Assistant Director of Facilities

San Diego State University; California (MO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 108,156; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15 paid holidays

24 vacation days

Comprehensive health coverage

Retirement benefits

Educational opportunities

Job summary

A public research university in California seeks an experienced Assistant Director - Architectural Trades. This position involves leading day-to-day operations of the Carpentry, Painting, and Lock Shops, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree, five years of related experience, and a strong background in the architectural trades. The role is full-time with comprehensive benefits including generous leave and health coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Five years of progressive facilities services experience essential.
• Two years of supervisory experience necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations of Carpentry, Painting, and Lock Shops.
• Manage budgets and monitor performance metrics.
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders for architectural services.

Skills

Experience in architectural trades

Team supervision

Communication skills

Knowledge of safety codes

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

CMMS

Spreadsheets

Job description

Assistant Director - Architectural Trades

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking an experienced and collaborative Assistant Director - Architectural Trades to lead the day-to‑day operations of the Carpentry, Painting, and Lock Shops. This role supports strategic leadership, customer service, and financial oversight, ensuring compliance with safety standards and alignment with university priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote open communication, coach staff, build inclusive teams, and represent Facilities Services professionally across campus and with external partners.
• Provide oversight and daily guidance for the Carpentry, Painting, and Lock Shops, ensuring work quality, safety, and compliance with university standards. Monitor performance metrics, coordinate staffing and shop activities, and manage budgets, training, and contractor integration to support campus operations.
• Plan and manage shop budgets, analyze trends, ensure procurement compliance, and seek cost‑saving opportunities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for campus stakeholders regarding architectural trades services, promoting Facilities Services as a proactive, customer‑focused organization. Collaborate with university partners to understand needs, coordinate support for programs and events, and represent Facilities Services in meetings and committees.

Why Join Us?

• Lead and grow skilled teams that support essential campus operations
• Influence key decisions through budget oversight and performance tracking
• Collaborate across departments in a service‑focused, inclusive environment
• Play a critical role in maintaining a safe, functional, and innovative campus

Position Information

• This is a full‑time, at‑will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

SDSU Facilities Services (FS) is a customer‑service based organization providing facility maintenance activities through a transparent and deliberate process. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel, and alteration activities in support of the academic and research mission of the university. Facilities Services employs approximately 250 employees and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land.

For more information regarding the Facilities Services department, click here.

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Five years progressive facilities services experience
• Two years of experience supervising teams

Key Qualifications

• Employment experience in the architectural trades (carpentry, paint, lock, or combination thereof)
• Demonstrated progressive career path
• Two years of supervisory experience of trade work in a facilities services organization
• Knowledge of codes related to architectural trades
• Experience working collaboratively with other leaders within an organization
• Proven ability to motivate team members in continuous improvement
• Experience managing contracted work
• Experience with applications and software used in facilities services (CMMS, spreadsheets, etc.)
• The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Thorough knowledge of Facilities Services or facilities management and operation requirements, and computerized maintenance management systems, e.g. AIM, TMA
• Leadership experience within the CSU system preferred
• APPA CEFP certification is preferred
• Experience with Oracle Financials database preferred

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well‑being and work‑life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $95,000 to $108,156 annually.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Supplemental Information

Apply by November, 30 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as‑needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person’s identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke‑free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Michelle Puentes at [e-mail].