Director of Facilities - Operations

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harvard Graduate School of Education seeks a Director of Facilities to lead all facilities management functions, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable campus operations in Cambridge, MA. You’ll manage 6 owned buildings and 2 leased properties, oversee a team of 20 staff and contractors, and steward a $4.0M operating budget.

Reporting to the Chief of Operations, you will guide MEP systems, life safety, sustainability programs, and capital planning, while partnering with Harvard

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 7+ years facilities experience.
• Experience with MEP systems, utilities and life safety.
• Budget management, contract negotiation and vendor oversight.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all MEP, life safety and related systems operate safely and reliably.
• Develop knowledge of facilities infrastructure and manage service contracts, preventive maintenance, and repairs.
• Plan projects and lead teams for system upgrades and operational projects (<$300K).
• Maintain campus renewal database and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with Harvard Engineering & Utilities on infrastructure and compliance.
• Provide leadership to facilities team and optimize work order management and service quality.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

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 Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

Job Description

The Director of Facilities provides operational and technical leadership for all facilities management functions at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This role ensures that HGSE's campus operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably, supporting the School's mission of teaching and learning, research, and engagement with the field. The Harvard Graduate School of Education campus is comprised of 6 owned buildings on Appian Way and 2 leased properties in Harvard Square. The eight spaces total an overall square footage of 252,737. The Director leads a team of 20 Harvard and contracted staff, the Director manages an annual operating budget of $4.0M

Job Summary

The Director of Facilities provides operational and technical leadership for all facilities management functions at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This role ensures that HGSE's campus operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably, supporting the School's mission of teaching and learning, research, and engagement with the field. The Harvard Graduate School of Education campus is comprised of 6 owned buildings on Appian Way and 2 leased properties in Harvard Square. The eight spaces total an overall square footage of 252,737. The Director leads a team of 20 Harvard and contracted staff, the Director manages an annual operating budget of $4.0M

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Ensure that all MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems, fire alarm and fire protection systems, generators, and other life safety systems properly operate
• Develop in depth knowledge of the variety of systems and infrastructure across the facility. Construct and manage service contracts, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs to ensure optimal efficiency and performance.
• Plan projects and lead teams to successfully complete system upgrades and operational projects (<$300K), developing scopes of work, budgets, and schedules.
• Maintain the campus renewal database and ensure regulatory compliance across all systems and operations.
• Liaises with Harvard Engineering & Utilities to ensure infrastructure and life safety systems comply with city and utility regulations. Oversees utility usage tracking, billing accuracy, and collaborates with the Chief of Operations on annual projections and performance alignment, developing and implementing reconciliation plans as needed.
• Provides leadership and direction to the facilities team to ensure effective utilization of the work order management system, emphasizing performance metrics, reporting, and a customer-focused service culture.

Planning & Project Management

• Partnering with the Chief of Operations, sets short and long range goals and priorities for facilities management. Provides proactive recommendations on long range strategic planning for preventative maintenance, service, and improvement projects.
• Oversee the planning, budgeting, bidding, and approval processes, for non-capital construction projects and environmental health and safety and sustainability initiatives. Oversee and participates in the selection of contractors; develops contracts in accordance with Harvard University and HGSE policies.
• Develop and maintain the campus renewal database, sustainability improvement opportunities, and accessibility state. Analyze and leverage the data to develop recommended projects for the multiyear capital planning process.
• Represent facility interest on capital projects to ensure that facility standards and needs are adhered to and properly maintained. Work with project team to review all design drawings, equipment specifications, and construction submittals to ensure compliance with HGSE and University facility standards. Actively support all capital projects making sure that all infrastructure impacts are properly supported without adversely affecting the daily campus operation.

Sustainability & Energy Management

• Collaborate with Chief of Operations to develop an energy management strategy, advancing efficiency and carbon reduction goals.
• Partner with the HGSE Green Team to support campus-wide behavioral change initiatives.
• Support sustainability initiatives like the Living Building Challenge (LBC) Core on capital projects.
• Implement sustainability initiatives such as waste diversion, recycling, and green procurement.
• Monitor and report on energy usage and sustainability performance metrics.

Accessibility, Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Oversees facility assessment processes for ADA compliance, ensures identification of deficiencies, and develops strategic remediation and collaborates with the Chief of Operations.
• Develop plans and Oversee fire alarm, sprinkler, evacuation, and life safety drills/testing.
• Serve as a member of HGSE’s Local Emergency Management Team and support emergency preparedness, response, and business continuity efforts.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, preferably in higher education or a large, complex institution.
• Experience in MEP systems, utilities, and life safety systems.
• Experience with budget management, contract negotiation, and vendor oversight.

This is designated as critical and essential personnel and is required to report to campus during emergencies to support continuity of Operations

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion in the built environment.
• Demonstrated leadership in planning, energy management, and sustainability.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $130,000 - $140,000commensurate with experience
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity &Education

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.