Position Overview: The Director of Facilities will initially work closely with the current, outgoing Director of Facilities to learn and understand the school's operations and facilities management. This role is designed as a transitional position, with the incoming Director of Facilities shadowing the outgoing Director and progressively taking on more responsibilities. The position will evolve into the permanent Director of Facilities role by the fall of 2025.
In this capacity, the Director will plan, direct, and supervise maintenance, event support, custodial services, HVAC, electrical, grounds, and motor vehicle functions and personnel for school operations. Additionally, this position is responsible for helping to plan and manage major construction and renovation projects which will include staff residences. The Director of Facilities collaborates with the CFO and other senior leadership to create a vision for the School’s facilities that align with and advance the mission, standards, and policies of the School.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist the CFO in establishing priorities, management policies, procedures, and systems.
Initiate and actively promote strategic planning activities for facilities.
Actively engage in the 2025 Facility Audit (to build upon the Facilities Master Plan) with the school’s external consultants to develop a long-term strategic plan for the physical plant, and coordinate the implementation of outcomes with the CFO and key maintenance personnel.
Provide leadership and support to the Building & Grounds Committee of the Board of Trustees. Conduct quarterly meetings with the Committee and work closely with the Committee Chair on the strategic objectives of the School.
Establish policies and procedures to enhance departmental effectiveness and streamline decision-making.
Provide leadership and technical expertise in building and utilities maintenance and operations.
Serve on the senior leadership operational team.
Oversee and direct the Transportation, Campus and Grounds, Maintenance, and Housekeeping departments.
Collaborate with the CFO and senior leadership to develop strategies for addressing deferred maintenance and major capital replacement projects.
Provide event support to other departments and divisions as needed.
Design and supervise new construction and remodeling of campus facilities and housing.
Manage faculty housing and negotiate major purchases.
Oversee and manage major construction and renovation projects.
Negotiate agreements with contractors, sub-contractors, and vendors, ensuring accountability and adherence to standards.
Manage contracts with internal and/or external and managed service providers
With the CFO and HR, develop and manage the departmental operating budget, including salaries and benefits, utilities, supplies, and equipment.
Achieve a balance among the conflicting demands to enhance the campus's attractiveness and the quality of its facilities while controlling operating costs.
Negotiate with local suppliers to secure managed service agreements that are in the best interest of the school and optimal pricing.
Exercise careful financial management and discipline.
Demonstrate strong financial stewardship of school resources.
Provide short- and long-term manpower resource planning - direct personnel, evaluate performance, and make recommendations for employment, advancement, or termination.
Mentor all direct reports so that they may fully develop in their roles and responsibilities.
Motivate employees to meet strategic planning goals.
Identify training requirements, create a learning environment, and participate in training sessions and seminars.
Ensure compliance with the school, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations.
In conjunction with the Campus Safety Manager, ensure the School's installed fire protection and security systems meet legal requirements.
Ensure all contracted labor is thoroughly vetted in accordance with school policy and complies with all applicable labor laws and regulations.
Support the institution and its leadership in long-term strategic planning.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of five years of experience in education or a similar environment preferred.
Minimum of ten years of experience in property management, construction, and/or facilities management.
Previous supervisory experience required.
Ability to manage a variety of programs and activities simultaneously and promote a spirit of teamwork among individuals to pursue common goals.
A “can do” mentality with the ability to stretch resources while successfully completing tasks.
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with a highly developed sense of propriety in dealing with sensitive information.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to project an image of professional competence and credibility in representing Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and in creating a climate of confidence and trust.
Demonstrated ability to hire, train, lead, and evaluate personnel.
Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory compliance, preventive maintenance, and personnel management.
Intermediate knowledge of finance principles and budget management.
Strong commitment to the principles of teamwork and shared responsibility for success.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Regularly required to see, talk, or hear.
Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and climb or balance.
Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Flexible in the ability to work more than eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week as necessary to complete duties and/or be available for parent or vendor conversations and consultations. Also, may require occasional evening or weekend work to address urgent maintenance issues or provide event support for large-scale school functions.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.
Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.