Area Manager, Science Center

Conditions. Workplace Diversity, LLC.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Office of Physical Resources and Planning (OPRP) seeks an Area Manager of the Science Center and 20 Garden Street to direct facilities operations, budget, and leadership of staff and vendors across a complex portfolio.

The role oversees HVAC, electrical, fire alarm, and lab systems, manages a $7M+ budget, and ensures compliance with codes and safety standards, while collaborating with researchers and campus stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years in facilities management, or equivalent experience (12+ years).
• Experience managing complex building portfolios, systems, and budgets.
• Strong analytical, operational, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of regulations for high-hazard facilities.
• Experience with CMMS, HVAC controls, security systems, and Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Direct facilities operations across a complex portfolio including the Science Center and 20 Garden Street.
• Oversee building systems, maintenance, custodial, mail operations and services.
• Develop, manage, and track an annual operating budget of $7M+.
• Lead staff and vendors to ensure timely, cost-efficient outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, safety regulations and policies.

Skills

Facilities management

Budgeting & cost control

Staff leadership

Analytical problem-solving

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

CFM certification

Tools

CMMS

HVAC controls

Security systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary

The Office of Physical Resources and Planning (OPRP) provides integrated planning and design services, construction management, and facilities renewal, maintenance, and operations for the FAS campus. To support this mission, OPRP uses a range of specialized IT systems and applications to manage day-to-day operations

The Area Manager of the Science Center and 20 Garden Street is responsible for directing a wide range of support functions and all activities related to building operations, building systems, maintenance, services, and budget control within the complex.

The Science Center is a 350,000-square-foot facility that houses three primary academic departments: History of Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. It is also home to the Cabot Science Library; the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments and Putnam Gallery Museum; the FAS Data Center; HUIT Computer Services; Adaptive Technology; Clover Restaurant; the Harvard Yard Mail Center; Lecture Demonstrations Services; twenty-five teaching laboratories across multiple scientific disciplines; multiple research laboratories; five lecture halls with a total capacity of 1,400; 27 general-use classrooms; more than 300 offices; the FAS Campus ALPHA Security Center; and other resources.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Facilities Operations & Portfolio Management

• Direct all aspects of facilities operations across a complex portfolio including the Science Center and 20 Garden Street.
• Oversee building systems, maintenance, custodial services, mail operations, and support services across academic, laboratory, and public spaces.
• Develop, manage, and track an annual operating budget of $7M+ for the Science Center, and associated facilities.
• Prepare annual and multi-year budget forecasts, variance reports, and funding requests and identify cost efficiencies while maintaining service quality and operational continuity.
• Ensure delivery of consistent, high-quality building services aligned with institutional standards and user needs.
• Serve as the primary contact for operational issues, including emergencies, major repairs, and service disruptions.

Leadership & Staff Oversight

• Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision for staff, and multiple embedded vendors and contractors.
• Direct the work of custodial staff, trades personnel, mail services, and other service providers to ensure timely and cost-effective outcomes.
• Provide coaching, performance oversight, and operational guidance to maintain accountability and service excellence.

Building Systems & Maintenance

• Oversee operation and performance of critical building systems, including HVAC, electrical, fire alarm, Lab systems, and security systems.
• Establish and manage preventive maintenance programs and work order processes.
• Monitor system performance using building automation and other control systems to ensure reliability and compliance.

Capital Planning & Project Management

• Plan, coordinate, and manage a range of repair, renewal, and renovation projects, including select capital projects.
• Collaborate with capital project managers to execute projects through scheduling, coordination, communication with stakeholders, and oversight of contractors.
• Evaluate facility conditions and prioritize improvements based on risk, operational need, and program requirements.

Security & Risk Management

• Maintain building security through oversight of access control systems, security procedures, and coordination with campus security operations.
• Support the operation of the FAS Campus ALPHA Security Center.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents, including after-hours situations, and support business continuity efforts.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, safety regulations, and university policies.
• Coordinate inspections and audits and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Support safety programs in high-hazard laboratories and research environments.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with research faculty, academic departments and support a wide range of building users, including research and teaching laboratories, classrooms, lecture halls, libraries, museums, dining, and IT services.
• Align facilities operations with teaching, research, and public-facing programmatic needs.

Working Conditions

This is an on-campus critical position.

Physical Requirements

Ability to move throughout multiple buildings daily, including offices, laboratories, mechanical spaces, roofs, and stairways. Ability to climb ladders and perform above-ceiling inspections.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of progressive facilities management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience (12+ years)
• Demonstrated experience managing complex building portfolios, systems and budgets.
• Strong analytical, operational and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations governing high-hazard facilities.
• Experience with relevant systems and tools (e.g., CMMS/work order systems, HVAC controls, security systems, Microsoft Office Suite).
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in higher education, research, or laboratory-intensive environments preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CFM) and/or BA/BS degree preferred.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; availability to respond to after-hours emergencies as required.
• Compensation Range/Rate:The salarywill be determinedbased on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
• Other Information:All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types 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.