Director of Maintenance & Grounds

Gonzaga University is seeking a Director of Maintenance & Grounds to oversee maintenance, repair, and utility services for its facilities in Spokane, WA. This full-time, on-campus position involves managing a diverse team, implementing maintenance strategies, and leading energy management and sustainability initiatives. The Director will also engage in strategic planning, budget management, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Title: Director of Maintenance & Grounds

VP Area: Plant Services

Department: Plant Services-Maintenance

Work Schedule: Fixed daytime hours Monday-Friday

Telework Availability: On-campus Position

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employee Classification: Regular full-time (staff 30+ hours)

Hours per week: 40

Months per year: 12

Job Purpose:

Oversees and directs the comprehensive maintenance, repair, engineering and utility services for all University facilities, as well as manages the campus fleet and fuel operations, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and longevity of building systems, infrastructure, and vehicles. Directs a diverse team of managers, skilled trades professionals, engineers, technicians, and fleet personnel to support the campus community's needs.

The Director maintains a collaborative working relationship with the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Plant Operations, Planning and Construction Services, to whom they directly report and will work with directory on strategic decisions, budget allocations, and policy changes. The Director has discretionary authority over day-to-day operations, routine maintenance activities, and standard project management.

The Director is expected to exercise independent judgment in managing their team and executing most operational tasks. They will work to implement maintenance strategies, oversee utility operations, and manage the fleet within established guidelines.

Essential Functions:
• 35% - Facilities and Infrastructure Management
• Develops and implements comprehensive maintenance strategies including preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs
• Oversees maintenance and optimization of all building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, building automation)
• Directs emergency response and critical systems recovery
• Manages deferred maintenance program and capital renewal planning
• Implements and oversees building automation systems and smart building technologies
• Develops facility condition assessments and life-cycle analysis programs
• 25% - Energy Management and Sustainability
• Leads campus energy management program and conservation initiatives
• Oversees utility operations, consumption monitoring, and optimization
• Develops and implements sustainability initiatives and green building practices
• Manages renewable energy projects and carbon reduction strategies
• Coordinates with utilities for infrastructure improvements and emergency response
• Oversees commissioning and retro-commissioning programs
• 20% - Strategic Planning and Capital Projects
• Develops 5–10-year strategic plans for facilities modernization
• Identifies and prioritizes capital improvement projects
• Provides technical leadership for major renovation and construction projects
• Manages engineering analysis and feasibility studies
• Oversees building systems design standards and specifications
• Develops business cases for infrastructure investments
• 20% - Operations and Resource Management
• Manages annual operating and capital budgets
• Directs maintenance and engineering staff including skilled trades
• Oversees contractor and vendor relationships
• Manages fleet operations and alternative transportation programs
• Ensures regulatory compliance and safety programs
• Maintains facility management technologies and information systems
• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

Bachelor's Degree

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

8+ years

In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education.

Certifications and/or Licensures:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/electrical engineering, facilities management, or related field

Skills & Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of building systems and operations
• Experience with energy management and sustainability programs
• Proven track record in strategic planning and project management

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineering (PE) license or Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
• Master’s degree in engineering or business administration
• Experience in higher education facilities management
• LEED AP certification
• Knowledge of smart building technologies and IoT applications
• Experience with renewable energy systems and carbon reduction strategies
• Background in commissioning and energy modeling

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Often (50%-75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position: $83,480-111,300

Pay Range:

Minimum Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): $83,480

Midpoint Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): $111,300

Maximum Salary (Annualized 12 months and 40 hours/week): $139,130

Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement or a signing bonus?: False