Associate Director of Facilities and Operations

Associate Director of Facilities and Operations
Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park

This position requires in-person work in Chicago and may require working outside standard hours including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is a first-of-its-kind park for quantum scale-up and related quantum and advanced microelectronics research and development. Minutes away from downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan, this site will: 1) build on a track record of historic investment by the State in quantum information science and technology, and 2) further establish Illinois as a global hub for quantum. The park is designed to support the full ecosystem of companies, researchers, suppliers, end users and other partners working to facilitate the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, including the world’s first fault-tolerant computers. For more information, visit our website.

Job Summary
Serve as the primary operational leader responsible for facility management, maintenance programs, building systems, environmental health and safety coordination, tenant operational support, emergency preparedness, and long-range facilities strategy of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). Collaborate with private-sector partners, tenants, developers, contractors, government agencies, and utility providers to support the growth and success of IQMP as a world-class quantum and microelectronics ecosystem. This leader will support existing and future renovation projects, including the IQMP On-Ramp faciltiies, and lead facilities operations for the IQMP campus infrastructure once built.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee facility operations across the IQMP infrastructure, including building maintenance, mechanical/electrical systems, HVAC, utilities, life safety systems, security infrastructure, grounds, and common areas.
• Lead and deliver complex, multi-site facilities projects across IQMP, ensuring effective budget control, scope and schedule management, while meeting customer and stakeholder requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including scientists, partners, tenants, and finance, to coordinate activities and achieve IQMP objectives.
• Establish and report facility performance standards, KPIs, and other operational metrics to ensure uninterrupted operations. Maintain contractor service level agreements, oversee contractor performance, and ensure effective project execution.
• Monitor and evaluate facility condition assessments and develop long-term capital renewal strategies.
• Lead operational planning for future facilities to support research, laboratory, or advanced manufacturing focus areas.
• Collaborate with tenants and stakeholders regarding current and future facility requirements, occupancy planning, infrastructure needs, equipment installation, commissioning activities, and operational support services.
• Support the development of operational readiness plans for new facilities and tenant occupancies.
• Develop, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets and forecasts for facilities and infrastructure operations.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with service providers, consultants, maintenance vendors, and utility providers.
• Lead operational compliance efforts related to environmental health and safety, regulatory requirements, emergency management, risk mitigation, and business continuity.
• Develop and maintain emergency response, disaster recovery, and incident management procedures.
• Serve as a primary operational contact during emergencies and critical incidents.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for executive leadership, governing boards, public agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties appropriate for this position.

The position requires frequent movement throughout the IQMP campus, including office, laboratory, construction, utility, and industrial environments. Must be available to respond to operational emergencies outside normal business hours and participate in an on-call rotation as necessary. Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering, construction management, architecture, business administration, operations management, or a closely related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, campus operations, infrastructure management, research facility operations, healthcare facilities, advanced manufacturing environments, or similar complex operational settings.
• Three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, facilities management, business administration, architecture, construction management, urban planning, or related field.
• Experience supporting research laboratories, clean rooms, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, data centers, innovation districts, research parks, or advanced technology facilities.
• Experience with large-scale campus operations, public-private partnerships (P3), economic development projects, or mixed-use development environments.
• Experience working within a university, government, research institution, or similarly complex organizational environment.
• Professional certifications such as:
  • Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
  • Facilities Management Professional (FMP)
  • Professional Engineer (PE)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of facility operations, building systems, utilities, maintenance management, and infrastructure planning.
• Strong understanding of laboratory, research, advanced manufacturing, and technology facility environments.
• Knowledge of applicable building codes, safety regulations, environmental compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
• Ability to develop and manage complex operating and capital budgets.
• Experience managing vendor contracts, service agreements, and outsourced operational services.
• Excellent leadership, supervisory, and team development skills.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management skills with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze complex operational issues and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment involving public, private, academic, and governmental partners.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $110,000 to $140,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, August 21, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Qualified candidates must upload: 1) a cover letter which details qualifications noted above; 2) resume or CV; and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information about this specific position, please contact Susan Key at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions – every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence – where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1037424
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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