Maine:

Location:

Required:

• Master’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, or a related field or the equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Ten years of progressive management experience in facilities management.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as needed.

Preferred: 

• Experience in higher education or large, complex institutional setting

EEO Statement: