The Assistant Director of Maintenance and Construction serves as a key member of the Facilities Management team, providing strategic leadership in campus planning, construction project management, and facilities operations. This position ensures Lipscomb University's physical environment supports the institution's mission, programs, and future aspirations through effective support and oversight of maintenance and construction activities. The Assistant Director collaborates with university stakeholders to maintain and enhance campus functionality, safety, and operational efficiency. This position reports directly to the Director of Maintenance and Construction.
Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Construction Coordinaton:
- Coordinate the strategic planning and construction of all new construction and renovation projects across campus
- Provide support and oversight for short-term and long-term facilities planning for the university and academy
- Assist in campus master planning initiatives including research, space planning, and construction documentation
- Serve under the Director of Maintenance and Construction as liaison to department heads and faculty for facility improvements and space planning consultation
- Ensure all construction projects align with university standards and operational requirements
Project and Budget Management:
- Prepare and maintain departmental budgets for maintenance and construction operations
- Code all maintenance and construction invoices for payment processing
- Code all departmental VISA invoices related to construction activities
- Serve as head of procurement for maintenance and construction furniture, fixtures, equipment and supplies
- Review and approve all departmental purchases to ensure consistency with university standards
- Ensure timely completion of projects within budget parameters
Technical Expertise and Compliance
- Maintain current working knowledge of construction trades and terminology, building codes, ADA requirements, and NFPA codes
- Update and maintain accurate construction drawings on shared drive systems
- Stay current on industry best practices and emerging trends through conferences and continuing education
- Maintain proficiency in project management and documentation and accounts payable software applications
- Maintain library of current materials and product specifications for ongoing projects
Vendor and Stakeholder Relations
Meet regularly with vendor representatives across all trades to stay informed on equipment and material options
Manage vending services account and vendor relationships
Provide administrative support to the Director of Maintenance and Construction
Foster collaborative relationships with contractors, vendors, and university
Operational Support
- Apply advanced troubleshooting skills to resolve complex project challenges and unforeseen circumstances
- Ensure consistency in facility standards throughout campus
- Monitor construction quality and compliance with specifications
- Coordinate maintenance activities with construction schedules
Position Qualifications
- Experience
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in facilities management, construction project management, or maintenance operations
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously
- Proven track record of budget management and fiscal responsibility
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Technical Competencies:
- Comprehensive understanding of construction processes, building codes, and regulatory compliance
- Expertise in construction materials and specifications
- Budget development and financial management capabilities
- Profressional Competencies:
- Commitment to Lipscomb University's mission, Christian values, and institutional goals
- Strong collaborative skills with ability to work effectively across all organizational levels
- Deep personal commitment to the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism
- Exceptional organizational skills with keen attention to detail
- Results-oriented approach with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities
- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse constituencies including university leadership, faculty, staff, donors, and external partners
- Proven ability to develop professional relationships while exercising sound judgment
- Leadership Qualities:
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability
- Demonstrated leadership in team environments
- Capacity to mentor and guide staff as needed
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
- Working Conditions
- Professional office environment with regular site visits to construction zones and campus facilities
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required for project deadlines or special events
- Exposure to construction sites requiring appropriate safety protocols and personal protective equipment
- Work in various weather conditions during site inspections
- Physical Demands
- Ability to conduct site walks and inspections
- Capability to review construction documents and technical drawings
- Extended periods of computer work for project management and documentation tasks
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment on construction sites
- Personal Interaction
- Daily interaction with university administration, faculty, and staff
- Regular communication with external vendors, contractors, and construction professionals
- Participation in university committees and planning groups as assigned
Confidentiality and Data Management
This position requires handling confidential information related to:
- University strategic planning and facility priorities
- Budget and financial data
- Personnel space assignments and departmental planning
- Donor-funded projects and naming opportunities
- Construction bids and vendor negotiations
The Assistant Director must exercise discretion and maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with university policies and professional standards.
Team Collaboration
This position works collaboratively within the Facilities Maintenance team and coordinates regularly with:
- Campus Construction and Service Operations leadership
- Physical Plant and maintenance staff
- University Planning and Administration
- Academic departments and administrative units
- External contractors, engineers, and construction professionals
- Environmental Health and Safety personnel
Additional Information
This position plays a vital role in creating and maintaining physical spaces that support Lipscomb University's educational mission and enhance the campus experience for all members of the university community. The Assistant Director must balance practical functionality with budget constraints and institutional priorities while maintaining the highest standards of professional practice and safety.
Position Status:
- Full-time
- 40 hours per week
5 years: * Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in facilities management, construction project management, or maintenance operations
* Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously
* Proven track record of budget management and fiscal responsibility
(required)