Director of Facilities & Operations

University of Minnesota; Noyes Junction (MN); On-site; USD 98,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota Crookston is seeking a Director of Facilities and Operations to lead and direct campus facilities, maintenance, and construction activities. This role requires coordinating with university leadership and external partners to achieve operational excellence and compliance with codes and policies.

The position emphasizes strategic planning, budgeting, and program development, with a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and effective resource management in a large

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree awarded prior to start date.
• Eight years experience with progressive responsibilities within Facilities Management.
• Knowledge of regulations pertaining to FM and building industries; knowledge of FM maintenance and operations best practices.
• Experience developing/monitoring capital project projects and preparing/managing FM budgets.
• Experience in design, scheduling, budgeting, and construction implementation.
• Experience using appropriate software including computerized maintenance management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to establish performance parameters; excellent time management, project management, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to implementing sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Direct, coordinate, and supervise all campus facilities operations and activities; oversee unit personnel.
• Develop project plans balancing human and financial assets with productivity and outcomes.
• Build relationships with university administrators and staff to ensure policy compliance and effective operations.
• Manage resources and budgets for Facilities and Operations and oversee maintenance/operating costs.
• Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and compliance with design plans and regulations.
• Schedule and track maintenance, safety, and environmental health requirements; ensure documentation.

Skills

Facilities management

Budgeting

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CMMS

Job description

The Director of Facilities and Operations is the chief administrative officer responsible for providing leadership and administrative direction regarding services and functions for the physical operation and maintenance of the campus. The Director exercises broad decision-making authority with respect to planning, directing and the performance of maintenance, repair, housekeeping, grounds keeping, Heating Plant, and construction projects. The Director represents the University’s goals and needs; is a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Committee, Labor Management Committee, and other committees and work groups as assigned, participates in programmatic and budgetary decision-making and in institutional policy development/planning; and espouses/practices principles of affirmative action and equal opportunity, and enhance diversity in the campus workforce.

Work Environment: In-person

POSITION:

• Full-time, 12-month, annual renewable position.
• The anticipated annual salary is $98,000 - $125,000 plan and excellent benefits package.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop appropriate systems to direct, coordinate, and supervise all functions/activities of campus facilities and operations including planning, assigning, monitoring, supervising and overall responsibility for the work of unit personnel.
• Build effective and productive relationships with appropriate Twin Cities administrators and staff at all levels regarding compliance with University policies & procedures, building codes/permits, University approval processes, architectural reviews, state & federal guidelines, legal requirements and other administrative functions.
• Build effective and productive relationships with the Chancellor, Director of Finance, campus administrators and directors, Northwest Research and Outreach Center, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, University of Minnesota Extension, and other University entities.
• Responsible for developing and implementing project plans that combine and balance human and financial assets with productivity and expected outcomes.
• Responsible for effectively marketing and communicating these plans and expected outcomes to stakeholders and customers.
• Prepare, manage and evaluate resources and budgets for all sub-groups for Facilities and Operations.
• Responsible for management and oversight of maintenance & operating expenses, cost estimates for operational requirements; and evaluating and summarizing operations & maintenance costs.
• Establish operations, maintenance and repair schedules/tracking systems, assign work; and train unit supervisory personnel.
• Ensure all preventative maintenance tasks are completed in a timely manner including task scheduling, tracking and recording/filing proper documentation.
• Responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of plant mechanical, electrical and monitoring systems; cleaning and general maintenance of buildings, and related equipment.
• Regularly inspect public and mechanical areas and grounds to ensure compliance with University standards for maintenance and cleanliness.
• Oversee facilities condition assessments to establish priority for facility repair, replacement or renewal. Assist in the development of capital budget requests.
• Assist in the development of proposals to initiate work and capital projects, coordination and review of contract documents, and contractor compliance with University standards and contract documents.
• Review and approve department overhead budgets, expenditures, work orders and payables.
• Provide good stewardship of University assets and provide regular reports on plans and programs.
• Perform customary management functions to include regular communications, meetings, problem resolution, task assignment and assessment, and regular performance reviews and objective setting.
• Manage vendor relationships including communications, problem resolution, RFP and contract development, work schedules, compliance with design plans and legal regulations, and review and performance monitoring.
• Assure compliance with building codes, safety and environmental health requirements. Work with appropriate University departments to resolve safety, environmental, and workers' compensation issues.
• Meet regularly with University customers and department representatives, insurance carriers, building inspectors, maintenance/operations contractors, engineers, and others involved in the operation and maintenance of campus buildings and property.
• Supervise sub departments and encourage/facilitate participation by unit personnel in professional development programs and opportunities to increase skills, knowledge base, safety awareness and compliance, and other work related competencies.
• Responsible for promoting and maintaining effective and productive relationships, local school districts, government entities, and other external constituencies.
• Perform work group/ committee work and other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree awarded prior to start date
• Eight years experience with progressive responsibilities within Facilities Management (FM) or related industry
• Knowledge of regulations pertaining to FM and building industries; knowledge of FM maintenance and operations best practices
• Experience developing/monitoring capital project projects and preparing/managing FM budgets
• Experience in design, scheduling, budgeting, and construction implementation
• Experience using appropriate software including computerized maintenance management systems
• Demonstrated ability to establish performance parameters; excellent time management, project management, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to implementing sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives
• Excellent team building, change management, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Final job offer contingent upon receipt of official transcripts and complete background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Industry recognized certification such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facility Management Advisor (FMA), or Real Property Administrator (RPA)
• Eight years progressive experience as Facilities Manager or equivalent
• Three years supervisory experience
• Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing a large nonresidential or multiple building facility
• Experience supervising trade workers, boiler operators, subcontractors, and unit supervisors
• Experience providing day-to-day management of operations, life safety, landscaping, building operations & maintenance, capital projects, renovation, and new construction
• Experience working effectively with organized labor
• Experience working in a mid-sized government or educational institution

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $ 98,000 - $125,000 annually; de pending on education/qualifications/experience

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.