Building & Operations Manager

Brown University; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition assistance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Wellness programs

Job summary

Brown University is seeking a Building & Operations Manager to oversee daily facilities and research operations for the Physical Sciences. You will serve as the primary representative on facilities, safety, security, and emergencies, partnering with Facilities Management to maintain safe and efficient environments.

Key duties include supporting long-term planning with the Academic Facilities Operations team, coordinating repairs and projects, and assisting with office moves and space setups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of related administrative and building management experience.
• RI State building trade licensure preferred.
• Experience managing research labs in a higher education setting preferred.
• Knowledge of research and instructional facility operations, including lab safety, security, and compliance standards.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills with various stakeholders.
• Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to read building construction documents and blueprints.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily facilities and research operations for the Physical Sciences as the primary lab representative on facilities, safety, security, and emergency matters.
• Collaborate with Facilities Management to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient instructional and research environments.
• Support long-term planning with the Assistant Director of Academic Facilities Operations and coordinate with FM for repairs, maintenance, and project execution.
• Assist with office moves, space setups, and faculty/staff transitions.
• Promote safety and compliance by coordinating with EHS, DPSEM, and departmental stakeholders.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Confidentiality

MS 365

Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

RI Licensure (preferred)

Higher education lab management experience (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Google Suites (Docs, Sheets, Forms, Calendar)

Adobe

Zoom

Bluebeam Revu

Smartsheet

JCI Metasys (building automation)

Job description

Job Description: The Building & Operations Manager oversees daily facilities and research operations for the Physical Sciences, serving as the primary representative for the laboratory-based Physical Sciences on all facilities, safety, security, and emergency-related matters. This role works closely with academic departments and campus operational units, primarily Facilities Management (FM), to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient instructional and research environments. The Building & Operations Manager maintains a comprehensive understanding of building and laboratory mechanical systems and partners proactively with FM to address maintenance and operational needs. The position collaborates with the Assistant Director of Academic Facilities Operations on long-term planning and with FM to ensure timely and effective repair, maintenance, and project execution. In addition to managing daily facilities operations, the Building & Operations Manager supports office moves, space setups, and faculty and staff transitions. The incumbent also plays a key role in promoting safety and compliance by coordinating with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management (DPSEM), and departmental stakeholders.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree plus 3-5 years of related administrative and building management experience, or equivalent combination of education, and/or work experience.
• RI State building trade licensure preferred.
• Experience managing research labs in a higher education setting preferred.
• Knowledge of research and instructional facility operations, including laboratory safety, security, and compliance standards.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage workload in a fast-paced, multi-task environment while maintaining accuracy and precision.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with individuals from diverse backgrounds and roles.
• Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.
• High level of proficiency in, or a willingness to learn, Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suites (Docs, Sheets, Forms, Calendar, etc.), Adobe and Zoom, Bluebeam Revu and Smartsheet applications.
• Ability to read and understand building construction documents and blueprints.
• Experience with computer-based building automation systems (JCI Metasys) preferred.

Additional physical demands and working conditions

• EHS training is required annually for this position.
• This position is fully on-site.

Worker Type: Employee

Worker Sub-Type: Regular Time

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5

Position Work Location: Onsite

Why Brown?

Brown University is a leading research university that is distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty, and staff are driven by the idea that their work will impact the world. Brown University offers flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break, and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts, and more.

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote. Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

Welcome! Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading institution for education, discovery, and global intellectual progress as well as one of the largest employers in Rhode Island. Working at Brown brings more than just a paycheck and generous benefits; it offers an opportunity to contribute to a greater good. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge and individual growth that defines higher education and enriches our community.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [e-mail].