Director, Building Services Department

APPA - Leadership in Educational Facilities; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington, through the Building Services Department, seeks a Director of Building Services to lead custodial operations and UW Recycling, oversee payroll and staff development, and drive performance across a 300‑strong workforce on the Seattle campus.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Operations, the role emphasizes strategic planning, budget stewardship, labor relations, and safety/compliance to maintain clean, safe facilities for students, faculty, staff, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and ten years of progressively responsible management experience including personnel supervision, fiscal management, and training experience in human relations and sensitivity to multi‑ethnic groups.
• Experience managing custodial and building services in a large‑scale operation, preferably two years.
• Possession of a valid Washington State driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide organizational leadership for the Building Services Department, aligning with institutional priorities and service excellence standards.
• Lead personnel administration across the department, including labor relations, performance management, recruitment, training, and employee recognition.
• Manage an operating budget and coordinate high-quality cleaning services for UW Seattle campus.
• Direct safety initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance and a culture of safety.

Skills

Leadership

People Management

Fiscal Management

Strategic Planning

Personnel Administration

Safety & Compliance

Budget Oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree

Ten years management experience

Job description

The Building Services Department at University of Washington, Facilities has an outstanding opportunity for a Director of Building Services to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Operations, the Director of Building Services is responsible for leading the operational, fiscal, strategic planning, and personnel activities of Custodial Services and UW Recycling in UW Facilities. Supervising a staff of more than 300 FTE and an annual budget exceeding $28 million support custodial cleaning services across the Seattle campus. These services help maintain a safe and sanitary environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors in buildings totaling more than 11 million gross square feet (gsf).

This position is posted Open until Filled. Applications will be reviewed beginning July 20.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Employee Engagement (50%)

• Provide overall strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the Building Services Department, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, long‑term goals, and service excellence standards.
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine department‑wide goals, policies, procedures, and standards that support effective operations.
• Provide executive leadership for personnel administration across the Department, including labor relations, performance management, job classification and description development, recruitment strategy, training and development programs, employee recognition, and resolution of complex personnel issues, in collaboration with union representatives and HR partners.
• Provide functional and administrative supervision over 8 direct reports and 18 managers/supervisors, and general oversight of approximately 300 full‑time and part‑time employees, ensuring effective leadership, accountability, and organizational performance.

Service Operations & Resource Management (25%)

• Prepare and monitor an operating budget totaling $56 million per biennium, and initiate requests for budget revisions.
• Establish, communicate, and continuously evaluate service expectations for University departments (clients) regarding cleaning standards, service levels, and operational requirements to ensure consistency, transparency, and high‑quality outcomes.
• Continuously coordinate product and equipment tests, working closely with manufacturers and staying current on advances within the cleaning industry.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance (15%)

• Direct, evaluate, and continuously improve work processes to ensure full compliance with safety regulations, promote a culture of safety, and mitigate operational risks across all service areas.
• Develop and direct initiatives and activities to effect proactive regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and sustainability to achieve the long‑term protection and preservation of the environment, the University’s capital assets, and the safety and quality of the workplace.

Sustainability & Campus Partnerships (10%)

• Partner with UW Sustainability and directly support the campus’s landfill reduction goals by ensuring the successful implementation of waste reduction programs and effective recycling and solid waste management on the UW Seattle campus.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
• Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively.
• Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems.
• Be responsible and accountable.
• Use organizational skills and provide attention to details.
• Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success‑oriented attitude.
• Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
• Exhibit a professional work ethic.
• Continuously promote a safe work environment.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree and ten years of progressively responsible management experience including personnel supervision, fiscal management, and training experience in human relations and sensitivity to multi‑ethnic groups.
• Experience managing custodial and building services in a large‑scale operation, preferably two years.
• Possession of a valid Washington State driver’s license.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) and/or Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA)
• Certification in APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities (formerly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators)

About the Team

Please visit us here: Building Services Department | UW Facilities

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem‑solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.