Associate Director, Utilities & Energy

The University of Iowa is seeking an Associate Director of Utilities and Energy. The position will work as part of a team that provides critical utilities to the University of Iowa and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. This position will manage the operator that has been hired to run the UI utility system through a public private partnership, as well as oversight of the utility operator includes but is not limited to: enforcement of utility operational and financial reporting requirements, direct the utility operator in capital project planning to ensure the University’s needs are met, review and approve utility operator request for capital project approval, and oversight of utility operation and maintenance to ensure a safe, reliable, efficient campus utility supply. The Associate Director will create systems and procedures that improve the processes used to manage and approve capital for the utility operator. The position will act as Director, Utilities in their absence. Determine when differences of interpretation of the utility concession agreement exist between the UI and the concessionaire, and work to resolve those differences of interpretation. They will engage and mentor UI students through project work that provides hands on learning experiences. Manage personnel who will provide design reviews for new capital projects approved for execution by the utility operator. Assist the utility operator in implementing world class maintenance processes and work with the operator to create and implement processes that improve delivery of utility services. Assist in creation and oversight of UI utility budgets. This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location. Duties to Include:

Creates and champions initiatives that foster respectful communication, learning and a spirit of cooperation in an inclusive environment that promotes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Work with Facilities Management leadership and the Office of Sustainability and the Environment to find creative solutions to make the UI more sustainable.

Recommend approval of projects that have been submitted as part of the utility operator’s Five-Year Plan, balancing university needs and the utility cost center budget impacts, understanding that the cost of capital projects are funded by the campus ratepayers.

Collaborate with Facilities Management finance staff to create and update the $100 million annual utility budget, including recommendations for the appropriate utility rates to charge campus customers. Drive improvements to the budgeting process to create a more efficient and transparent budgeting process.

Understand, interpret, and enforce the requirements contained within the approximately 2000-page P3 concession agreement and subsequent amendments. Use the understanding of the concession agreement to ensure all requirements are being met by the concessionaire and the utility operator.

Collaborate with FM building maintenance, athletics, UI Housing & Dining, UI Parking and Transportation, UIHC and the Office of the Vice President of Research to understand campus wide needs from the utility system. Use that understanding to prioritize utility system changes and improvements across campus. Location: University Services Building Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below. About Facilities Management – Utilities: FM Utilities works with the contracted utility operator, Engie, to meet the energy needs of the UI campus. FM Utilities manages the P3 contract with Engie, coordinates with the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, manages campus-wide environmental compliance, and oversight of fuel and electric contracts. Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related field or equivalent combination of related education and experience.

Professional experience (typically a minimum of 7 years) in an industrial or utility setting.

Supervisory experience (typically 3 year – 5 years).

Experience in operational management of an industrial or utility facility.

Experience with process improvement methodology.

Experience with utility or industrial facility capital improvement project planning and execution.

Fundamental understanding of district energy and/or water production operations.

Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.

Highly effective interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Experience with Microsoft Office products.

A strong customer service orientation.

Proven ability to implement process improvement and organizational change.

Professional experience working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Desired Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Engineering.

Working proficiency in developing business plans.

Experience managing contracted services for operations and/or maintenance.

Experience implementing an electronic maintenance management system as well as implementing a configuration control process governing both operational (standard operating procedures and system line-up) and physical plant configuration (drawings and specifications).

Experience leading the development, implementation, and maintenance of successful energy management programs, with administrative responsibility.

Experience with predictive maintenance programs, preferably in a utility or large industrial facility.

Familiarity with renewable energy sources.

Experience within a higher education environment. Position and Application Details: In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:

Resume

Cover Letter Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Candidate will be required to complete a writing sample as part of the interview process. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background investigation. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact Brooke McMurl at brooke-mcmurluiowa.edu or 319-467-0719. Additional Information

Classification Title: Assistant Director, Utilities

Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific

Schedule: Full-time

Work Modality Options: Hybrid within Iowa Compensation

Pay Level: 6B Contact Information

Organization: Finance & Operations (General)

Contact Name: Brooke McMurl

Contact Email: brooke-mcmurluiowa.edu