Director of Buildings and Grounds
Falmouth Academy, Falmouth, MA
Falmouth Academy
7 Highfield Drive
Falmouth, MA 02540
508-457-9696
Job Title: Director of Buildings and Grounds
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Responsible to: Director of Finance and Operations
Last Revised: November 15, 2024
Position Summary: Falmouth Academy is seeking a full-time Director of Buildings and Grounds. The ideal candidate has a strong background in creating and maintaining a positive and proactive approach to all campus operations, has demonstrated excellence in providing and maintaining a safe and secure campus, and has at least seven (7) years of facilities experience. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic professional who can provide essential duties and responsibilities related to campus buildings and grounds, work directly with the Director of Finance and Operations, and oversee and manage buildings and grounds staff. The candidate should possess technical expertise in maintenance (including HVAC), safety and security, housekeeping, landscaping, and facilities and grounds operations as required. Additionally, the candidate will have demonstrated a willingness to work collaboratively with the internal and external community and possess a positive and friendly approach at all times.
Salary range: $55,000-$70,000.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Physical Plant Management
- Overseeing all aspects of life safety and security systems to ensure proper operation;
- Developing and monitoring preventative maintenance programs for all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; HVAC, boilers, and chillers; fire suppression systems; elevators and lifts; vehicles; roofing and drainage systems; and building envelopes;
- Planning, implementation, and management of recurring maintenance needs related to the buildings, including but not limited to paint, flooring, lighting, windows, doors, furniture, fixtures, etc.;
- Managing renovation and remodeling projects as needed; obtaining bids, securing contracts, and building timelines for successful on-time completion of construction and repair projects;
- Scheduling and successfully completing all required inspections, including but not limited to HVAC, boilers, elevators, fire suppression and alarm systems, emergency generators, fire extinguishers, and all local, state, and federal agencies; and
- Teaching of skills and techniques to direct reports.
Campus Management
- Managing all grounds maintenance, including landscape, driveway, parking lots, and sidewalks;
- Maintaining buses in peak working condition; and
- Maintaining equipment and tools in peak working condition.
Strategic Planning
- Developing and implementing a long-term plan for proactive facilities management;
- Improving operational efficiencies while reducing risks; and
- Complying with all required codes, permits, and inspections, including but not limited to fire safety, elevators, boilers, and vehicles.
Communication
- Coordinating with other school departments to ensure smooth, non-invasive implementation of facilities projects;
- Giving and receiving productive feedback; and
- Being actively involved with industry associations and peers.
Administrative Leadership
- Supervising and scheduling housekeeping, maintenance, facilities, and transportation staff to guarantee prompt, high-quality service;
- Collaborating with other school departments to coordinate and manage internal events and after-hours facility rentals and staffing for setup, breakdown, and cleaning;
- Budgeting for the facilities department and control of facilities expenses throughout the year;
- Managing all invoices for services and utilities to ensure on-time payment;
- Monitoring of utility usage and implementation of energy-saving initiatives;
- Attending and participating in school activities to show positive support for employees and the school;
- Maintaining records of inspections, projects, logs, and daily workflow;
- Managing the workflow and assignments of the facilities and housekeeping teams. Responding in a timely and organized manner to work requests;
- Supervising and evaluating facilities team members; and
- Overseeing 24/7 facilities support, as needed.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Knowledge of and experience with EPA, OSHA, and ADA regulations and the ability to interpret and implement relevant procedures;
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing;
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management skills;
- Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure; ability to implement policies and procedures;
- Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work accurately while meeting multiple deadlines;
- Maintain confidentiality of all school information; and
- Ability to safely and properly use standard tools and specialty equipment.
Education and Experience:
- Advanced training in a field related to engineering or facilities management;
- Skill in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, HVAC systems, building controls, and security and access systems;
- Knowledge of major building systems, preventative maintenance procedures, and expected life cycles;
- Knowledge of best practices in school cleanliness to help maintain a healthy environment for children, faculty, staff and;
- Proven leadership skills in a diverse environment.
Physical Demands:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer;
- Must have manual coordination; use of hands to finger, handle, or feel; hand/foot/eye coordination;
- Must be able to hear and speak to exchange information; to see and be able to distinguish between colors, including close vision, and ability to adjust focus; to read materials and operate equipment; to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms for extended periods of time;
- Must be able to access and navigate every area of the organization’s facilities, which may require climbing, balancing, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, turning, sitting, or lying down;
- Must be able to lift, pull, push, haul, or drag items weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted;
- Must be willing to work in inclement weather and in environments with adverse conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, machinery vibrations, and pathogenic substances;
- Must be able to tolerate the occasional noisy indoor work environments; to tolerate temperature fluctuations throughout the school campus, indoors and out; to work with frequent interruptions;
- Workflow and schedule must accommodate the schedules of others; and
- Variable hours, including evenings and weekends.
Candidates interested in applying should email a cover letter, resume, and 2 to 3 letters of reference to Carmen DiSanto, Director of Finance and Operations, at cdisanto@falmouthacademy.org. Please include the position title in the subject line.