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Position Title:Assistant Director Building Operations

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:Certification in Building Operations, Facilities Management, or equivalent.

7+ years of experience in building operations or facilities management within a university or similarly complex environment.

Proven success in leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale building systems, while address deferred maintenance.

Proven knowledge of and successful implementation of APPA cleaning standards.

Experience with emergency management planning and coordination, including drills and compliance documentation.

Familiarity with sustainability practices in building operations, including energy efficiency and green cleaning standards.

Advanced proficiency in facilities management software (e.g., TMA) and data-driven assessment tools.

Job Description:

SummaryAre you a facilities pro who’s equally comfortable with a mop and a motor? Do you thrive in leadership roles that blend hands-on knowledge with strategic oversight? If so, we’ve got the perfect opportunity for you!

The Memorial Union at Iowa State University is seeking an Assistant Director for Building Operations—a dynamic leader who will work to preserve and modernize the beloved ISU Memorial Union, which serves as the “living room of campus.”

With a blend of custodial and mechanical responsibilities, this role is dedicated to maintaining a safe, clean, and vibrant space with efficiency for students, staff, and visitors alike. You’ll lead two dedicated teams of “behind-the-scenes heroes,” setting high standards for service, safety, and operational excellence. From sparkling floors to smoothly running HVAC systems, this role and the teams they oversee are critical in providing the first impression of not only the Memorial Union, but Iowa State University for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

What You’ll Do:

+ Lead and inspire custodial and mechanical teams to deliver top-tier service.

+ Ensure safety and emergency preparedness, keeping the Memorial Union compliant and service-ready.

+ Collaborate across departments and with external partners to support events, programs, and daily operations.

+ Manage budgets and sustainability initiatives, contributing to long-term planning and resource stewardship.

+ Support capital projects and preventative maintenance, using tools like TMA (workorder software) to monitor efficiency and drive continuous improvement.

Why This Role Matters:

This position is critical to maintaining the Memorial Union’s operational integrity and enhancing student experience. You’ll be a key player in creating a welcoming, functional, and safe environment that supports learning, connection, and community.

Who You Are:

+ A hands-on leader with experience in both custodial and mechanical operations.

+ A strategic thinker who can juggle daily operations with long-term planning.

+ A collaborator who enjoys working with various teams and stakeholders.

+ Someone who finds fulfilment in a well-run building and a well-supported team.

For more information about us, please visit: Memorial Union (https://www.mu.iastate.edu/)

Level Guidelines• A ware of key annual objectives of department or work unit

• Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports• Focus on ISU’s mission and meeting department or work unit goals• Supervises a small department or work team• Often is a working supervisor with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS808

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please Note: To receive full consideration, applications should be received by September 10, 2025.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date: August 27, 2025

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:R17700

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.