Director of Buildings and Grounds

Hopkins-Public-Schools; Hopkins (MN); On-site; USD 147,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

Hopkins Public Schools is seeking a Director of Buildings and Grounds to lead the Facilities & Operations department, directing maintenance, custodial services, and grounds care while aligning with equity-centered district goals.

The role supervises the Transportation department, partners with architects and engineers on capital projects, and ensures safe, accessible, culturally responsive facilities that support student learning and well-being.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Minimum six years of progressive facilities management experience with custodial and maintenance leadership.
• Experience managing capital projects and working with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead Buildings and Grounds staff and foster an inclusive culture.
• Oversee daily operations, preventive maintenance, and grounds management.
• Manage capital construction projects and coordinate with architects/engineers.

Skills

Facilities management

Leadership

Budgeting

Vendor coordination

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Work order systems

Project management software

Job description

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no \"typical\" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning. We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive. We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation. You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

Please note that this position has become available due to a resignation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Buildings and Grounds leads the district's Buildings and Grounds Department, providing strategic leadership and day-to-day management of facility operations, maintenance, custodial services, and grounds care. The Director of Buildings and Grounds also provides leadership for the Transportation department and supervises the Assistant Director of Transportation. Reporting to the Executive Director of Technology & Operations, this position ensures safe, inclusive, well-maintained, and innovative learning environments that reflect Hopkins Public Schools' core values of authentic inclusivity, vigilant equity, optimizing innovation, humility of heart, intentionally adventurous leadership, and love. The Director also manages major facility projects, deferred maintenance, and capital improvements, aligning all work with the district's mission and Vision 2031.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership and Department Oversight

• Leads and supervises all Buildings and Grounds staff; fosters a collaborative, inclusive culture rooted in respect, love, and continuous learning.
• Assigns responsibilities, evaluates performance, and supports professional growth and team development.
• Establishes department priorities that reflect the district's equity-centered vision and ensure high-quality physical learning environments.
• Leads withhumility of heart and compassion, building trust with staff and community members.

Operations and Facilities Management:

• Oversees daily operations and long-term planning for all district facilities, mechanical systems, and grounds.
• Ensures facilities are safe, clean, accessible, welcoming, and culturally responsive for all students, staff, and families.
• Conducts routine building inspections and coordinates preventive and emergency maintenance.
  Leads sustainability and energy-efficiency efforts in alignment withinnovative and adventurous district goals.

Project and Construction Management:

• Serves as project manager for capital construction, renovations, and deferred maintenance.
• Collaborates with architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure project design aligns with district standards and values.
• Oversees construction phases to ensure timelines, budgets, and quality expectations are met.
• Provides transparent communication to stakeholders regarding project progress and decisions.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Develops and manages the department's annual operating and capital budgets.
• Forecasts staffing, equipment, utility, and material needs.
• Seeks opportunities for cost-effective operations while maintaining high standards for facilities.
• Prepares financial reports and recommendations for district leadership.

Strategic and Equity-Aligned Planning:

• Engages in long-term planning to address facility aging, system life cycles, and school capacity needs.
• Collaborates with district and building leaders to identify and prioritize equity-centered facility improvements.
• Usesvigilant equity practices to ensure all physical spaces support full participation and a sense of belonging for every student.
• Champions innovation in physical environments that enhance student well-being and learning outcomes.

Health, Safety, and Compliance:

• Ensures compliance with OSHA, ADA, fire and building codes, environmental regulations, and district policies.
• Coordinates training and safety protocols for staff.
• Maintains documentation and ensures operational readiness for inspections and emergencies.

Transportation:

• Provide over-all leadership of the Transportation Department, budget, services, and staff. Supervises Assistant Director of Transportation.
• Support development and implementation of bus routes, schedules, and bus charter system. Anticipate need for change and make recommendations to meet changing needs.
• Ensure a safe and welcoming environment on all Hopkins transportation services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business/Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum six (6) years of progressive facilities management experience, including leadership of custodial and maintenance teams.
• Experience managing capital improvement projects and working with diverse stakeholders.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Minnesota driver's license.
• Certified Pool Operator (preferred or ability to obtain).

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong working knowledge of building systems, maintenance operations, safety procedures, and construction project management.
• Proven ability to lead through equity and inclusion, fostering culturally responsive practices in facilities management.
• Skilled in budgeting, scheduling, team supervision, and vendor coordination.
• Technologically proficient; experience with work order and project management systems.
• Effective communicator and relationship-builder across teams and communities.

CORE VALUES IN ACTION:

• Authentic Inclusivity: Creates environments that welcome, reflect, and support all identities and needs.
• Intentionally Adventurous: Seeks new, creative, and student-centered ways to design and care for learning environments.
• Optimizing Innovation: Leverages technology and sustainability strategies to improve operations and student experiences.
• Humility of Heart: Leads with empathy, grace, and openness to learning from all voices.
• Vigilant Equity: Acts decisively to identify and remove barriers within physical and organizational systems.
• Love: Infuses all decision-making with care and commitment to students, staff, and community.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Some physical activity, outdoor work, and emergency responsiveness may be necessary.
• Occasional evening or weekend work to support facilities needs or projects.

Hours & Compensation:

1.0 FTE- 261 days. Nonaffiliated – G50 Range:$146,772- $162,202, DOE.