What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Projects - INTERNAL ONLY position at Montana State University Billings?
Position Details
The Project Director for Facilities Services provides campus-wide leadership in the management of projects for trades personnel, projects, budgets, and operational priorities that support the academic and administrative mission of Montana State University Billings. Reporting to the Executive Director of Facilities Services, this position plays a critical role in coordinating people, projects, and resources across the University, ensuring that facilities services are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.
The Project Director for Facilities Services partners with campus departments and external agencies to plan, design, manage, and deliver construction, renovation, repair, and maintenance projects across two campuses totaling approximately 1.5 million square feet on 115 acres. The position supports the department of approximately 45 employees and is responsible for maintaining operational continuity while balancing daily service demands with longer-term capital and infrastructure projects.
Success in this role requires strong leadership, project management expertise, fiscal discipline, and the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations in a complex campus environment.
The following are reasons why you should join our team:
- Work-life balance
- Holidays-10 paid holidays per year and 1 Floating Holiday
- Vacation- 15 days per year (New Employees to 10 years; after 10 years the accrual rate increases)
- Sick Leave – Earned at an accrual rate of .0416125 for each hour in pay status.
- Employee and Dependent Tuition Waiver
- Opportunities to engage in professional development opportunities
- Committed to employee wellness and access to a robust Employee Assistance Program
- Medical Benefits that are robust and affordable
- Visit MUS Benefits to learn more about our benefit package including:
- Medical, Vision, and Dental
- Life Insurance and Long Term Disability are incorporated into our benefits.
- Learn more about our retirement benefits at MUS Retirement.
- Opportunities for career growth and a variety of career paths
- Campus vibrancy- coffee shops, FREE attendance to MSUB concerts, athletic events, and lectures, access to recreation center, library, etc.
- Beautiful campus environment that features our MSUB Mile walking path
- Support the Executive Director for Facilities Services in providing effective leadership and operational direction for Facilities Services personnel.
- Assist in coordinating staff activities; support compliance with collective bargaining agreements; and promote a culture of accountability, safety, and collaboration.
- Ensure staff resources are deployed efficiently to meet campus needs, project timelines, and service expectations.
- Create and maintain master facilities plan
Project Management:
- Serve as Project Director for small- to mid-scale construction, renovation, and deferred maintenance projects, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within approved budgets.
- Act as the campus liaison and project representative for larger capital projects managed by State Architecture & Engineering.
- Coordinate planning, design, scheduling, contractor oversight, inspections, and project close-out activities.
- Monitor project budgets and schedules, identify risks, and proactively address issues to prevent delays or cost overruns.
- Communicate regularly to stakeholders
Operational and Campus Coordination:
- Collaborate with the Executive Director of Facilities and Environmental Health & Safety to assess short- and long-term campus maintenance, capital, and infrastructure needs.
- Serve as a key point of contact for campus departments, i.e., colleges, Housing, Dining, Athletics, Academic Affairs, and administrative units, ensuring responsive, coordinated facilities support.
- Support facilities operations.
- Balance routine maintenance, emergency response, and planned projects across both campuses.
Fiscal and Asset Management:
- Assist in managing Facilities Services budgets and expenditures, ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources.
- Support University rental properties, fleet vehicles, equipment, and warehouse operations.
- Ensure accurate and consistent use of the FAMIS work order system for tracking work, costs, and performance metrics.
Ensure Facilities Services operations comply with all applicable:
- State and Federal laws
- State statutes and local codes
- Montana University System and Montana State University Billings policies
- State Architectural & Engineering requirements
- Risk Management and Tort Defense policies
- File and manage insurance claims related to property or vehicle incidents and coordinate required documentation
- Represent Montana State University Billings at local, state, and regional facilities-related meetings and serve on institutional committees assigned
Other Duties:
- Oversee the Facilities Services team in absence of the Executive Director
- Perform additional duties consistent with the scope of the position as assigned
- Demonstrated experience in Montana’s construction bidding procedures and regulatory requirements for project planning
- General knowledge of applicable code of federal regulations and provisions related to construction contracting, procurement and project administration
- Demonstrated ability to lead, support, and coordinate a diverse workforce across multiple disciplines
- Proven strong skills in managing complex projects with defined timelines, budgets, and deliverables
- Proven ability to monitor budgets, control costs, and manage resources effectively
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to emergencies, and maintain focus on deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to represent MSUB professionally with system offices, regulatory agencies, and community partners
- Bachelor’s degree, or a combination of education and relevant professional experience sufficient to perform the duties of the position
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
- Minimum of five (5) years of professional management experience in facilities services, construction, or one of the skilled trades
- Practical engineering experience or technical proficiency in construction processes and standards
- Demonstrated experience in managing a variety of projects
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends and translate findings into actionable insights
- Bachelor’s degree in business, architecture, construction management, engineering, or a closely related field
EXPERIENCE:
- Management experience in a unionized environment
- Experience managing facilities in a large, multi-building complex, preferably within a public or higher education setting
- Experience working in public or government agencies
Montana State University Billings is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.
Montana State University Billings makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU Billings provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference or request accommodation, contact the Human Resources Office, Montana State University Billings, 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101-0298, 406-657-2278, employment@msubillings.edu.
MSU Billings Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Billings Website: http://www.msubillings.edu/humres/eeos.htm
Salary : $95,000 - $105,000