Directing the strategic leadership and management oversight for the planning, operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, and stewardship of university facilities and grounds is the core of this role. The Director ensures a safe, functional, sustainable, and welcoming campus environment that supports the University's strategic plan's academic, research, residential, and community engagement missions.
Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership and management for facilities operations, capital planning and capital project delivery, regulatory compliance, budget development and management, and the supervision of facilities personnel
Promote operational excellence, customer service, and benchmarking for continuous improvement
Provide leadership and management for all Facilities Management units, including Planning, Design and Construction, Building Maintenance, Grounds Maintenance and Housekeeping, Operations Budgets, Division I Athletic Facilities, Energy Management, Sustainability, and Environmental Health and Safety
Manage the maintenance, custodial services, and grounds operations supporting Upstate's student residential housing facilities
Serve as a key advisor on campus facilities matters
Participate on the Chancellor's facilities planning committee
Provide oversight management for campus-wide space utilization and related state reporting requirements
Serve on architectural, engineering, construction manager-at-risk (CMR), and other facilities-related selection committees
Requirements
Bachelor's degree with extensive management experience, particularly in the facilities area
Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in facilities and/or capital projects management with at least 3 years of supervisory/management experience
Engineering background is helpful as related to physical plant operations, construction and renovations
Experience working in public higher education or similarly complex state agency
Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for a comprehensive facilities management operation within a complex organization
Proven experience leading, developing, and supporting diverse teams while fostering a collaborative, customer-focused, and accountable work environment
Ability to exercise sound judgment, demonstrate integrity, and make informed decisions to effectively resolve complex operational and organizational challenges
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with university leadership, faculty, staff, students, government agencies, contractors, city officials, and the public
Operate with integrity and appropriately manage confidentiality and information with discretion
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
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Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Extensive knowledge of principles, planning, building design, construction methods and techniques, infrastructure systems, engineering principles, building operations, and maintenance practices
Comprehensive understanding of preventive maintenance programs, physical plant operations, custodial services, grounds maintenance, athletic facilities management, sustainability initiatives, and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs
Demonstrated experience in planning, managing, and delivering capital improvement and renovation projects, including project budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and contract administration
Knowledge of campus space planning, utilization, and facilities asset management principles
Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and standards related to facilities operations, construction, environmental health and safety, and public procurement
Ability to develop, implement, and enforce policies, procedures, and operational standards that promote safety, compliance, risk mitigation, and operational excellence
Strong knowledge of the international building code and NFPA codes for construction and maintenance of facilities
Strong knowledge of budget development, fiscal management, financial analysis, procurement practices, and competitive bidding procedures
Demonstrated ability to manage operating and capital budgets, negotiate and administer contracts, and effectively steward institutional resources
Proficiency in the use of computer applications and facilities-related management systems to support planning, operations, reporting, and decision-making
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences
Ability to effectively advocate for Facilities Management initiatives and priorities while building consensus among stakeholders
Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet established deadlines
Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy, continuous improvement, and quality service
Commitment to ongoing professional development and industry best practices through participation in professional organizations such as the South Carolina Chapter of APPA (SCAPPA), APPA, ASCE, APWA, or other related facilities management associations
A safe driving record and successful background check are required
Nice to have:
Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP), Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facility Management Professional (FMP)
Benefits
Health and Life Insurance
Retirement Programs
Paid Tuition Program
Dependent Scholarships
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Annual Leave
Sick Leave
13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
Paid Parental Leave
Professional Development Opportunities
Important Details
Schedule: flexibility to work evenings, weekends, emergency response situations, and travel as needed to support University operations
Application deadline: 09/19/2026
Application Process
The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education
A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application
About the Company
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of its eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, its Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of its system institutions place strong emphasis on service
— helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
