Associate Director of Facility Operations

MU Research Reactor Facility Operations

A life-saving operation in the middle of America — the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) — needs you to help guide its future. MURR is expanding its critical cancer-fighting and medical isotope production.

MURR’s reactor is the highest-power university research reactor in the United States, operating at 10 megawatts, 6.5 days a week and 52 weeks a year. The MURR facility enables research across many disciplines – From investigating ancient cultures and how plants respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and developing radiopharmaceuticals that have lifesaving clinical applications. The MURR facility is a reliable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers and students across the country.

Be a part of the future of fighting cancer and saving lives.

Be a part of MURR

The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is seeking a dynamic leader to join the organization as the Associate Director (AD) of Facility Operations. The AD will oversee and manage MURR’s physical facilities and presentation of buildings and grounds, including the resolution of corrective actions, management of capital improvements, facilities maintenance and operations, long-range planning for facility capital investment, and asset preservation. Key duties involve budget planning and oversight, managing maintenance and repairs, ensuring compliance with regulations, developing long-term plans for facility needs and projects, and leading sustainability initiatives. Additionally, this role will provide strategic leadership of three core functional groups consisting of Skilled Trades (Machine Shop, Hot Cell Maintenance, Instrumentation and Controls), Facility Support, and Work Management). The incumbent will report to the Senior Director of Facility Operations and collaborate with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders across MURR and the broader University.

Successful candidates will be experienced people leaders with strong knowledge of facility management and operations and possess exceptional communication skills. They must demonstrate working knowledge of building systems and preventative maintenance programs, financial management expertise, and the ability to motivate and guide facilities staff to ensure operational efficiency and safety. The following durable skills will be critical to success: leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and commitment to university values are desired attributes.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership: Creates and fosters a culture of trust where staff feel valued, respected, and encouraged. Cultivates a high-performing team by modeling collaboration, inspiring a shared vision, and creating accountability.

Safety and Compliance: Promotes and drives a culture of safety by demonstrating a commitment to a safety conscious work environment. Maintains compliance with MURR, University and applicable regulatory standards.

Strategic Planning: Develops and implements short-term and long-term strategies for facility operations, including plans for future growth, renovations, and new buildings to support business objectives. Oversees creation, implementation and management of a Preventative Maintenance Program (long-range and short-range), including assessment of facility needs and reporting.

Corrective Actions: Leads the comprehensive resolution and activities for the Corrective Action Program that are assigned to the entire Facility Operations division. Assesses and analyzes each unique issue and collaborates with subject matter experts to recommend and implement appropriate courses of action.

Budget & Financial Management: Creates and monitors facility budgets, manages capital projects, oversees vendor contracts, and makes financial decisions to maximize cost efficiency.

Operations & Maintenance: Oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring the proper maintenance, repair, and safety of assigned building systems and equipment. Creates, implements, and manages a program to ensure the continuous improvement of MURR’s facility services.

Vendor & Contract Management: Negotiates with and manages University and external contractors for assigned services. Serves as liaison between MURR and University Facilities Management, Energy Management, and other facility-related services.

Staff Management: Directs, supervises, and evaluates department staff; ensures staff receives training related to specific job tasks and responsibilities.

Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM

A Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Leadership style that is collaborative and builds a culture of professionalism.
Strong leadership, managerial, and interpersonal skills gained through experience in the industry.

Strong communication skills that reflect clarity, conciseness, correctness, and coherence.

Proficiency in budget preparation, financial monitoring, and long-term facility planning.

Supervision experience in the building, maintenance and construction trades.

Ability to provide excellent customer service support in various situations.

Well-versed in facilities management processes and exhibits high multitasking and organizational abilities.

Ability to read blueprints, schematics and mechanical drawings; knowledge of building codes; working knowledge of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; knowledge of National Electrical Code; and working knowledge of maintenance and repair.

Industry certification such as International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or equivalent.

Salary Range: $125,000 – 160,000 per year
Grade: GGS-013
University Title: Associate Director Research
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.