University of New Mexico
Associate Director, Utility Services
Req #35499
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking leader to serve as Associate Director of Utility Services within the Facility Services division. This position provides strategic and operational oversight of UNM’s utility infrastructure across the Main and Health Sciences Center campuses, ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of critical utility services that support academic, research, healthcare, and data center operations.
Reporting to the Director of Technical Services, the Associate Director plays a key role in managing the University’s district energy and utility systems, including the Ford Utilities Center, Campus Utility Plant, high-pressure steam systems, chilled water plants, water wells, and potable water distribution networks. These systems collectively support approximately eight million square feet of campus facilities and are essential to UNM’s mission, sustainability goals, and emergency preparedness.
Key Responsibilities
The Associate Director provides leadership and direction for the daily operation and long-term planning of high-pressure steam, chilled water, and potable water systems in compliance with ASME, OSHA, and applicable federal and state regulations. The role oversees utility infrastructure planning, maintenance, and lifecycle management for both campuses and coordinates emergency response and continuity of operations for systems supporting healthcare facilities, research environments, and data centers.
Additional responsibilities include leading short- and long-range planning initiatives to enhance system reliability, resilience, and sustainability performance; developing, managing, and monitoring operating budgets with a focus on fiscal responsibility and cost control; managing external contracts and vendor relationships; maintaining accurate utility mapping and data through GIS, GPS, and other infrastructure management systems; and contributing to the Facility Services leadership team through collaboration on capital projects and institutional priorities.
Supervision and Leadership
This position supervises and develops a diverse technical and administrative workforce, including responsibilities for hiring, performance management, training, and succession planning.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in Educational Facilities operation.
- Strong understanding of FM operations across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, general maintenance, and capital improvement projects.
- Proven experience leading large teams, to include union staff.
- Extensive experience in financial management and budgeting.
- Expertise with facilities maintenance technology platforms (CMMS, work order systems, analytics tools).
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and executive-level presentation skills.
UNM offers a comprehensive benefits package and stable employment at New Mexico’s flagship public research university.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit UNM Jobs and search for Requisition ID: req35499 – Associate Director, Utility Services.
Best consideration date: February 9, 2026.
Only applications submitted through the official UNM Jobs website will be considered.
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