Area Manager, Science Center

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

The Office of Physical Resources and Planning (OPRP) at Harvard University is seeking an Area Manager for the Science Center and 20 Garden Street to oversee facilities operations, building systems, maintenance, and budget control within the complex.

The role directs staff and vendors, manages a $7M+ annual budget, and coordinates capital projects, safety, compliance, and stakeholder engagement to support teaching, research, and public programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 8+ years of progressive facilities management experience or 12+ years combined with education.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing complex portfolios, budgets, and high-hazard facilities compliance.

Responsibilities

• Direct 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.
• Develop, manage, and track a multi-year operating budget of $7M+ for the Science Center and related facilities.
• Coordinate capital projects and contractor oversight with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Facilities operations

Vendor management

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CMMS

HVAC controls

Microsoft Office

Security systems

Job description

Company Description

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

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

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

The Area Manager of the Science Center and 20 Garden Street isresponsible for directing a wide range of support functions and allactivities 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 housesthree primary academic departments: History of Science,Mathematics, and Statistics. It is also home to the Cabot ScienceLibrary; the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments andPutnam Gallery Museum; the FAS Data Center; HUIT Computer Services;Adaptive Technology; Clover Restaurant; the Harvard Yard MailCenter; Lecture Demonstrations Services; twenty-five teachinglaboratories across multiple scientific disciplines; multipleresearch laboratories; five lecture halls with a total capacity of1,400; 27 general-use classrooms; more than 300 offices; the FASCampus ALPHA Security Center; and other resources .

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Facilities Operations & Portfolio Management

• Direct all aspects of facilities operations across a complexportfolio including the Science Center and 20 Garden Street.
• Oversee building systems, maintenance, custodial services, mailoperations, and support services across academic, laboratory, andpublic 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, variancereports, and funding requests and identify cost efficiencies whilemaintaining service quality and operational continuity.
• Ensure delivery of consistent, high-quality building servicesaligned with institutional standards and user needs.
• Serve as the primary contact for operational issues, includingemergencies, major repairs, and service disruptions.

Leadership & Staff Oversight

• Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision for staff, andmultiple embedded vendors and contractors.
• Direct the work of custodial staff, trades personnel, mailservices, and other service providers to ensure timely andcost-effective outcomes.
• Provide coaching, performance oversight, and operationalguidance 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 securitysystems.
• Establish and manage preventive maintenance programs and workorder processes.
• Monitor system performance using building automation and othercontrol systems to ensure reliability and compliance.

Capital Planning & Project Management

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

Security & Risk Management

• Maintain building security through oversight of access controlsystems, security procedures, and coordination with campus securityoperations.
• Support the operation of the FAS Campus ALPHA SecurityCenter.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents, including after-hourssituations, and support business continuity efforts.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, safetyregulations, and university policies.
• Coordinate inspections and audits and implement correctiveactions as needed.
• Support safety programs in high-hazard laboratories andresearch environments.

Stakeholder Engagement

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

Working Conditions:

This is an on-campus criticalposition.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to move throughout multiplebuildings daily, including offices, laboratories, mechanicalspaces, roofs, and stairways. Ability to climb ladders and performabove-ceiling inspections.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of progressive facilitiesmanagement experience, or equivalent combination of education andexperience (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 governinghigh-hazard facilities.
• Experience with relevant systems and tools (e.g., CMMS/workorder systems, HVAC controls, security systems, Microsoft OfficeSuite).
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

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

Additional Information

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

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatall duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit worklocation. Individuals must meet work location sponsorshiprequirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

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

Benefits

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

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

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

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talentfrom all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensureeveryone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our communityadvance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability,or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in theuniversity's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help allcommunity members participate fully in work and campus life freefrom harassment and discrimination.