Assistant Director, Facilities Planning and Management at Drake University

Job description

Facilities Planning and Management ‌ Department Summary: Drake University is currently seeking a new team member to join our Facilities Planning and Management department. We are looking for a capable, service-minded individual who takes pride in their work and enjoys being part of a collaborative team. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside an outstanding group of dedicated professionals who help keep our campus operating efficiently, safely, and beautifully every day. If you are motivated by service, teamwork, and making a visible impact on the campus community, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Drake family. Job Summary: The Assistant Director serves as a key member of the FPM leadership team. This position provides strong management and leadership to one or more of the following areas: HVAC, buildings, custodial, and/or grounds. Reporting to the Executive Director, Facilities, Planning & Management, this position serves as an operational leader and acts in the Executive Director’s absence when designated. This position is expected to report to campus during emergencies. Minimum Qualifications: Associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree preferred, Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in facilities, operations, or related discipline Three (3) years of direct supervisory or management experience, including responsibility for employee performance, work planning, coaching, and accountability. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Preferred Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge: Strong knowledge of building systems, deferred maintenance prioritization processes, construction, and/or regulatory compliance. Experience managing multiple priorities, responding to operational challenges, and delivering results in a customer service-oriented environment. Proven ability to foster a collaborative, inclusive, collegial, and consensus building relationship at all levels of the university based on competence, trust, and respect. Knowledge of design process for capital projects and understanding of contracts and insurance requirements. Demonstrated experience as a strategic thinker with proven planning and organization skills to effectively manage multiple projects of varying size and complexity, and the ability to modify or adjust priorities. Essential Functions: 30% Provide leadership and department management Directly oversee and manage one or more FPM departments by providing clear direction, establishing priorities, and aligning team efforts with departmental and institutional goals. Cultivate a positive, inclusive work environment where employees are empowered, supported, and equipped to perform at their highest potential. Engages in recruitment, hiring and training of FPM staff. Maintains and schedules monthly staff safety training, professional development planning processes and conducts employee performance reviews. Fosters a culture of safety. 20% Manage departmental planning and continuous improvement efforts Assist in the development and implementation of unit-level planning documents, including the FP&M continuous improvement plan and the facilities condition index. In close collaboration with all FPM managers, develop response plans to the administrative services survey (an internal customer service survey) and annual employee morale surveys. Develop and implement new ways to continually improve reporting, monitoring, and implementation of unit plans. 20% Lead communication efforts and build relationships Serve as a liaison between FPM and campus constituents by fostering effective communication regarding work orders, maintenance activities, construction projects, facility-related issues, and operational concerns. Coordinate with faculty, staff, students, and departmental representatives to provide timely updates, address questions, manage expectations, and ensure customer concerns are app