Director of Grounds & Special Events

Title: Director of Grounds & Special Events

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities Management

Department: Grounds and Events

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule:Full time

Work Arrangement:Onsite

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Facilities Management, the Director of Grounds, Special Projects and Events manages, plans, and leads personnel, financial, operational, and outreach activities of the University Grounds Services Department encompassing landscape, construction services, waste management and moving services for the main UMass Amherst campus and satellite locations.

Essential Functions

Strategic Planning and Department Leadership:

Develops annual budget for the continued operation and enhancement of service. Prepare annual Spending Plan in accordance with approved programs and approved funding targets. Administer financial activities in accordance with agreed parameters.

Provide strategic leadership in capital planning, representing grounds department needs. Promotes a forward-thinking approach to landscape design, maintenance, operations, and other landscaping techniques.

Implements approved programs consistent with budget and goals in the areas of landscape maintenance, hardscape construction and repair, waste/recycling management, moving services, surplus property, pest control and small engine repair.

Responsible for developing and implementing maintenance and operating standards to meet the needs of the campus community, including researching and adopting best available technology opportunities.

Oversees enhancement of all campus grounds to preserve and maintain the campus as a teaching, demonstration, and research source for the University faculty, staff, and students.

Develops short and long-range plans for programs, equipment, and facilities to provide the efficient, environmentally sound, and economically viable departmental programs.

Leads sustainable planning, low maintenance and environmentally responsible outdoor spaces by use of sustainable planting, permeable pavers, reduction of salt usage, conservation of water, use of alternative fueled equipment and vehicles, increasing recycling, reducing trash, and identifying new trash diversion options.

Supervision and Workforce Management:

Manage department workforce and contractors, including planning, training, prioritizing, scheduling and oversee quality control of the grounds services department.

Enforces safe work practices and oversees the proper handling and use of hazardous materials in compliance with University, State, and Federal regulations within the Grounds Services department.

Provides clear communication, maintains appropriate levels of confidentiality, and cultivates a staff culture rooted in collaboration, civility, adaptability, and professionalism.

Addresses workplace concerns in collaboration with the Human Resources, Labor Relations, and bargaining unit staff to resolve personnel matters. Act, as needed, by participating in grievance investigations and second step grievance hearing officer.

Ensures deployment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and analytic data to optimize departmental productivity.

Identifies student internships and employment opportunities. Collaborates with UMass Amherst faculty for department enhancements.

Understands, is committed to, and supports affirmative action and non-discrimination goals.

Projects and Events:

Oversees the removal of snow and ice from campus roads, walkways, building entries, and parking lots to ensure accessible and safe campus in the winter months, and recommends University closing or delays to the Director.

Coordinates Grounds projects with the Design & Construction and Campus Planning staff to maximize effectiveness, develop maintainable and sustainable standards, enhance customer service, and minimize disruptions to the campus community and surrounding neighborhoods.

Participates in and supports Campus Sustainability initiatives, including student-led projects.

Oversees utilization of business systems and applications to ensure effective use of the CMMS and other advanced software to manage resources, prepare reports, presentation and other communications utilizing, GIS, In-Vision, CMMS, etc.

Routinely meets with campus customers to determine their needs and to ensure follow through and quality assurance.

Serves as a point of contact for Facilities & Campus Services in supportingevents on campus. This includes, among other things, coordination of services and logistics for majorevents such as Commencement, Football Games, Founders Day, Student Move Out, and Student Move In.

Reviews and approves the campus Land Use requests.

Other Functions

Receives guidance and goals from the Executive Director of Facilities Management, however, the incumbent works independently and consults with the Executive Director when clarifications or interpretations of University policies are required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree.

Six (6) years' progressively responsible management experience, including at least three (3) years' experience in facilities management, landscape operations, waste management, construction services or related field.
Willing to work outside of normal working hours during weather emergencies or other job-related situations.

Demonstrated ability to organize a large number of activities effectively within an institutional setting, communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, work well with people at both technical and non-technical levels, and function effectively with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a unionized environment.

Experience working in higher education.

Working knowledge of relevant policies, codes and best practices including but not limited to ADA compliance and federal, state, and commercial building codes.

Active involvement in related professional association(s).

Additional Details

This position is designated as on call and essential personnel.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm

Salary Information

Pay Grade:PSSAP Grade 32

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Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.