Associate Director, Custodial Services & Climate Control Systems

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Custodial Services and Climate Control Systems provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university's comprehensive custodial, moving, and climate control systems programs across more than six million square feet of campus facilities. Reporting to the Senior Director of Maintenance & Operations, this position independently directs large-scale operations, manages significant financial and human resources, and develops service strategies that ensure safe, efficient, and customer-focused facility operations. The role oversees a large workforce, establishes operational standards and performance metrics, manages regulatory compliance, and collaborates with campus stakeholders to support the University's educational mission through exceptional facilities services.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all custodial, moving, and assigned mechanical operations across multiple campus facilities to ensure high-quality, uninterrupted services.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve comprehensive operational plans, preventive maintenance programs, service standards, and quality assurance processes.
• Lead operational planning, workload prioritization, and service delivery using the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Manage assigned operating budgets, resource allocation, financial forecasting, and cost recovery to maximize operational efficiency.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate managers and staff, including recruitment, employee development, performance management, labor relations, and workforce engagement.
• Develop and administer service contracts, coordinate vendor performance, and ensure compliance with CSU procurement requirements.
• Build strong partnerships with campus departments by providing responsive customer service, communicating service expectations, and enhancing the overall customer experience.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, environmental requirements, University policies, and emergency preparedness procedures.
• Analyze operational performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement process enhancements to increase efficiency and service quality.
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives and collaborate with university leadership to support long-term operational goals and campus priorities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of custodial operations, facilities management, and operational planning.
• Strong leadership and personnel management skills, including supervision within a unionized environment.
• Ability to develop service standards, quality assurance programs, and performance measurement systems.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial management, forecasting, and resource planning.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Effective written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and standard business software applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently while adapting to changing operational demands.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, workplace safety requirements, emergency response, and the ethical application of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to support operational effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, management, business or a related field or equivalent experience such as five years of supervisory experience in custodial or operational services management, of which a minimum of three years is associated with progressively responsible experience.
• Four years of supervisory experience in scheduling, coordinating, and managing custodial operations, of which a minimum of two years are associated with progressively responsible management.
• Demonstrated experience leading and overseeing custodial and/or moving services and operations common to a large, complex organization.
• Supervisory experience in human resources and employee relations management.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing service plans including task development and resource assignment/management.

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, management, business or a related field.
• CCE certification through the International Sanitary Supply Association and/or GCMC certification through the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association or equivalent certification.
• Supervisory experience within a collective bargaining and represented staff environment.
• Experience managing custodial services for a demanding, large, and complex organization and environment.
• Experience in operational services management of a State facility, College or University, or other multi-facility complex.

Compensation

Classification: Administrator II

Anticipated Hiring Range: $10,618/month - $13,334/month

CSU Salary Range: $5,053/month - $60,636/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Background Check

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third‑party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.