Building & Operations Manager

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

Job summary

Brown University seeks a Building & Operations Manager to oversee daily facilities and research operations for the Physical Sciences, serving as the primary representative on facilities, safety, security, and emergency matters. The role partners with Facilities Management to maintain safe instructional environments and to address maintenance, space moves, and transitions.

It requires expertise in lab operations, construction documents, and building automation systems, and is performed fully

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree + 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily facilities operations for the Building & Operations Manager role.
• Coordinate with Facilities Management to address maintenance and operational needs.
• Support office moves, space setups, and faculty/staff transitions.
• Promote safety and compliance with EHS, DPSEM, and departmental stakeholders.

Skills

Administrative skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Microsoft 365

Google Workspace

Read blueprints

Building automation systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

RI State building trade licensure

Experience in research labs in higher education

Tools

Microsoft 365

Google Workspace

Adobe

Zoom

Bluebeam Revu

Smartsheet

JCI Metasys

Job description

Building & Operations Manager

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.

Additional physical demands and working conditions:

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

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.

Employment Details

• Worker Type: Employee
• Worker Sub-Type: Regular
• Time Type: Full time
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5
• Position Work Location: Onsite
• Grade: Grade 10

Recruiting Start Date

2026-10-05

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.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.