Operations Specialist

The Operations Specialist for Academic Facilities & Space Management plays a central role in supporting the planning, coordination, and operational oversight of academic facilities and space across campus. Reporting to the Strategic Support Manager and working within the Academic Resource Management team under the Assistant Vice President for Academic Resource Management, the position serves as a key liaison to Facilities Management, Campus Capital & Space Strategies, Facilities Design & Construction, academic units, and other campus partners. The Operations Specialist manages day-to-day building operations for multiple Provost-assigned teaching facilities, participates in space allocation and planning efforts, and contributes to capital project coordination and strategic initiatives that support the teaching and research mission of the university.

This position requires strong project management skills, excellent communication, and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse units to address facility needs, implement space strategies, and support ongoing campus planning activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Facility Management

• Serve as the primary building coordinator for Provost-assigned facilities (currently nine major teaching facilities).
• Process, track, and manage facility repair work orders, addressing facility issues in collaboration with UNM Facilities Management.
• Coordinate and support minor capital planning and renewal projects; represent user needs during planning, design, and implementation phases.
• Maintain and update Area Emergency Plans, respond to Fire Marshal inspection findings, participate in the Campus Watch program, and serve as a Zone Captain.
• Manage departmental facility records, databases, and documentation; prepare written reports, correspondence, and materials related to facility operations.
• Maintain communication protocols, phone trees, emergency information, and building access processes (including key requests and related approvals).
• Serve as the Academic Affairs liaison for facility needs across campus, ensuring clear communication and issue resolution.

Space Management

• Oversee and allocate designated academic spaces across campus (e.g., UAEC, Dane Smith Hall, Parish, and other Academic Affairs facilities).
• Conduct facility and space assessments to support strategic space planning and utilization.
• Identify and evaluate space for academic units in response to needs and requests.
• Coordinate and assist in management of space moves, relocations, and space transitions for units within Academic Affairs.
• Serve as the Academic Affairs liaison on all university-wide space management efforts.

Strategic Operations & Project Support (using UNM Operations Specialist Standard Duties)

• Develop project plans to support new or updated policies, programs, processes, and initiatives related to facilities and space management, including set and execute short- and long-term project objectives to support timely, cost-effective completion of facility and space initiatives.
• Coordinate and monitor project implementation to ensure alignment with unit goals, timelines, and operational requirements.
• Set and execute short- and long-term project objectives to support timely, cost-effective completion of facility and space initiatives.
• Research and evaluate best practices to improve facility operations, space utilization, and workflow efficiency; recommend improved procedures or systems.
• Prepare reports and maintain program records and data to support planning, tracking, and operational decision-making.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and campus partners to support the implementation of facilities- and space-related policies, projects, and process improvements.
• Oversee assigned operational or programmatic activities within the facilities and space management portfolio.
• Support special projects related to facilities coordination, assessments, space moves, and capital planning.
• Participate in professional development to maintain knowledge of facilities management, space planning, and operational best practices

See the Position Description for additional information.

High school diploma or GED; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in planning, project management, business administration, or a related field
• Experience in facility management, space planning, capital project coordination, or related operational work in a higher education or public-sector environment
• Demonstrated experience serving as a building coordinator or managing building operations in a multi-facility environment
• Experience with space assessment tools, utilization analysis, or space inventory systems
• Project management experience, including planning, tracking, reporting, and implementation of operational or facilities-related projects
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database management, or project management software (e.g., Smartsheet, Miro, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with faculty, staff, and diverse campus partners
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in facilities management, space planning, project management, or related field

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Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.