Director of Maintenance - Student Housing

Who We Are 
University Partners is a student-housing-focused owner and operator committed to creating safe, efficient, and well-maintained communities that support the student experience. The Director of Maintenance plays a key role in shaping our maintenance culture, supporting field teams, and ensuring our properties uphold UP’s standards of quality, safety, and operational excellence. 

Job Purpose 

The Director of Maintenance provides strategic leadership and hands-on support for all maintenance operations across the UP portfolio. This role drives consistency in maintenance practices, leads national safety and compliance initiatives, mentors property and regional teams, and partners closely with Operations, Construction, and Asset Management to protect long-term asset value and ensure a high-quality resident experience. 
 

Qualifications 

• 10+ years of maintenance leadership experience, with at least 5 years specifically in student housing environment. 
• Extensive knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical). 
• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• HVAC certification/licensure required. 
• Strong project management and analytical skills. 
• Experience building preventive maintenance programs and managing high-volume work order operations. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and maintenance/work order systems. 
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; strong ability to mentor and develop teams. 
• Ability to travel ~85%. 

 
Primary Duties & Responsibilities 

Strategic and Operational Leadership 

• Provide leadership and guidance to onsite and regional maintenance teams across the portfolio. 
• Develop, standardize, and implement maintenance policies, SOPs, and preventive maintenance programs. 
• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the maintenance department. 
• Establish and monitor KPIs (work order performance, turn readiness, safety compliance, response times). 
• Lead national initiatives related to maintenance technology, work order system optimization, and process improvements. 
• Partner with Operations and Asset Management on long-term planning, capital needs, and asset protection. 

Safety and Compliance 

• Oversee all maintenance-related safety programs. 
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, LOTO, SDS, and all required safety protocols. 
• Conduct safety audits and implement corrective action plans. 
• Lead training programs to ensure consistent safety standards portfolio-wide. 

Portfolio Support  

• Support acquisition due diligence, new community transitions, and construction hand-offs. 

• Manage warranty processes, vendor coordination, and turnover of new developments. 

• Ensure properties are prepared for turn, move-ins, and inspections with student-housing-specific readiness standards. 

Team Leadership 

• Recruit, hire, and develop maintenance team members, including regional leaders if applicable. 
• Provide ongoing field training, mentorship, and performance coaching. 
• Support retention strategies and build a strong, service-oriented maintenance culture. 
• Provide leadership during crisis response or emergency situations. 

Capital and Vendor Management  

• Oversee capital projects, budgeting, and execution in collaboration with Asset Management. 
• Develop and maintain national vendor relationships and negotiate contracts for essential services. 

Travel 

• Travel approximately 85% to support property teams, conduct audits, and provide hands-on leadership. 

At University Partners, we don’t just manage buildings — we design experiences. If you’re ready to lead a facilities team that makes a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.