Associate Director for Maintenance Program

About the Job

Associate Director for Maintenance Program

Position Responsibilities

Maintenance Operations (40%)

• Responsible for development of the maintenance strategy and program
• Designs, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of the program and procedures to optimize functionality of the University's physical assets on the Twin Cities campus.
• Form, lead, and facilitate maintenance continuous improvement teams. Empower union and non-union staff to identify bottlenecks and develop innovative workflows that lower operational costs while increasing service quality.
• Ensure all maintenance practices support quality, environmental/sustainable, and workplace safety requirements.
• Manages program governance and ensures initiatives comply with governance model
• Researches and authorizes program wide changes
• Work with the Senior Director in defining maintenance roles and staffing models (supervisors and front line staff)
• Works closely with Associate Directors, Team Managers and Supervisors to ensure consistent and timely implementation of the maintenance activities.
• Standardize use of IWMS system across business units (work order life cycle)
• Stay current on emerging reliability technologies, predictive maintenance methods, and asset management best practices, selectively integrating those that deliver business value
• Direct the inventory control, attic stock, and procurement strategies. Support staff in finding creative solutions for obsolete parts and supply chain disruptions while maintaining strict compliance with organizational purchasing policies.

Training (20%)

• Responsible for development and delivery of FM's maintenance training program.
• Set standards for maintenance training programs for supervisory and front line staff
• Develops core maintenance training requirements
• Document, communicate, and train business partners on new or updated work processes

Quality Assurance (20%)

• Responsible for the Maintenance Quality Assurance program
• Lead the development and deployment of maintenance KPIs and use them to prioritize improvement efforts
• Sustain and improve processes by continually monitoring program performance and compliance to standards

Leadership (20%)

• Supervises Preventive Maintenance Program Manger, Maintenance Training staff and Inventory & Parts staff.
• Supervises project managers and business analysts assigned to maintenance program initiatives.
• May supervise assigned student support staff

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Minimum of ten years professional experience, with a minimum of seven years applicable experience in a leadership role managing maintenance delivery or program development within a large institution, commercial facility, or property management organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters in Business Administration or similar.
• Society of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals certification, Certified Professional Maintenance Manager, or similar.
• Experience collaborating with unionized teams or working within collective bargaining environments
• Experience creating and/or implementing a physical asset management strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully develop and deliver training programs.
• Experience with established continuous improvement techniques and tools (e.g. A3, six sigma, DFSS, Lean, 5S).
• Demonstrated business project management experience.
• Experience managing O&M inventories. We encourage applications from individuals who believe they can bring value to this role, even if they do not meet every preferred qualification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to lead diverse teams through influence, coaching, and collaborative decision‑making
• Ability to lead system-wide improvement initiatives 3
• Ability to work cooperatively and productively with a broad range of individuals and teams
• Ability to analyze and understand data to recognize data trends and suggest improvements
• Ability to communicate and participate at all levels within the University environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to establish priorities and follow through with project deadlines
• Individual and group training facilitation skills and abilities
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated understanding and use of maintenance and reliability principals
• Ability to foster a cohesive, collaborative and team environment
• Knowledge of financial management principles
• Knowledge of inventory management and equipment/repair best practices
• Knowledge of union labor contract administration

Physical and environmental requirements Work is performed 50% in the field and 50% in an office environment. Field work includes employee training and quality assurance. Schedule flexibility is required.

About the Department

Facilities Management is a department within University Services which is composed of the departments and people who deliver the non-academic operations across the University of Minnesota system. Facilities Management (FM) is responsible for all buildings, grounds and the energy management needs of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Facilities Management works to provide a safe, reliable and welcoming campus in support of the University's mission of teaching, research and outreach. FM's responsibilities include over 25 million square feet in more than 280 buildings across 1200 acres in the Twin Cities.

FM District Operations is responsible for all building maintenance and custodial operations on the Twin Cities campus. This position is tasked with development, definition and execution of standardized building maintenance practices and processes. This individual will work with both management and with front line staff in helping make District Operations a more effective maintenance team, contributing to consistently providing a safe, reliable and welcoming environment for the students, faculty and staff of the University of Minnesota.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $120,000 - $140,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please include both a resume and a cover letter.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.