Director of Facilities for Campus Life - Iowa State University

Job Description

Iowa State University (ISU) is one of the most student-centered public research universities in the nation. It is a place where adventurous minds are encouraged to accomplish amazing things. As an internationally respected university ranked in the top tier of public universities by U.S. News and World Report and an invited member of the Association of American Universities, Iowa State offers a student adventure rich in social and academic diversity. More than 33,300 students choose from 100 majors and hone their leadership skills in more than 900 clubs and student organizations. Iowa State’s land-grant research initiatives from its 100 centers and institutes help solve society’s greatest challenges and offer students opportunities to learn from and work alongside world-class scholars and researchers. A culturally diverse student body with students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries converge on one of the nation's most beautiful campuses. Big 12 Conference sports and a tradition of international cultural performances make campus life an adventure to remember. Iowa State is located in Ames, a community of 67,000 ranked as the number one “Best College Town in America” by 247WallSt.com and among the top 10 best places to live in America.

 

The Department of Residence at Iowa State University is seeking candidates for the director of facilities for campus life. The facilities include: 19 residence halls, two apartment communities (166 apartment buildings, 2 community centers, and one laundry area), and various maintenance shops and storage facilities with a combined area of approximately 3.2M square feet. Department facilities comprise many different architectural styles and structural types constructed between 1916 and 2017.

 

In a collaborative and transparent manner, this position oversees and coordinates all facilities management, maintenance, repair, renovation, development, and construction activities associated with the residence halls, apartments, dining centers, and the Memorial Union. The director will be fully engaged in understanding the Iowa State University student experience to ensure that residents enjoy a high level of service and rapid response through advanced technology, innovative thinking, and service-oriented personnel. The director and their/they staff are responsible for providing a safe living environment for residents while maintaining buildings and grounds that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. The director serves as a resource and property management expert and oversees multiple craft, custodial, and maintenance services provided by Department of Residence staff, outside contractors, and vendors. The position also directs a broad array of construction projects which entails the solicitation of bids for maintenance contracts and the selection of consultants and contractors. As a part of this role, the director monitors projects for compliance, cost, and quality control inspections to ensure adherence to contract specifications, industry standards, and, where practical, best practices in sustainability and energy conservation. It is critical for the director to be a strong strategic thinker with the ability to serve as a connector between many different departments and offices in order to successfully move projects and ideas forward.

 

Under the direction of the associate vice president for campus life, the director will provide assessment and strategic planning for all assigned areas. The director works closely with the director of ISU dining services and director of the memorial union on repair, renovation, and construction activities. The director establishes budgets, hiring practices, work hours, and cooperative work efforts among a variety of teams for a workforce of over 163 employees including professional, union, and student employees.

 

A bachelor’s degree and eight years of related experience are required as is the ability to demonstrate a history of providing a high degree of customer satisfaction and operational management. In addition, the next director must have the ability to effectively collaborate and partner with internal and external colleagues to create measurable organizational improvement. The successful candidate must have experience with the project management of capital construction projects and vendor contracts; facilities management and operations experience in a university, hospitality, or public access facility setting, with knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, maintenance, and repairs contracts; and experience advising, training, and supervising college students. Further, the next director must have a demonstrated record of actively supporting diversity, inclusion, and social justice and a willingness to truly embrace the Division of Student Affairs’ core values and priorities.

 

Review of applications will begin September 17, 2021 and continue until the position is filled.