Associate Director, Mechanical Trades

Capitalizing on over 140 years of history and tradition in downtown Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) has embarked on an unprecedented period of expansion. USC is now poised to take its place as the preeminent research institution of the 21st century and we are looking for skilled, motivated professionals to help forge the future of higher education.

The USC department of Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) is seeking an Associate Director, Mechanical Trades to join its team.

About the Opportunity

The Associate Director of Mechanical Trades manages and administers the operations of engineering, electrical, plumbing, and elevator maintenance programs across the university campuses (University Park and Health Sciences). Oversees program operations and administrative functions, including planning and scheduling, program evaluation, policy implementation, personnel administration, and budget management. Contributes to the design of program content, policies, and strategic planning efforts. Ensures high standards of service quality and customer satisfaction through effective leadership. Acts as a key liaison with the campus community and serves as the deputy to the Director of Maintenance, assuming the Director's responsibilities when needed.

Accountabilities:

• Plans and develops program objectives and content. Researches and identifies trends and needs and establishes program directions accordingly. Assesses quality of program operations. Modifies existing program services or creates new program offerings to maintain or enhance program standing. Links program with other relevant units/departments on or off campus as necessary.

• Develops, implements, and oversees robust preventative maintenance (PM) programs with clear key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure effectiveness and ensure the longevity and reliability of USC’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

• Facilitates and leads the resolution of complex problems. Develops and implements specific programs within assigned trades, including long-range planning, service enhancement, and the establishment of goals and objectives. Develops and tracks key performance indicators to measure program success.

• Manages staff assigned to program. Recommends organizational structure, reporting relationships and staffing needs based on program goals. Makes hiring, promotional and salary decisions in accordance with university policy. Provides performance appraisals for staff and determines need for disciplinary action.

• Accountable for the development of team members by helping them set and achieve goals for their career growth. Fosters a collaborative environment that values respectful relationships and encourages all individuals to contribute through their ideas, words, and actions, in alignment with the principles of the USC Code of Ethics. Lead by example, demonstrating strong ethics, high accountability, and actively drive the process of embedding organizational values and behaviors. Create a culture of trust and transparency. Drive best-in-class customer service to USC through effective team member engagement.

• Develops and recommends program operating and administrative policies. Manages the dissemination, interpretation and application of program policies and recommends approval of exceptions.

• Manages the delivery of services to targeted program participants or beneficiaries. Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate. Develops and maintains automated or manual systems and procedures to facilitate program operations.

• Serves as a liaison between the unit and internal/external customers, including government inspectors, contractors, and service providers. Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and university safety standards.

• Develops and manages program/departmental budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and recommends or makes budgetary and resource allocations. Compiles data to support resource needs and funding requests. Provides financial status reports as requested.

• Serves as a key resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions referred by program staff, senior university administrators, or professionals outside the university.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the position of Associate Director, Mechanical Trades meets the following preferred qualifications:

• 5 years of directly related progressive professional and supervisory/managerial experience in facilities operations/maintenance.

• Journey-level experience in a Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing (MEP) -related craft/trade; thorough comprehension of MEP trades/systems preferred.

• Proven expertise instituting/managing comprehensive preventative maintenance (PM) programs, including defining and tracking KPIs to measure program effectiveness.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills; proven ability to communicate effectively across a wide variety of audiences.

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and supervisory skills; ability to lead, motivate, and develop a workforce; ability to interact effectively with employees, peers, customers, vendors, and administrators at all levels.

• Relevant experience in large campus/institutional environments.

• Experience with budget planning/administration; demonstrated understanding of university accounting and financial processes preferred.

• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS’s) and utilizing technology to achieve efficiencies and effectiveness.

• The following licenses/certifications are preferred, but not required: Elevator Mechanic Journey Level license or Certified Competent Conveyance Mechanic certification, 500 or Unlimited HP Steam Engineer Boiler Operator license, Journey-level Electrician license/certification, Journey-level Plumbing license/certification.

• Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) is highly desirable.

All candidates for the position of Associate Director, Mechanical Trades must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree; however, combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• 3 years of directly related professional and supervisory experience in facilities operations/maintenance. Expertise in mechanical trades and facilities/building maintenance programs are essential.

• Valid CA driver's license required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice program. For more information, please visit the policy website.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

The annual base salary range for this position is $105,000 – $143,000. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

About USC Facilities Planning and Management (FPM):

USC FPM is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining the breadth of the facilities at USC, and is also dedicated to creating a safe environment for our USC community. Woven into every service, safety is of upmost importance. As FPM, this group of innovative and talented professionals provide high quality facilities construction, operations and maintenance services at USC and serve as dedicated stewards of USC core values. Learn more about us at https://fpm.usc.edu

Come and join the USC FPM team – a team that works as trusted partners shaping an environment of innovation and excellence.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re excited about shaping the future of education and joining a high-achieving team, apply today! Help us create transformative learning experiences that prepare students for the future. Submit your resume and application now to be a part of our journey.

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Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Work Experience: 3 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional and supervisory experience in area of program specialization.

Salary : $105,000 - $143,000