Director, Technical & Trades

University of Utah; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah in Salt Lake City is seeking a senior facilities leader to oversee all School of Business buildings, systems, and related operations. This role directs facilities operations, safety, events, and security programs, aligning with university goals and coordinating across departments.

Responsibilities include space utilization, system upgrades, staff management, emergency readiness, and strategic planning for long‑term facilities objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related area; equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) is acceptable.
• Eight years of progressively more responsible management experience.
• Demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communications skills required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate and coordinate with other University resources to maintain the look and feel and the architectural intent of the individual buildings.
• Direct the use of and make recommendations regarding the utilization of space within the school to increase utilization rates and to better utilize the available space to meet the changing needs of the school.
• Ensure through facilities staff members that all building systems are working optimally and in a safe and efficient manner and employ external and internal resources in accomplishing the goals of the school as they relate to buildings and building systems.
• Review and approve upgrades and enhancements to building systems to keep up with changing technologies, especially as it relates to classroom environments.
• Direct and verify that operational tasks are being delivered efficiently, timely, and effectively through staff members responsible for those tasks, by empowering, supporting, and enabling staff members in the execution of their responsibilities.
• As applicable within the scope of this job to take steps to maximize the safety and security of the staff, faculty, and students of the School of Business through the effective employment of safety and security protocols, coordination with emergency services resources, and the installation and maintaining of security and safety devices.
• Respond 24/7 to building and school emergencies as required.
• Direct and oversee the utilization of the emergency management system in maintaining an emergency response team for the school, and to collaborate and coordinate emergency efforts with the universities Emergency Management department.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Facilities management

Budget planning

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related area

Equivalency allowed

Job description

Typically Monday through Friday, with some Saturdays, Sundays, and evenings as business need requires. Time is also variable depending on business need but typically 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with 24/7 on call status for emergencies and urgent school needs.

VP Area

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department

Department 01689 - SCHOOL OF BUSINESS FACILITIES

Location

Location Campus

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

Pay Rate Range $75,000 - $125,000

Close Date

Close Date 01/07/2027

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) 10/31/2026

Job Summary

This position is responsible for all School of Business buildings, building systems, associated landscaping, and various applicable operational departments within the School of Business to direct and oversee operations and strategic planning of technical and trades functions, including, but not limited to, facilities operations, food services, media center, events management, safety and security systems, and other operational departments as assigned. Supports the University of Utah’s goals and mission. Acts as a catalyst between departments, faculty, staff, students, and external entities to ensure continuity and quality of service.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate and coordinate with other University resources to maintain the look and feel and the architectural intent of the individual buildings.
• Direct the use of and make recommendations regarding the utilization of space within the school to increase utilization rates and to better utilize the available space to meet the changing needs of the school.
• Ensure through facilities staff members that all building systems are working optimally and in a safe and efficient manner and employ external and internal resources in accomplishing the goals of the school as they relate to buildings and building systems.
• Review and approve upgrades and enhancements to building systems to keep up with changing technologies, especially as it relates to classroom environments.
• Direct and verify that operational tasks are being delivered efficiently, timely, and effectively through staff members responsible for those tasks, by empowering, supporting, and enabling staff members in the execution of their responsibilities.
• As applicable within the scope of this job to take steps to maximize the safety and security of the staff, faculty, and students of the School of Business through the effective employment of safety and security protocols, coordination with emergency services resources, and the installation and maintaining of security and safety devices.
• Respond 24/7 to building and school emergencies as required.
• Direct and oversee the utilization of the emergency management system in maintaining an emergency response team for the school, and to collaborate and coordinate emergency efforts with the universities Emergency Management department.
• Directs the development and implementation of technical and trades objectives that are consistent with the University of Utah’s goals and objectives.
• Directs maintenance and repairs for optimum usage and quality of University technical systems.
• Provides strategic direction by setting short and long-term goals, estimating budgetary requirements for staff, space and equipment planning, and implementing special projects and policies.
• Oversees all aspects of staff management including recruitment and retention of assigned staff.
• Forecasts and oversees the management of staffing, capital assets, and operating budget needs relative to facilities and operations.
• Ensures customer satisfaction by analyzing complaints, concerns and suggestions and providing appropriate follow-through.
• Oversees the analysis and determination of appropriate staff mix to support school needs.
• Ensures competency of staff through the development and/or presentation of educational programs and staff development opportunities.
• Participates in university-wide committees to establish collaborative partnerships, and to contribute to existing, new, and emerging administrative plans and policies.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); eight years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communications skills required.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Working knowledge of typical building systems – core & shell, electrical, mechanical, HVAC , fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, lighting systems, BMS , AV, etc.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply building drawings and schematics.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply applicable building, state, and federal codes and regulations.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply applicable operating and maintenance documentation.

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.