Job Summary

The Director, Building Planning and Operations is responsible for managing the operation of the five-building Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) complex and leased space, as required. Duties include directing a wide range of support functions and all activities relating to building operations, building systems, safety maintenance and services, building renovations, space planning and lease management.

This position is part of HKS's Office of Campus Planning and Operations (CPO) and reports to the Chief of Campus Operations.

The Director, Building Planning and Operations is expected to be reachable 24 hours/7 days per week to assist in person or remotely with campus and facilities-related emergency activities as necessary.

Position Description

• Manage and oversee all aspects of the building operations to ensure that the highest quality service is provided in support of the teaching and research in the facilities.
• Plan, prioritize and review the work of staff and contractors responsible for mechanical and electrical equipment, lighting, plumbing, masonry, utilities, grounds and building cleaning. Plan and coordinate facilities repair and maintenance activities.
• Develop goals, objectives and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance of HKS?s infrastructure and building systems; make recommendations for improvements and monitor work activities to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Develop and track a multi-year facility plan encompassing preventative maintenance schedules, repair and up-keep of the building envelop and interior finish standards, and end-of-life cycle replacement strategies for building equipment for overall cost effectiveness.
• Provide strategic planning for short-range and long-range preventative maintenance and service including the preparation of the 5-year capital plan and the facility condition index (FCI).
• Prepare the operating and capital budgets. Directly manage the departmental budgets by monitoring expenses, identifying variances and adjusting spending accordingly.
• Manage all facilities preventative and predictive maintenance programs, including scope of work, specifications, SLA?s, RFP?s, management of vendors, and quality assessments.
• Establish schedules and methods for providing facility maintenance services; identify and allocate resources through HKS?s computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Responsible for Sustainability and Greenhouse Gas Reduction initiatives. Monitor, analyze and manage utility needs and costs, recommend changes to reduce consumption. Promote and support campus sustainability initiatives including overseeing greenhouse gas emission reduction program, and energy management.
• Support business continuity by proactively planning for and responding to localized emergencies and catastrophic events (e.g. power loss, leaks, floods, hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc.).
• Oversee and monitor the performance of inspections for facilities maintenance and ensures adherence and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Responsible for verifying and approving occupancy agreements, rent escalations and yearly reconciliations (true-up).
• Execute special projects as assigned by senior leadership.
• This position is expected to be reachable 24 hours/7 days per week to assist in person or remotely with campus and facilities-related emergency activities as necessary.
• Act as the CPO representative and liaison to HKS community, University departments, city and state agencies.
• Serve as a member of HKS and University related committees and teams, such as University Facilities Safety Team, and HKS Local Emergency Management Team, as required.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 8+ years of progressive work experience managing facilities OR, in lieu of a degree, at least 12 years of progressive work experience managing various building operations, construction, or related project management.
• Experience with operations management of multiple facilities, structures, and buildings.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Strong leadership is required to develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with customers, stakeholders, peers, business partners, and direct reports.
• Must be able to grasp and communicate complex ideas clearly and think creatively.
• Experience in the development of analytical and planning-related communication materials.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to assess needs, set priorities, and deal with stressful situations.
• Experience in the management of physical facilities. As a Facilities Management professional able to demonstrate skills in customer service to support, respond to, and coordinate with students, faculty, and staff.
• Proven ability to analyze and resolve large-scale facility, logistical, and organizational issues.
• Diplomacy, negotiation, and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, demanding work environment; Computer proficiency with MS Office, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Building Automation Systems (BAS).

Physical Requirements

• Able to work evening hours and/or weekends or holidays as needed.

• This position involves occasionally lifting and moving loads weighing more than 40 pounds.

• Will be required to travel to multiple locations around campus on a daily basis.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a COVER LETTER and RESUME.

Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of four days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

About Harvard University Kennedy School

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

Connections working at Harvard University Kennedy School