Jobs

Position Overview
The Director of Facilities leads all aspects of the school’s physical plant and grounds. This role combines hands-on work with strong management of people, systems, and vendors. The Director evaluates and prioritizes work based on safety, operational continuity, cost, and long-term preservation of campus assets. Although not traditionally student-facing, the role directly supports the daily experience of students, faculty, and staff and requires a high standard of responsiveness, communication, and customer service.

Reports to: Head of School

Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience
Schedule: Full-time with participation in an after-hours on-call rotation for maintenance emergencies

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily operation, inspection, and upkeep of buildings, mechanical systems, grounds, and athletic facilities.
• Manage preventive maintenance schedules, work orders, and emergency response.
• Maintain a visible presence across campus to anticipate needs and assess conditions.

Maintenance & Work-Order Oversight

• Maintain strong oversight of the maintenance ticketing system:
  • Timely assignment, follow-up, and closure of tickets
  • Clear communication with faculty and staff on timelines and outcomes
  • Tracking and reporting of trends, recurring issues, and system-level needs
• Perform hands-on repairs when appropriate and coordinate specialized contractors as needed.

Vendor Management & Procurement

• Build strong, reliable vendor relationships while maintaining multiple competitive options.
• Evaluate vendor performance, pricing, responsiveness, and quality.
• Develop scopes of work, solicit bids, and oversee contracted projects.
• Maintain contracts, warranties, and service agreements with proper documentation.

Capital Planning & Budget Stewardship

• Evaluate requests and repairs with attention to short-term urgency and long-term asset care.
• Prepare recommendations and cost estimates for capital projects and infrastructure needs.
• Manage the facilities operating budget in coordination with the CFO/COO.
• Contribute to long-range campus planning and asset life-cycle strategies.

Team Management

• Supervise, train, and support the facilities and grounds staff.
• Set expectations, provide feedback, and ensure accountability for quality and safety.
• Coordinate scheduling, daily assignments, and the after-hours on-call rotation.
• Foster a professional, service-oriented culture within the team.

Campus Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with building codes, inspections, fire/life safety requirements, and environmental regulations.
• Partner with leadership on safety planning, emergency operations, and drill readiness.
• Maintain records for inspections, regulatory compliance, and preventive maintenance.

Grounds & Seasonal Operations

• Oversee landscaping, road/trail maintenance, athletic field preparation, snow removal, and ice management.
• Ensure effective care and maintenance of grounds equipment.

Community, Service, and Communication

• Respond to faculty and staff needs with clarity, professionalism, and follow-through.
• Recognize that responsiveness and communication directly impact the student and faculty experience.
• Support school events, athletics, weekend activities, and student-life operations as needed.
• Communicate proactively about planned work that may affect classrooms, dorms, or schedules.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of facilities management, trades, or related operations experience.
• Technical competency with building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, or general maintenance).
• Experience managing staff and contractors.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Budget management and capital planning experience preferred.
• Ability to work hands-on and respond to emergencies, including after-hours.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to perform physical work in varied conditions.

Attributes

• Decisive and practical; able to balance immediate operational needs with long-term stewardship.
• Communicates clearly, especially under stress.
• Service-oriented, understanding that facilities work directly shapes the student and faculty experience.
• Skilled in building and maintaining vendor relationships while protecting the school’s financial interests.
• Organized, reliable, and comfortable setting expectations and holding standards.

To Apply

Please submit one PDF including:

1. Letter of interest, addressed to Head of School, Michael Peller
2. Current résumé
3. Statement of Educational Leadership Philosophy
4. A list of three or more professional references with contact information (phone and email)

Send materials to mpeller@vermontacademy.org.