Assistant Director of Facilities

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

Washington & Jefferson College invites applications for a dedicated and service-oriented Assistant Director of Facilities to help lead the operations of its Physical Plant. This pivotal role is responsible for maintaining high standards across campus facilities in support of the College's academic mission, student life, and institutional values.

Reporting to the Director of Facilities, the Assistant Director will supervise maintenance operations, manage personnel and vendor relationships, coordinate projects, and implement continuous improvement strategies. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical knowledge, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a collaborative, hands-on leadership style.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and update policies related to maintenance operations, service scheduling, and priority-setting.
• Conduct regular inspections and performance evaluations to ensure service effectiveness and quality standards.
• Implement and optimize preventive maintenance programs across all facilities and systems.
• Coordinate and facilitate training programs for facilities staff in collaboration with the Director of Facilities.
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships; oversee project coordination, contract administration, and billing accuracy.
• Supervise Physical Plant personnel, promoting accountability, team cohesion, and service excellence.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Participate in hiring, scheduling, performance management, and review of personnel records.
• Provide operational and administrative support to the Director of Facilities as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage facilities personnel, including unionized (SEIU) employees; assign tasks, prioritize workloads, and monitor performance.
• Oversee all building systems and facilities infrastructure; ensure timely response to routine and emergency maintenance needs.
• Administer contracted services for work beyond in-house capabilities; develop RFPs and manage external vendor agreements.
• Ensure full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as institutional policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development, management, and monitoring of departmental budgets to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Continue to refine and implement preventive maintenance and renovation plans for buildings, systems, and grounds.
• Provide facilities support for campus events, ensuring spaces are properly prepared and maintained.
• Assist in managing the College's vehicle fleet, including maintenance, documentation, and compliance.
• Participate in SEIU collective bargaining negotiations and labor relations processes.
• Contribute to campus safety initiatives, serve on the College Safety Committee, and support crisis management planning.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in facilities or physical plant operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising custodial and/or grounds operations.
• Familiarity with benchmarking, quality assurance, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Professional certifications such as APPA, EFP, or CEFP.
• Proficiency in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of mechanical/electrical systems, ADA requirements, building codes, and life safety regulations, NEC, NFPA, IBC, and OSHA. standards.
• Understanding of commercial kitchen systems and associated safety standards.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and willingness to respond to on-campus emergencies as needed.

Desired Attributes

• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to providing service excellence and student-centered facilities operations.
• Willingness to participate in on-call rotations and provide after-hours support when necessary.

Supervisory Duties

The Assistant Director of Facilities oversees the department management staff and SEIU oversite.

Disclaimer

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the position.

Job Description Status

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Washington & Jefferson College reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Application Instructions

Apply for this job at Please submit a cover letter and resume. It is recommended that all documents be in PDF format and uploaded at one time. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Employee Benefits

Washington & Jefferson College offers a comprehensive benefit package for benefit eligible employees; including health, vision, and dental coverage, group life insurance, AD&D and LTD coverage, retirement plan, generous leave time, and the tuition benefit programs. These benefits add significantly to the employee's total compensation package.

Getting to Know W&J

Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Founded in 1781, W&J College is a private, residential liberal arts college that is focused on student success. Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.

Celebrating Community

Washington & Jefferson College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators and employees are able to live, study and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.