The Position: Director of Facility Operations

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The primary responsibility of the Director of Facility Operations is to oversee the Facilities Department employees, their work, and the work of any contracted trades, while ensuring a safe, compliant, efficient, and attractive private school environment and site. This position reports to the school’s Director of Finance and Operations but also works closely with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees.

The Director of Facility Operations oversees all aspects of the maintenance and repair of building systems including but not limited to: various HVAC systems, power distribution systems, card access security systems, “FAST” septic system, fire protection system, two state permitted pools (CPO), two full-sized gymnasiums, a 900 sq. ft. performance stage, and all ADA, fire code, and building code compliance. On our wetlands-sensitive site we also maintain campus flora and fauna, three and a half natural turf soccer fields, a baseball field, four tennis courts, a playground, and eight different building locations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Director will manage in a collaborative manner working alongside the staff on a daily basis serving not only as a mentor but as a contributing team member. Being a hands-on team leader with previous exposure to multiple building trades is an important quality for any applicant. The successful applicant will be relied upon to:

• Collaborate with school leadership to develop and implement strategies for efficient operation of safe and sustainable facilities and grounds in support of the School’s mission and financial goals.
• Strive for continuous improvement and innovation in facilities and grounds management and in departmental organization by setting appropriate standards and ensuring quality control.
• Responsible for all aspects of department personnel management including motivation/team-building, performance evaluations, training/development, productivity, accountability, discipline, and mentoring.
• Manage risk to ensure the safety and security of all students, faculty, staff and visitors.
• Be an effective department manager, project scheduler and work expediter
• Share oversight of the Facilities operating and capital projects budgets
• Demonstrate flexibility, with the ability to adjust priorities as necessary
• Participate in a standby/emergency schedule for evening, weekend, special events, and holiday coverage when needed
• Conduct regular inspection of all school facilities, grounds and equipment to ensure high standards of safety, attractiveness and cleanliness campus-wide.
• Train facilities team members in proper work means and methods as needed
• Evaluate facility department employees annually
• Become first aid and CPR certified, retain Mass CPO certification, hold or acquire AHERA program manager certification, hold or acquire EPA-RRP certification
• Develop and maintain a consistent department image by implementing staff-wide initiatives and producing a quality customer-service-oriented service.
• Responsible for the CMMS (computerized maintenance management system): assignment, oversight and follow-up to ensure quality control and the timely, cost effective execution of all work orders; management of the Preventive Maintenance programs to ensure Preventive Maintenance is performed and documented as required.
• Solicit quotes, evaluate and select outside contractors and manage the fulfillment of the contract by monitoring performance and ensuring satisfactory completion before authorizing final payment.
• Ensure compliance with building codes and other governmental (local and state) regulations.
• Responsible for cost/budget control
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulatory requirements
• Maintain confidentiality
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Competencies

• Demonstrated lifelong learner with building trades experience strongly preferred
• Ability to work intuitively and independently on multiple projects simultaneously and work well under limited time constraints
• Successful troubleshooter who anticipates problems and implements solutions
• Demonstrated effective leadership and interpersonal skills: inspire respect, trust and loyalty; motivate others to perform well; build positive team spirit; build relationships with diverse constituencies; model and instill a strong customer service ethic
• Effective oral and written communication skills: confidence and clarity in conveying information to all members of the community, both individually and in groups
• Extensive knowledge of construction scheduling and cost estimating
• Ability to demonstrate initiative/innovation, meet challenges with resourcefulness and develop alternative solutions/approaches
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Extensive knowledge of and commitment to sustainability initiatives
• Ability to manage capital repair/renewal projects: develop, coordinate and communicate project plans, setting realistic expectations and monitoring progress and results
• Ability to respond and follow through on assignments/responsibilities in a timely manner and to work on multiple assignments with varying deadlines
• Proven effective personnel management and interpersonal skills
• Ability to objectively judge the quality of performance for staff and outside contractors
• Ability and willingness to provide not only “hands on” training but also assistance to all members of the Facilities Staff
• Commitment to the School’s needs as demonstrated by readiness to respond 24/7/365 as reasonable and necessary
• Ability to adapt behavior to function effectively in a school’s culture
• Ability to apply a differentiated management style among members of the department
• Ability to interpret architectural and engineering drawings preferred
• Competency in OSHA safety requirements
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in responding to situations to meet organizational needs on a daily basis
• Strong negotiating skills

Experience 

• At least 10 years of experience in facility/building/property management, construction management, and/or plant engineer (preferably in an educational setting), with a minimum of 5 years in a supervisory capacity
• Experienced department leader and manager with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated competency via trade licenses or certifications is preferred
• Training in and experience implementing and practicing energy conservation and sustainable building practices

Language Skills 

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures manuals
• Ability to speak effectively with employees, faculty, parents and students
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from all constituencies

Computer Skills 

• Comfortable and knowledgeable using technology for building systems management, departmental management, and for record keeping
• Experience in utilizing Microsoft Office or Google Docs for communicating, budget tracking, project management and presentations.
• Experience in CMMS software programs
• Experience in operating Building Automation/Energy Management Systems
• Familiarity with database management, data input, and MS Project would be an advantage

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to walk for long periods of time around campus
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to climb stairs
• Ability to sit at a desk working on a computer

This list is representative of those duties and responsibilities that are required of the position.  However, the list is not to be considered as all inclusive.  A supervisor may assign other duties to meet program requirements of the school.