Director

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Who We Are

We are "the power behind UT".

Utilities and Energy Management (UEM) provides reliable and cost-effective electricity, chilled water, steam, deionized water, compressed air, emergency power, and elevator services for The University of Texas at Austin. We have more than 170 employees in five divisions: Utilities Operations; Utilities Distribution; Power Systems, Controls, and Operating Technology; Finance and Administrative Services; and Engineering, Strategic Programs, and Process Improvement.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking candidates who share the following core values:

Safety: Commitment to the well-being of our fellow employees, ourselves, and the campus community.

Respect: Treating everyone with fairness and dignity.

Integrity: Transparency, honesty, trust and ethics in our work and our relationships.

Reliability: Delivery of consistent, dependable, and uninterrupted services.

Teamwork: Working together through cooperation, contribution, and the sharing of our knowledge.

Excellence: Setting the highest standards through innovation, collaboration, forward-thinking, and stewardship.

As a member of our team, you will be part of a globally recognized district energy system that serves a top-tier research university. We strive to provide a positive workplace culture that welcomes ideas, talent and perspectives - and we look forward to hearing from you!

Learn more about Utilities and Energy Management.

Your skills will make a difference.

You'll be working for a university that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will make a difference in the lives of Campus Operations staff, thereby enhancing the student experience. If you're the type of person that wants to know your work has earning and impact, you'll like working in our department and for UT Austin. UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities.
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card
• For more details, please see: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits and https://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/my-total-rewards

Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employee without sponsorship.

Security sensitive; three-year driving record and criminal background checks conducted on selected candidate. Hiring decision is contingent upon applicant clearing checks. May work 4-10 work schedule.

The Director of Utilities-Engineering and Technical Services (ETS) is a key leadership position responsible for shaping and advancing the University's vision for sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy and utilities management. The Director will lead the Engineering and Project Support unit, and the Analytics and Technical Programs unit, aligning these divisions with the broader objectives of Campus Operations and the University's mission and strategic plan. Through leadership, strategic oversight, and technical expertise, the Director will enhance UEM's operational effectiveness, environmental stewardship, and innovative capabilities.

This role is essential to ensure that UEM's initiatives are functional and transformative, positioning the University as a leader in sustainable energy management, resource efficiency, and operational excellence. The Director will lead efforts to implement state-of-the-art engineering practices, spearhead key safety, risk management, and modernization programs, and champion process improvement strategies that enhance service delivery and stakeholder satisfaction. Through collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to innovation, the Director will cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability, while setting performance standards that reflect UEM's dedication to safety, respect, integrity, and excellence.

In addition to technical and operational leadership, the Director will engage in long-term strategic planning, resource and financial management, and staff development to build a resilient, high-performing team equipped to meet current and future demands. This position serves as a critical subject matter expert (SME) to the Executive Director, offering executive-level insights on utilities, infrastructure, and energy strategies that support the University's mission, efficiency goals, and commitment to delivering a reliable, sustainable campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and the community.

• Develop and execute a vision for the Engineering and Technical Services division that aligns with Utilities and Energy Management (UEM), Campus Operations, and the University's 10-year strategic plan.
• Set, communicate, and track progress on long-term goals, strategies, and performance targets to advance UEM's objectives within the university's strategic priorities framework.

• Lead the Engineering, Project Support (oversight and compliance), Analytics (Data Stewardship and Process Improvement), and Technical Programs teams to ensure cohesive and high-performing unit dynamics, timely completion of work, and a high-quality standard.
• Foster collaboration, innovation, and accountability within and across teams to promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

• Direct the delivery of engineering services, including project programming, feasibility assessment, budgeting, and design execution with internal staff and contracted professionals.
• Provide technical guidance on projects affecting UEM operations, ensuring compliance with relevant legal, procurement, and code requirements while prioritizing UEM's operational continuity and standards.
• Develop and utilize advanced tools and presentations using Tableau, Power BI, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and BIM (Building Information Modeling) to enhance project planning, monitoring, and communication.
• Leverage GIS to map, analyze, and manage utilities infrastructure data for improved decision-making and operational efficiency.

• Project Oversight:
  • Provide Project Advocacy and Oversight (ensuring alignment, monitoring progress, and compliance)
  • Risk and Change Management (identifying and addressing risks, reviewing change orders, maintaining objectives)
  • Reporting and Documentation (tracking and reporting metrics, ensuring accurate documentation)
  • Continuous Improvement (identifying improvement opportunities, integrating lessons, supporting training)
• Compliance
  • Technical Review and Compliance (reviewing documents, facilitating inspections, ensuring checks)
  • Inspections and Inspection Coordination (overseeing inspections, ensuring compliance with UEM standards)
  • Oversee and ensure operational and environmental compliance for utility operations, including federal, state, and university permitting and reporting.

• Ensure Data Stewardship by maintaining data integrity, management, governance, and appropriate use.
• Champion a data-driven approach to decision-making, leveraging advanced analytics to optimize system performance and operational efficiency (Supply and Demand).
• Drive the adoption of visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for process monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder communication.
• Implement process improvement frameworks such as Lean Six Sigma to streamline workflows and enhance resource utilization.
• Establish systems to track and report utility performance, benchmarking against industry standards to identify improvement opportunities.

