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 OpportunityThe 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 unitsdepartments on or off campus as necessary.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. Foster an inclusive environment that values differences and creates a sense of belonging and appreciation for team members. 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 internalexternal customers, including government inspectors, contractors, and service providers. Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and university safety standards.Develops and manages programdepartmental 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.QualificationsThe ideal candidate for the position of Associate Director, Mechanical Trades meets the following preferred qualifications:5 years of directly related progressive professional and supervisorymanagerial experience in facilities operationsmaintenance.Journey-level experience in a MechanicalElectricalPlumbing (MEP) -related crafttrade; thorough comprehension of MEP tradessystems preferred.Effective verbal and written communication skills; proven ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences.Demonstrated strong interpersonal and supervisory skills; ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse workforce; ability to interact effectively with employees, peers, customers, vendors, and administrators at all levels.Relevant experience in large campusinstitutional environments.Experience with budget planningadministration; 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 licensescertifications 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 licensecertification, Journey-level Plumbing licensecertification.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 experienceeducation as substitute for minimum education.3 years of directly related professional and supervisory experience in facilities operationsmaintenance. Expertise in mechanical trades and facilitiesbuilding 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 addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, open communication and accountability.The annual base salary for this position is $105,000 to $143,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, educationtraining, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.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 diverse 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. FPM values integrity, excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, open communication, and accountability. Learn more about us at 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.The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.#LI-BM1Minimum Education: Bachelor's degreeCombined experienceeducation as substitute for minimum educationMinimum Work Experience: 3 yearsMinimum Field of Expertise:Directly related professional and supervisory experience in area of program specialization.USC is a smoke-free environmentUSC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide 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 contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at . Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security ReportAffirmative Action and Equal Opportunity PlanPay Transparency Non-DiscriminationUSC is an E-Verify EmployerDigital AccessibilityIf you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

Created: 2025-02-23