Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, seeks applications for Director of Facilities Services. The incumbent, a senior institutional official reports to the Vice President for Administration and Treasurer and holds responsibility for the overall administration of facilities including design, construction, utilities production and distribution, energy conservation, custodial support, grounds care and routine maintenance.
The University is comprised of 36 buildings on 160 acres located in the center of the state capital. The Facilities Services department supports approximately 1.3 million square feet of academic, administrative and residential facilities, employs approximately 80 staff, and has an operating budget over $5 million. The department’s maintenance and trade employees are covered under the collective bargaining agreement with the United Steelworkers of America.
Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech), a unit of Washburn University, is located on a separate campus of over 41 acres. A staff of nine Washburn Tech employees provide the day-to-day maintenance of campus grounds and over 236,974 square feet of building space.
Plan, direct and oversee the maintenance and repair of all buildings, lawns, streets and walkways for Washburn University to ensure the University's physical plant is safe, clean, comfortable and attractive.
Develop and submit annual budgets to fund Facilities Services functions. Monitor expenditures, review and approve/deny purchase requests to manage approved budgets.
With feedback and input from Facilities Services managers and project coordinators, identify and recommend major repair and construction projects following University planning and budgeting processes to initiate and implement projects.
Oversee major construction and renovation projects, working with contractors, architects and University administrators to ensure timely completion of projects according to plans and specifications.
Identify areas of concern or needed improvement and work with managers to plan and implement changes that will improve department performance.
Accompany inspectors during campus visits to answer questions as they arise and discuss issues, concerns and findings as they are identified.
Direct and oversee a staff of managers, project coordinators, trade specialists and clerical staff, selecting and/or recommending hire to fill vacancies, authorizing and administering disciplinary actions, monitoring and evaluating performance as appropriate to maximize performance and employee morale within the department.
Work with the Director of Human Resources and Chief Counsel to implement the Memorandum of Agreement with the United Steel Workers Local 307-4, serving on committees/teams as appropriate to negotiate modifications or terms of renewed agreements.
Oversee department training, working with supervisors, the University's Safety Officer, Human Resources, vendors and others as identified to ensure staff receive timely training that helps them incorporate new methods, materials and processes into their work and maximize safety, efficiency and customer service.
Complete and submit reports to the Vice President for Administration and Treasurer (VPAT) and other University executives as required or requested.
Attend conferences, review journals, network with other Facilities Services managers to remain apprised of industry developments and incorporate changes into department activities as appropriate to continually update and improve department efficiency and customer services.
Attend VPAT staff meetings to remain apprised of developing issues and concerns that affect the department and to share information that the VPAT and other Department Director's need to be aware of.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.
REQUIRED: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or a related field. 10 years of experience in Facilities Services administration with a history of success in project management and physical plant oversight. Proven ability to communicate effective in writing and verbally, and to develop strong professional relationships throughout an organization and with its stakeholders.
PREFERRED: Master's degree in Engineering. Licensure as an engineer or architect. Work experience in a higher education environment.
Submit a letter of interest, resume, Resume Supplement for Administrative Positions, copy of official college transcript(s), and names and phone numbers of three professional references to getajob@washburn.edu or to Washburn University Human Resources, 263 Morgan Hall, 1700 SW College, Topeka, Kansas 66621. Review of application materials will begin April 29, 2013, and continue until a suitably qualified candidate has been identified. Salary is upper $90K commensurate with qualifications. Excellent fringe benefits package. Employment at Washburn University may be conditioned upon satisfactory completion of a background check.
TO ENRICH EDUCATION THROUGH DIVERSITY, WASHBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. CANDIDATES FROM UNDER-REPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
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