Director of Grounds & Special Events

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a leading public research university renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and community engagement. UMass Amherst's Facilities Management department plays a crucial role in supporting the university’s mission by maintaining and enhancing the campus environment to provide a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing setting for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Within this department, the Grounds and Events division is responsible for managing landscape services, construction, waste management, moving services, and special campus events across the main campus and satellite locations. The University seeks a highly skilled, experienced, and motivated individual to fill the role of Director of Grounds & Special Events. This full-time, onsite position is classified under the PSSAP Grade 32 pay grade, offering a competitive salary aligned with professional staff hiring ranges. The Director of Grounds & Special Events reports to the Executive Director of Facilities Management and is charged with the comprehensive management, strategic planning, and leadership of the Grounds Services Department. This role encompasses oversight of vital functions such as landscape maintenance, hardscape construction and repair, waste and recycling management, pest control, small engine repair, and moving services. The Director is responsible for developing and administering the annual budget and strategic plans, ensuring departmental operations align with university goals and sustainability initiatives. Leading a diverse workforce that includes staff and contractors, the Director fosters a collaborative, professional, and safe work environment, adhering to all relevant university, state, and federal regulations. In addition to directing routine operations, the role requires innovative leadership in sustainable landscaping practices, integrating environmentally responsible techniques such as permeable pavers, reduction of salt usage, water conservation, use of alternative-fueled equipment, and enhanced recycling and waste diversion strategies. Furthermore, the Director coordinates significant campus projects with departments like Design & Construction and Campus Planning, ensuring efficient, maintainable, and customer-focused results with minimal disruption to campus life. The position also includes critical responsibilities in event support, handling logistics and services for major university events such as Commencement ceremonies, football games, Founders Day, student move-in and move-out periods, and more. As the key liaison for facilities and campus services during events, the Director ensures seamless operations, quality assurance, and compliance with land use policies. This leadership role demands an ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical audiences, solve personnel issues in collaboration with human resources and labor relations, and strategically utilize business systems and tools to optimize resource management and reporting. The work schedule is Monday through Friday from 7 am to 3 pm, with on-call duties during emergencies and weather events. The role requires occasional physical activity involving lifting, transporting materials, prolonged standing, walking, and assuming low postures, reflecting the hands-on nature of the position. The University is dedicated to affirmative action and non-discrimination principles and values candidates who demonstrate commitment to these goals. The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree with at least six years of progressively responsible management experience, including three years in facilities management or related fields. Preferred qualifications include experience in unionized environments, knowledge of ADA compliance and building codes, and involvement in relevant professional associations. This essential position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a premier academic institution's operational excellence, sustainability, and vibrant campus life through strong leadership, strategic management, and community collaboration.