Assistant Director, Building Services

The Princeton University campus consists of approximately 10+ million gross square feet of space comprised of residential, administrative, athletic, library, dining, classroom, and research space.  The Building Services department has a presence across campus, providing custodial services to approximately 350 buildings. There are over 300 employees, most of whom are union.  In addition to the large-scale custodial operation, Building Services supports several thousand events each year with setup and breakdown.

Reporting to the Director of Building Services, the Assistant Director, Building Services provides leadership, planning, and organizational management to the department, and high-level customer service to the campus community. The Assistant Director, who acts as the face of the department in the absence of the Director, has five major areas of responsibility:  (1) Leadership and Management; (2) Custodial Operations; (3) Stakeholder Engagement;  (4) Event Support; (5) Inventory and Equipment Management; and (6) Innovation and Technology.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following: (Other duties may be assigned).

 Leadership and Management

Provides strategic direction, focus, guidance, support, prioritization and oversight for managerial and supervisory staff; develops and implements programs, processes and procedures that result in high levels of individual and organizational performance and effectiveness; communicates with, and is responsive to directives from superior; supports the team, departmental, and institutional goals and mission; and manages budgets for operations and projects, including reducing overtime.  Promotes a culture of workplace safety and commitment to Facilities Core Values.  In a clear and effective manner, communicates plans, processes, initiatives, and other important topics to internal staff and external partners and stakeholders.  Strategically plans and manages department operating budgets; ensures funds are spent in accordance with University policy; oversees departmental procurement process and performs regular financial review and analysis.  Manages effective and inclusive position searches; ensures on-boarding process is executed in a timely and effective manner and that each new hire is given the necessary tools and training to be successful; provides professional training and development; establishes performance expectations; holds subordinates accountable for effectiveness, efficiency, and professional conduct; participates in the administration of progressive discipline as needed; creates and maintains a culture where all employees are valued; promotes diversity and inclusion within departmental work units and decisions.  Actively participates and partners with labor union (SEIU) activities including contract negotiation, labor-management meetings, and issue resolution. 

 Custodial Operations 

Plan work assignments for a team of approximately eight Supervisors and 150 union Custodians. Working with and through the supervisors, lead the day-to-day custodial operations of the department. Develop and ensure adherence to cleaning schedules as well as ensure the effectiveness of the Quality Control and Inspection Program and compliance with university policies and procedures. Assist in staffing and equipment needs assessments for new buildings and initiatives, and recommend equipment and process changes based on innovations, technology, and changing business needs. Assist the Director in development and implementation of Facilities-related policies, procedures, and guidelines. Act as the point person in Building Services for snow removal operations. Ensure that Building Services staff deliver the results that are expected throughout the campus and that all work areas are properly staffed. Address concerns brought forth for appropriate follow-up.  Ensure compliance with assignments through the Quality Assurance Program. Partner with the Director to compare vendor services with those of competitors to be sure we are getting the best value/service for our money. Foster a culture of safety; conduct routine inspections, communicate and reinforce safety policies and procedures, and review daily observations. Create a safety culture by modeling safe behavior, regularly participating in scheduled Safety Huddles, demonstrating zero tolerance for unsafe work practices, and serving as a source of expertise on safety matters.

 Stakeholder Engagement 

Engage customers frequently to assess needs, expectations, and satisfaction to gain understanding of their views. Manage customer responses to work order surveys and meet with department heads on campus to gather feedback. Establish and maintain a culture of accountability and compliance for all direct reporting staff. Participate in industry-related professional development to maintain a broad knowledge and perspective of trends that will impact the department’s ability to successfully execute long-term objectives. Seek industry-related certifications and designations.

 Event Support 

Lead Facilities-related high-profile events and activities including oversight of departmental Reunions efforts, commencement, refinement of Continuity of Operations Plans and emergency response activities. Represent Building Services on University committees, working groups and task forces requiring strategic vision, consensus building, and implementation of projects, whenever necessary. Monitor project activities to ensure they are accomplished on schedule, within budget and in accordance with established plans, timelines, and goals.

Inventory and Equipment Management 

Ensure that personnel have the supplies necessary to perform custodial services by leading and managing Supervisors to submit timely and accurate requests for supplies and manage inventory properly by receiving, controlling, and issuing supplies using the CMMS.  Lead identification, provision, and distribution of custodial equipment across assigned buildings and areas, provide initial and ongoing training in proper operations and user inspections, and coordinate with Training Manager on preventive maintenance and repairs.  Monitor reports and dashboards to assess performance and hold Supervisors accountable. 

Innovation and Technology

Responsible for conceptualizing and implementing technology tools and processes used in Building Services, including Computerized Maintenance Management System, SharePoint, Microsoft Office, Tiger Space, PeopleSoft Time & Labor, Tableau, and others. Use customer feedback and Quality Assurance to drive process improvements. It is expected that this position will master these systems technically, and partner with outside departments to advocate the most effective use of these technical tools to achieve the desired outcome of increasing service levels while driving out redundant processes. Recommend equipment based on new innovations and new buildings and identify ways for Building Services to be more efficient and proactive through the use of technology.

Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully the Assistant Director must be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Education/Experience – Bachelor's degree and at least five (5) years of leadership experience within a commercial/institutional facilities management or custodial management environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience; demonstrated leadership of a large, diverse workforce
• Knowledge of Custodial Function – Thorough knowledge of methods associated with commercial/institutional custodial function; thorough knowledge of safety regulations and safe work practices associated with custodial function
• Collective Bargaining Agreement – Experience administering a collective bargaining agreement
• Budget Management – Experience managing an annual operating budget of at least one (1) million dollars
• Communication and Analytical Skills – Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to a diverse audience, and possess a knowledge of appropriate escalation protocols; highly developed analytical skills
• Customer Service Skills – Understanding of modern customer service theories, practices and methods, and how to apply them
• Managerial Complexity – Ability to successfully handle multiple tasks at once, and be able to determine appropriate priorities; must be able to make independent interpretations and make decisions that are in the best interest of the organization and that are consistent with the objectives of senior leadership
• Technical Skills – Must be proficient in the use of business application software; must be familiar with the use of a computerized maintenance-management software program
• After-Hour Emergency Response – Must be able to respond to after normal business hour emergencies and incidents as needed, and on short notice
• Essential Personnel – Must be able to function in an essential personnel role, which may include an extended on-campus presence during local, regional, national emergencies
• Driver’s License/Background Check – Must have a valid driver’s license and pass a background check
• Working Conditions - This position works in an office setting, but also out in the field in varying temperatures. The position will require travel throughout the campus from time to time to visit with staff and customers. The position will engage in physical duties as the need arises. Must be able to periodically lift and maneuver up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience as the primary point of contact within a higher education setting for Custodial Services.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.