The Hotchkiss School Facilities Department has wide-ranging responsibilities in operating, maintaining, improving and adapting the buildings and infrastructure. The facilities team is committed to creating an environment that supports and enhances the School’s educational environment and meets the operational needs for all School programs and activities.
The Director of Facilities leads operational planning and direction of the 60-person facilities team responsible for trades in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, vehicle maintenance, housekeeping and grounds maintenance as well as outside third-party vendors, contractors, and service providers. The Director leads the team to be effective collaborators and communicators with campus constituents.
Primary responsibilities include identifying strategic initiatives, developing the facilities team, and leading the daily activities of facilities management and staff to attain goals and objectives. In addition, the Director is ultimately responsible for the management of building and grounds maintenance, construction, renovation, repair, and regulatory compliance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop, manage, and evaluate direct-reports, ensuring overall supervision and evaluation of the entire Facilities Department.
Utilize data from reliable sources to monitor and improve service delivery and efficiency at all levels within Facilities.
Oversee large renovation and new building projects to be on time and within budget, assigning certain jobs to the Project Manager.
Promote new technology, processes and initiatives to improve the efficiency of the facilities staff and the School’s resources.
Ensure the department invests in environmentally sustainable best practices, such as utilizing energy efficient equipment and infrastructure.
Responsible for the Facilities Department operating and capital budgets, ensuring maintenance programs and major internal projects are completed in a time and cost-efficient manner.
Recommend and develop operating plans to encompass new initiatives of the School.
Prepare information and reports to communicate current status on budget, capital projects and deferred maintenance for the CFO, Head of School and Board of Trustee committees.
Monitor the safety, functionality, and appearance of all campus grounds and facilities, and implement corrective measures when warranted.
Oversee RFPs, and review bids for building and grounds work in coordination with internal stakeholders.
Interface with the Dean of Faculty Office, Summer Programs, and the Head of School Office regarding School events to minimize conflicts between operational projects/daily work and daily campus activities, prioritizing projects where appropriate.
Act as the liaison with School Administration on all Plant matters.
Manage all outside vendors providing services to the physical plant, including negotiating contracts.
Maintain communication with Town and State agencies as required, ensuring all required permits, approvals, licenses, etc. are obtained for all facilities, buildings, vehicles and grounds.
Prepare and deliver presentations to committees and to the Board of Trustees as needed.
Communicates with the Hotchkiss community regarding energy issues and acts as a spokesperson for facility management.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Facility or Construction Management, or combination of education and work experience in related field.
Minimum of ten years experience managing facilities, preferably in an educational setting with extensive supervisory experience.
A high degree of technological proficiency and knowledge of operations management software.
Extensive knowledge of building codes, blueprints, safety and environmental regulations.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work both independently and to collaborate as a member of a team.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:
Office environment at times.
Able to bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, climb, kneel, and lift.
Work outdoors in all weather conditions, with excessive dust, dirt, temperature, rain, or snow.
Subject to hazards and atmospheric conditions including moving vehicles, moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, and gasses.
Stand and walk for long periods of time. Able to traverse the campus and buildings on different types of terrain.
Able to safely drive a School vehicle.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.
The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination).
In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Located in the scenic Berkshire-Taconic landscape in the quiet northwest corner of Connecticut, The Hotchkiss School is a community in which faculty and staff members build careers and grow as professionals. We seek to identify, recruit, and develop faculty and staff members who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds. Collectively, we are dedicated to supporting the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of nearly 600 students who come from around the country and the world.
In the 2023-2024 school year, our student body includes 37% of students receiving financial aid, 13% international students, and 40% domestic students of color. Geographically diverse, our students represent 38 States, 34 Countries, and span 6 continents. The School is eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm learning community for students from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.