Area Manager, FAS Libraries Facilities

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision health ins

Retirement plans with university

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking an Area Manager within the Office of Physical Resources & Planning (OPRP) to oversee facilities operations across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Library portfolios, including building systems, maintenance, security, and compliance.

You will lead a diverse team, manage a combined operating and capital budget around $11M, and guide capital planning, safety programs, and sustainability initiatives with senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of progressive facilities management experience.
• Experience managing complex building portfolios, systems, and budgets.
• Strong analytical, operational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct all facilities operations across ~1M SF of library space.
• Manage operating and capital budgets totaling ~$11M.
• Oversee building systems, maintenance, security, and safety programs.
• Lead and develop a diverse facilities team and contractors.
• Coordinate capital planning, risk management, and emergency responses.
• Engage with senior leadership and stakeholders to align operations with strategic goals.

Skills

Facilities management

Budget management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CMMS

Building automation systems

Job description

Overview

Area Manager within the Office of Physical Resources & Planning (OPRP) at Harvard University oversees facility operations across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and Harvard Library portfolios. This role manages building systems, maintenance, security, compliance, and capital planning for a complex portfolio of academic and research libraries.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Facilities Operations & Portfolio Management

• Direct all aspects of facilities operations, including building systems, maintenance, custodial services, security, and support services across ~1M SF of library space.
• Manage a combined operating and capital budget of approximately $11M across FAS and Harvard Library locations.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, consistent building services aligned with institutional standards and user needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all facilities-related issues, including emergencies, major repairs, and operational disruptions.
• Identify cost efficiencies and support cost-reduction initiatives without compromising service quality.

Leadership & Staff Oversight

• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of facilities staff, including building managers, administrative staff, security personnel, and third-party contractors.
• Provide performance management, coaching, and operational direction to ensure accountability and service excellence.

Building Systems & Maintenance

• Oversee operation and monitor performance of critical building systems, including complex HVAC, electrical, life safety, and security systems.
• Establish and manage preventive maintenance programs, work order processes, and service level expectations.
• Monitor system performance through CMMS and building automation systems to ensure reliability and efficiency.

Capital Planning & Asset Management

• Develop and implement long-range capital and lifecycle plans for building systems and infrastructure.
• Support planning and execution of renovations and capital projects in coordination with OPRP and Library leadership.
• Evaluate deferred maintenance and prioritize investments based on risk, condition, and program needs.

Security & Risk Management

• Oversee a comprehensive security program across all library locations.
• Partner with the Harvard University Police Department and external agencies on security planning and incident response.
• Lead responses to emergencies, incidents, and business continuity events.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and university policies (life safety, fire protection, environmental health, etc.).
• Coordinate inspections, audits, and corrective actions.
• Maintain and strengthen safety programs and protocols across the portfolio.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with library leadership, faculty, and administrative stakeholders to align facilities operations with programmatic needs.
• Serve on senior administrative and cross-functional teams supporting strategic initiatives.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Harvard Library leadership (dotted-line reporting structure).

Sustainability & Efficiency

• Partner with OPRP and the Harvard University Office for Sustainability to advance energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals and implement best practices in sustainable operations and maintenance.

Working & Physical Conditions

This is an on-campus critical position. The role requires moving through multiple buildings daily and visiting offices, labs, mechanical rooms, building roofs and stairs. Ability to climb a ladder for above-ceiling inspection. Available on call for after-hours emergencies.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of progressive facilities management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (12+ years).
• Demonstrated experience managing complex building portfolios, systems, and budgets.
• Strong analytical, operational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in higher education, research, or cultural institution environments preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage senior leadership, faculty, and diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in negotiation, collaboration, and consensus-building.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CFM) and/or BA/BS degree preferred.

Benefits

• 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

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment

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. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy and a non-discrimination policy that help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.