Director of Facilities - Operations

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Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

Job Summary:

The Director of Facilities provides operational and technical leadership for all facilities management functions at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This role ensures that HGSE’s campus operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably, supporting the School’s mission of teaching and learning, research, and engagement with the field. The Harvard Graduate School of Education campus is comprised of 6 owned buildings on Appian Way and 2 leased properties in Harvard Square. The eight spaces total an overall square footage of 252,737.  The Director leads a team of 20 Harvard and contracted staff, the Director manages an annual operating budget of $4.0M 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Facilities Operations & Systems Management

Accountable for ensuring organizational-wide compliance and optimal performance of all facility systems by overseeing and delegating operational responsibilities to subordinate managers and specialized staff.

• Ensure that all MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems, fire alarm and fire protection systems, generators, and other life safety systems properly operate
• Develop in depth knowledge of the variety of systems and infrastructure across the facility.  Construct and manage service contracts, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs to ensure optimal efficiency and performance.
• Plan projects and lead teams to successfully complete system upgrades and operational projects (<$300K), developing scopes of work, budgets, and schedules.
• Maintain the campus renewal database and ensure regulatory compliance across all systems and operations.
• Liaises with Harvard Engineering & Utilities to ensure infrastructure and life safety systems comply with city and utility regulations. Oversees utility usage tracking, billing accuracy, and collaborates with the Chief of Operations on annual projections and performance alignment, developing and implementing reconciliation plans as needed.
•  Provides leadership and direction to the facilities team to ensure effective utilization of the work order management system, emphasizing performance metrics, reporting, and a customer-focused service culture.

Planning & Project Management

• Partnering with the Chief of Operations, sets short and long range goals and priorities for facilities management. Provides proactive recommendations on long range strategic planning for preventative maintenance, service, and improvement projects.
• Oversee the planning, budgeting, bidding, and approval processes, for non-capital construction projects and environmental health and safety and sustainability initiatives.  Oversee and participates in the selection of contractors; develops contracts in accordance with Harvard University and HGSE policies.
• Develop and maintain the campus renewal database, sustainability improvement opportunities, and accessibility state. Analyze and leverage the data to develop recommended projects for the multiyear capital planning process.
• Represent facility interest on capital projects to ensure that facility standards and needs are adhered to and properly maintained.  Work with project team to review all design drawings, equipment specifications, and construction submittals to ensure compliance with HGSE and University facility standards.  Actively support all capital projects making sure that all infrastructure impacts are properly supported without adversely affecting the daily campus operation.

Sustainability & Energy Management

• Collaborate with Chief of Operations to develop an energy management strategy, advancing efficiency and carbon reduction goals.
• Partner with the HGSE Green Team to support campus-wide behavioral change initiatives. 
• Support sustainability initiatives like the Living Building Challenge (LBC) Core on capital projects.
• Implement sustainability initiatives such as waste diversion, recycling, and green procurement.
• Monitor and report on energy usage and sustainability performance metrics.

Accessibility, Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Oversees facility assessment processes for ADA compliance, ensures identification of deficiencies, and develops strategic remediation and collaborates with the Chief of Operations.
• Develop plans and Oversee fire alarm, sprinkler, evacuation, and life safety drills/testing.
• Serve as a member of HGSE’s Local Emergency Management Team and support emergency preparedness, response, and business continuity efforts.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead a team of facilities, security, and contracted staff, fostering a culture of service, safety, and professional growth.
• Manage contracts for the security team and mailroom operations. 
• Communicate proactively with faculty, staff, and students about facilities projects, outages, and impacts.
• Build strong relationships across HGSE and HU and represent the School on Harvard University facility working groups.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Prepares and manages the Facilities Department budget, including non-capital projects budgets and operations and maintenance budget. Works closely with the Chief of Operations to set and monitor budgets, assess and implement the project and vendor bid processes, and generally operate within sound financial practices and in alignment with Harvard University procedures and policies.
• Manage HGSE’s $4.0M annual operating budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.
• Prepare, negotiate, and execute service contracts in compliance with University and HGSE policies.
• Oversee vendor performance, audits, inspections, and compliance reporting.

Critical Role

• This position is designated as critical and essential personnel and is required to report to campus during emergencies to support continuity of operations.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field. 
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, preferably in higher education or a large, complex institution.
• Experience in MEP systems, utilities, and life safety systems.
• Experience with budget management, contract negotiation, and vendor oversight.

Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.  Please upload as one document

This is designated as critical and essential personnel and is required to report to campus during emergencies to support continuity of Operations.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion in the built environment.
• Demonstrated leadership in planning, energy management, and sustainability.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity & Education

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.