• Provide oversight, coordination, and strategic guidance for all technical programs, allowing individual operating units within UEM to handle day-to-day operational responsibilities.
• Align programmatic efforts with UEM's strategic goals, fostering collaboration across units and ensuring the consistent execution of initiatives that drive safety, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Develop program frameworks and standards, including creating and implementing strategies, processes, and documentation, to guide program implementation and ensure compliance.
• Coordinate across UEM units to facilitate department communication, collaboration, and resource sharing.
• Monitor program performance, tracking the progress of each program's objectives, performance indicators, and success measures.Analyzes data and identifies areas for improvement.
• Produce reports and dashboards to communicate program performance to UEM leadership and stakeholders.

• Recruit and Onboard Talent: Identify and attract highly skilled professionals to join the UEM ETS Team.
• Mentor and Empower Teams: Provide individualized coaching and mentorship to staff, cultivating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to excel in their roles. Encourage open communication and collaboration to strengthen team dynamics.
• Set and Achieve Performance Goals: Establish clear, measurable performance objectives for individuals and teams, ensuring alignment with UEM's mission and strategic priorities. Monitor progress and provide regular feedback to drive continuous improvement and accountability.
• Develop Career Pathways: Create tailored professional development plans that align with each employee's aspirations and UEM's long-term workforce needs. Offer training opportunities, cross-functional experiences, and certifications to support skill enhancement and career growth.
• Foster a Culture of Excellence: Implement initiatives that promote teamwork, innovation, and a shared commitment to service excellence. Model and reinforce UEM core values.

• Define staffing needs and manage budgets for the ETS teams, supporting both short- and long-term operational plans.
• Implement strategic financial planning and stewardship practices to support sustainable growth and innovation within UEM.
• Career Map: Develop and execute long-term strategies for skill development, leadership succession, and workforce sustainability.

• Act as the Executive Director's delegate when required, ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Provide high-level strategic and financial analysis and advice on utilities, energy infrastructure, and related processes to inform executive decision-making.
• Act as the Executive Director's subject matter expert for UEM requests on utilities, infrastructure, and energy strategies.

• Uphold all University and UEM safety policies, participate in safety training, and ensure team adherence to safe work practices.
• Model and enforce compliance with the UEM's core values of Safety, Respect, Integrity, Reliability, Teamwork, and Excellence.

• Attending staff meetings, training, and professional development sessions. Remain engaged with UEM and University policies, practices, and goals to adaptively support evolving needs.
• Perform other related functions as assigned. Attending staff meetings, safety training or meetings. Adheres to Utilities and University policies and procedures. Follow all University and UEM safety policies and procedures, take required safety training, and identify and report safety hazards. Perform work tasks in a safe manner, wear the proper personal protective equipment, and report near misses and incidents.

Advanced degree (master's in engineering or business administration), Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.

Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in a technical field, including energy management, utility (water, electric, other), engineering, power plant or similar operations, administration, and supervision. At least 5 years in a managerial or leadership capacity, with a proven track record of leading critical projects and driving strategic initiatives.

• Strong working knowledge of electricity, steam, water treatment, chilled water generation, storm and sanitary systems, and distribution systems.
• Proficiency in the operation and maintenance of combustion turbine-based power plants and District Energy Systems.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements relevant to utility and energy management.

Demonstrated experience in strategic planning within utility, energy, or large-scale operational settings. Ability to analyze long-term needs, set clear objectives, and create actionable plans aligned with organizational goals. Skilled in conducting market analysis, forecasting trends, and developing strategies to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across energy management operations.

Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis, performance metrics, and business process improvement, including advanced skills in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) and process mapping software. Ability to apply Lean-Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, and other process improvement methodologies to drive operational excellence.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels. Proven ability to foster a safe, cooperative, and high-performance work environment.

Proficiency in program and project management principles and tools, including agile methodologies. Proven experience in managing complex, cross-functional projects from conception through completion, with a focus on continuous improvement, organizational development, and change management.

Demonstrated experience in budget management, financial oversight, and strategic planning. Strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, with experience in resource efficiency and waste minimization.

Understanding of business drivers, industry trends, and the forces impacting utility and energy management. Ability to align technical operations with organizational goals and make strategic decisions that support long-term objectives.

Proven success in driving organizational change, fostering employee involvement, and building a culture of continuous improvement. Ability to implement effective change management strategies, promote innovation, and motivate and influence diverse teams.

Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

$190,000

• May work around standard office conditions
• Personal Protection Equipment usage is mandatory in all operating spaces that include hearing and eye protection, gloves, suitable attire and breathing devices may be required under certain conditions.
• Exposure to heat, chemicals, heated surfaces and asbestos.
• Exposure to electrical and explosive hazards.
• Exposure to computer emissions.
• Exposure to biohazards.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures.

• Use of a keyboard and personal computer
• Fine manual dexterity
• May be required to perform elevated work.
• Occasional work from ladders and/or scaffolds.
• May be required to lift up to 50lbs.
• Often required to twist, grasp, push, pull and bend.

• May be required to work in confined spaces, manholes, tunnels, elevated work, extended shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. May be exposed to loud noise, high dust and allergen levels. Drive University vehicles. Maintain acceptable driver rating as established in Policy: UTS157 Section 2.5.4. Participate in on-call program.

• 40 Hour Work Week Schedule; Monday-Friday, 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.May be required to work in confined and elevated spaces. Shifts may be extended- including nights, holidays, and weekends.

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Employment Eligibility:

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
• E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.