Director of Housing Services - University Housing - UTK

The Director of Housing Services role oversees Housing Services operations across 10 residence halls housing more than 7,000 students, sets departmental goals and service standards, leads long-range facilities planning, and serves on the University Housing Senior Leadership Team. The Director provides strategic oversight of maintenance, preventive maintenance programs, deferred maintenance and assists with capital renewal planning. Manages the Housing Services operating budget, contracts, utilities, procurement, and financial analysis for operational improvements. Additionally, the position supervises and develops a multidisciplinary team (including custodial, maintenance, safety/security, and project roles), promotes accountability and continuous improvement, and ensures compliance with life safety, environmental health, ADA, OSHA, fire safety, and applicable codes and regulations.

Responsibilities

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP: Set and advance department goals, priorities, and long-range operational plans for facilities, maintenance, housekeeping, safety, and building systems.

Establish policies, service standards, and performance metrics, and drive improvements in service, efficiency, sustainability, and asset stewardship.

Serve on the University Housing Senior Leadership Team and lead response during facilities emergencies and disruptions.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT: Provide strategic oversight of preventive, deferred and continual maintenance, and facility renewal initiatives.

Partner with Student Life Facilities Capital Projects, the Interior Designer/Project Manager, Facilities Services, and P3 housing partners to plan and deliver renovations, space/furniture improvements, and long-range capital renewal priorities.

Monitor building condition assessments and recommend future capital investments to maintain consistent facility standards.

SUPERVISION & COLLABORATION: Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for: Maintenance Superintendent, Housekeeping Supervisor, Assistant Director for Safety & Security, Interior Designer/Project Manager, and Special Projects Coordinator.

Establish performance expectations, professional development plans, succession planning initiatives, and employee engagement strategies.

Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, continuous improvement, and workplace safety.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE: Provide executive oversight of life safety, security, emergency preparedness, environmental health, and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to all applicable federal, state, university, OSHA, fire/ADA, environmental, and building code requirements.

Coordinate emergency response activities involving housing facilities; Oversee building inspections, incident investigations, corrective action planning, and risk mitigation initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience: Eight years of progressively responsible facilities management or operations leadership experience; Five or more years supervising professional staff and managers; Experience managing maintenance operations for multiple facilities or a large campus environment; Experience overseeing capital projects and deferred maintenance programs; Experience managing capital budgets; Experience working collaboratively with centralized facilities organizations and external contractors; Higher education or student housing experience preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong organizational skills and project management skills; Knowledge of facilities management principles, building systems, preventive maintenance, and capital renewal planning; Knowledge of construction administration, renovation planning, and project management; Knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation; Knowledge of life safety systems, OSHA regulations, building codes, and regulatory compliance; Knowledge of custodial operations and maintenance best practices; Skill in strategic planning and organizational leadership; Skill in supervising managers and leading multidisciplinary teams; Skill in project management involving multiple stakeholders; Skill in conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving; Ability to develop productive partnerships across organizational boundaries; Ability to analyze operational and financial data to support strategic decision-making; Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, contractors, consultants, faculty, staff, and students; Ability to manage multiple complex priorities in a dynamic environment.  

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree

Work Location 

• Location: University Housing Central Office: Magnolia Hall
• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Onsite with occasional weekends, evenings and travel.

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR14
• Anticipated hiring range:  $85,000 - $106,000. Final salary range to be presented prior to on-campus interview and will be based on education and experience.
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division 

The Division of Student Life is comprised of an outstanding group of professionals who create student-centered opportunities that contribute to a transformative Volunteer Experience. These opportunities allow students to develop their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. From health and wellness to service and engagement, we provide opportunities where students exemplify the Volunteer Spirit, inspiring others to learn, lead, and serve.

Our departments provide essential services that support student success and future growth, fostering engagement, leadership, and wellness while enhancing belonging. Together, they create transformative experiences that help students achieve both academic and personal goals.

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