Job Posting Title:
Director
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Hiring Department:
Utilities and Energy Management
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
To Be Determined at Offer
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Earliest Start Date:
Ongoing
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
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Location:
AUSTIN, TX
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Job Details:
General Notes
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:
Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employee without sponsorship.
Purpose
The Director of UEM plays a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the University’s vision for sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy and utilities management. This position is responsible for leading three key divisions—Engineering, Strategic Programs, and Process Improvement—in delivering essential services and driving strategic initiatives that support the university’s mission and strategic plan.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Vision and Alignment: Develop and execute a vision for Engineering, Strategic Programs, Process Improvement (ESPPI) that aligns with Utilities and Energy Management (UEM)’s mission, the mission of Campus Operations, and the President’s 10-year strategic plan for the University. Set and communicate long-term goals, strategies, and performance targets to advance UEM’s objectives within the framework of the university’s strategic priorities.
- Leadership of Divisional Teams: Lead the Engineering, Process Improvement, and Strategic Programs teams to ensure cohesive and high-performing unit dynamics, timely completion of work, and a high standard of quality. Foster collaboration, innovation, and accountability within and across teams to promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Engineering Services Oversight: 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.
- Strategic Program Development: Lead the development, validation, and execution of strategic programs in key areas such as Safety and Security, Risk Management, Metering and Validation, Modernization, and Sustainability to enhance UEM’s support of the university’s mission. Oversee program performance to ensure alignment with UEM’s goals, university priorities, and industry standards.
- Process Improvement and Analytics: Evaluate current business and technical processes to identify improvement opportunities. Drive the development of analytical metrics and KPIs for operational transparency and performance monitoring. Collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement optimized processes, informed by data analysis and best practices in change management. Promote the use of data visualization tools such as Power BI and Tableau for process improvement, decision making, and communication.
- Staff Development and Culture Building: Recruit, mentor, and manage staff in UEM Engineering, Strategic Programs, and Process Improvement teams. Set performance goals, develop career paths, and implement strategies that promote teamwork, integrity, and service excellence. Conduct performance evaluations and create long-term plans to support skill development, succession planning, and alignment with Campus Operations’ values of innovation, stewardship, and teamwork.
- Resource and Financial Planning: Define staffing needs and manage budgets for the Engineering, Process Improvement, and Strategic Program teams, supporting both short- and long-term operational plans. Implement strategic financial planning and stewardship practices to support sustainable growth and innovation within UEM.
- Executive Leadership Support: 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.
- Attend meetings, training, and professional development sessions while staying informed about UEM and University policies and goals. Uphold safety standards by following policies, reporting hazards, using proper protective equipment, and modeling compliance with the UEM's core values: Safety, Respect, Integrity, Reliability, Teamwork, and Excellence. Perform additional related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Advanced degree (Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a similar technical field) or an MBA.
- Experience: 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.
- Technical Expertise: 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.
- Strategic Planning: 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.
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: 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.
- Leadership & Communication: 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.
- Project & Program Management: 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.
- Financial & Environmental Stewardship: 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.
- Business Acumen: 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.
- Change Management & Organizational Development: 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 dynamic teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Driving Required
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.
Salary Range
$190,000
Working Conditions
Environmental Demands:
- 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.
Physical Tasks:
- 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.
Additional Working Conditions:
- 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.
Work Shift
40 Hour Work Week Schedule; Monday-Friday, 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Important for 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 that ALL Required 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 questions presented 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:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
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Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
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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:
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E-Verify Poster (English)
[PDF]
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E-Verify Poster (Spanish)
[PDF]
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Right To Work Poster (English)
[PDF]
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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.
