Senior Director, Energy and Utilities (San Jose)

San Jose, CA, United States

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President and in collaboration within the Department and colleagues across the campus, the Senior Director of Energy & Utilities leads the Energy & Utilities unit within Facilities Development & Operations. The unit ensures maintenance and operation of campus utility systems and infrastructure and fire/life safety and security systems, focusing on operational resiliency, efficiency, and ongoing efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. The Senior Director manages all activities associated with maintenance and operation of critical infrastructure systems, administers the units budget, and steers the campus toward carbon neutrality.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure full utilization of a computerized maintenance management system to prioritize, schedule, assign, track, and manage resources, properly steward physical assets, ensure safety, and maintain responsiveness to campus needs
Oversee analysis of existing system performance and advise and direct improvements to achieve greater overall operating efficiency
Develop scopes of work and specifications associated with efforts required by consultants or contractors in alignment with University business practices
Ensure efficient management of resources including development of appropriate business protocols and internal controls to ensure compliance, efficiency, transparency, and accountability
Coordinate with subordinate managers concerning resource availability to determine work to be accomplished with in-house forces or via contracted services
Conduct analysis and research necessary to prepare reports which provide for an in-depth understanding of the Units performance as well as that of the physical assets for which the Department is responsible
In collaboration with the Senior AVP and Planning, Design & Construction unit within Facilities Development & Operations, lead efforts associated with development of a utilities master plan
In partnership with colleagues in the Business & Administrative Services unit and Budget Office, develop utility rate recharge methodology and systems necessary for establishment of utility rates, outside utility invoice review, customer billing preparation, tracking, and reporting purposes
In collaboration with the Planning, Design & Construction unit within Facilities Development & Operations, lead and participate in efforts to establish campus design, engineering, and product standards
Lead and oversee the development and implementation of policies, procedures and performance standards associated with operational units and functional responsibilities in a manner dovetailed with the Departments overall direction
In collaboration with the Senior AVP, Director of Business & Administrative Services and University Personnel, participate in and represent the Department in collective bargaining and labor relations issues
Act as the primary unit representative and liaison with outside agencies (including utility companies and regulatory agencies) and clients across the campus to advance work efforts and support strategic initiatives and goals
Oversee efforts to respond to campus emergencies as related to the assigned area of responsibility including active participation in emergency management teams

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Thorough knowledge required to lead and oversee a large and complex energy and utilities infrastructure organization, including but not limited to: co-generation (5.7MW), exterior utility systems and infrastructure including power generation, facility automation, and energy management and fire alarm and security systems and networks
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing a strong customer service approach to work efforts while motivating staff in a challenging environment
Ability to lead by example, modeling a caring, collaborative and open culture and environment which values the individual, teams and teamwork, ethical conduct, exemplary customer service and quality results
Ability to effectively interpret, organize and present information, ideas and concepts in written or presentation format and use consultative, collaborative and facilitation skills to obtain decisions required to move forward toward implementation
Ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economic justice, social justice, environmental justice) into all aspects of performing job duties

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in engineering, environmental management, or a related field OR equivalent experience such as might be attained through ten years of supervisory experience, of which a minimum of five years is associated with progressively responsible senior level experience
Ten years of supervisory experience and five years of senior leadership experience within the field of utilities and infrastructure system maintenance, operation, and management including operation of a cogeneration plant, boilers, and chillers
Demonstrated management experience leading and overseeing technical operations and services common to the field of central plant, utilities, and infrastructure organizations

License

A valid drivers license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California drivers license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations. Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

Prefer registration as a Professional Electrical or Mechanical Engineer
Prefer certification as a Certified Energy Manager or related credential
Supervisory experience within a collective bargaining and represented staff environment
Experience planning and implementing deferred maintenance, utility infrastructure, and energy efficiency projects including development of multi-year investment plans
Experience in maintenance and operational management of a State facility, College or University, or other large-scale, multi-facility complex such as a corporate or other campus

Compensation

Classification: Administrator III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $14,712/month - $16,167/month
CSU Salary Range: $6,891/month - $22,119/month
The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.
San Jos State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

Resume
Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: September 3, 2025 through October 31, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

For additional details or inquiries, please contact Suzi Harris (suziharris@ucsd.edu)

Equal Employment Statement

San Jos State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San Jos State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San Jos State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis. The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third-party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g., H1-B VISAS).

All San Jos State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Ne]]> <