Title: Facilities and Events Manager

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Social & Behavioral Sciences

Department: Landscape Arch & Regional Plan

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Facilities and Events Manager for the John W. Olver Design Building is responsible for the day-to-day operational management, facilities and events oversight, and instructional infrastructure support for a complex, high-use academic facility which houses three departments: Architecture, Building and Construction Technology, and Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning. The position balances competing priorities across multiple departments and stakeholders while advancing shared operational goals and maintaining a high level of customer service.

Serves as the primary operational liaison among faculty, staff, students, campus service units, and external partners. This position ensures that building facilities, instructional spaces, technologies, and event infrastructure are maintained and operated effectively in support of the academic, research, outreach, and public engagement missions of the participating departments.

The Facilities and Events Manager oversees building operations; develops and maintains productive relationships with campus partners including Facilities and Campus Services, Environmental Health and Safety, and Information Technology; and manages processes that ensure classrooms, studios, labs, exhibition spaces, and collaborative environments remain safe, functional, technologically equipped, and operationally ready.

Essential Functions

Facilities Operations and Maintenance Management

Serves as the primary building-level manager for facilities operations, identifying needs, coordinating responses, and ensuring timely resolution of issues affecting building occupants.

Manages maintenance and repair processes in partnership with Facilities and Campus Services, prioritizing requests, monitors progress and ensures satisfactory completion of work.

Conducts regular assessments of building conditions and operational readiness, identifying maintenance, safety, space, and infrastructure needs and recommending solutions.

Oversees vendor access, contracted services, and facility-related projects, ensuring alignment with university policies, operational requirements, and departmental objectives.

Partners with department and college leadership to support capital improvements, renovations, and long-range facility planning efforts.

Instructional and Technology Infrastructure Support

Oversees operational support for instructional and production technologies within classrooms, studios, labs, and collaborative spaces, ensuring resources remain functional and accessible.

Serves as the primary liaison to Information Technology regarding classroom technologies, equipment maintenance, hardware replacement planning, and infrastructure improvements.

Directs the planning and oversight of contractor-supported installation, maintenance, calibration and servicing of computer labs, digital plotters/printers, fabrication technologies, and specialized instructional equipment.

Manages equipment inventory and lifecycle replacement planning, evaluating operational needs, assessing equipment needs, and recommending upgrades, replacements, and future investments to support instructional and operational objectives.

Develops and maintains documentation, procedures, and resources related to building technologies and specialized equipment.

Lab and Studio Space Management

Oversees the operational readiness and effective utilization of studios, labs, fabrication spaces, exhibition areas, and other shared instructional environments.

Establishes, implements, and continuously improves operational procedures and standards for specialized spaces and equipment.

Manages environmental health and safety compliance activities in collaboration with EH&S, interpreting applicable requirements and operational protocols.

Develops and delivers training and guidance for faculty, staff, and student employees on the use of building resources, equipment, and space procedures to ensure safe and effective operations.

Identifies opportunities to improve space utilization, operational efficiency, and user experience throughout the Design Building.

Event Management

Serves as the operational lead for building-based events, exhibitions, lectures, studio reviews, critiques, presentations, and related activities requiring facilities coordination and logistical support.

Manages event implementation processes, including space configuration, room setup and turnover, furniture arrangement, exhibition preparation, technology readiness, and coordination of operational support services.

Consults with faculty, staff, and event organizers regarding space capabilities, setup requirements, timelines, and logistical considerations to support successful events.

Develops and maintains standardized procedures, timelines, and operational expectations for recurring and high-profile events.

Evaluates and prioritizes competing event support requests, anticipates operational challenges, and implements solutions to ensure effective service delivery across participating departments.

Other Functions

Provides operational support for building functions and administrative processes, ensuring continuity of services and effective day-to-day operations.

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, executive area/division, and university goals and objectives. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in facilities operations, event management, or related field, OR Associate degree and five years in facilities operations, event management, or related field.

Experience supporting operational processes and coordinating services within a complex organizational environment.

Experience supporting instructional technologies, specialized equipment, digital production resources, or related infrastructure.

Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, strong diplomacy and negotiating skills, and ability to work independently while advancing shared organizational goals.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner, balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.

Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, and off-campus constituents.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting operational processes and coordinating services within a higher education environment.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

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Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.