Director, Building Operations

Zeiterion Theatre • New Bedford, MA

8d • $70,000 - $98,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Building Operations is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for the management, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of The Z’s historic theater facility. The Z holds a 99-year ground lease of this city-owned facility. This role ensures the building is safe, fully operational, and welcoming to staff, artists, patrons, and community members. With a deep understanding of public assembly facility environments, the Director oversees all building systems—including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and life safety—while also leading capital planning, regulatory compliance, vendor management, and emergency preparedness. In collaboration with Theater Operations, Production, and administrative teams, the Director ensures the appropriate staffing and support for all programming and events in multiple spaces in and outside of the building, aligned with the organization’s commitment to accessibility, safety, and community service while preserving its long-term value.

Requirements

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive facilities management experience, preferably in a performing arts, historic, or public assembly environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex building systems, capital improvement projects, and preventative maintenance programs.
• Strong working knowledge of regulatory requirements (building code, place-of-assembly, OSHA, fire/life safety, accessibility, inspections, licenses).
• Proven ability to manage vendor contracts and lead negotiations.
• Experience developing and managing operating and capital budgets.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Supervisory experience with a track record of fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Proficiency in work order systems, building management systems (BMS), and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Facilities Management certification (e.g., IFMA CFM, BOMI).
• Familiarity with historic preservation or adaptive reuse of performance spaces.
• Experience of liaising with municipal personnel and departments.
• Demonstrable knowledge of industry best practices and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the overall building operations strategy, goals and impact, aligned with organizational goals and mission impact.
• Manage operating and capital budgets, forecasting short- and long-term infrastructure needs.
• Oversee emergency preparedness plans, safety drills, and incident response readiness.
• Lead with a collaborative, mission-aligned approach that prioritizes service to artists, audiences, and community.
• Represent the facility’s operational priorities in organizational planning and cross-functional projects.
• Model transparency, communication, and shared decision-making across departments.
• Supervise daily maintenance of all areas of the building and grounds, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and functionality.
• Oversee the operation, repair, and replacement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire/life safety, and security systems as well as equipment such as dishwashers, ice machine, popcorn machine, beer draft refrigeration system, refrigerators, laundry facilities, lifts, etc.
• Lead and track preventative maintenance schedules using industry best practices and software tools.
• Manage contracts for outsourced services (e.g., janitorial, HVAC, elevator, security, pest control).
• Conduct vendor evaluations and performance reviews, ensuring quality, cost control, and SLA adherence.
• Negotiate and oversee service agreements within budgetary and strategic parameters.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, health, fire and life safety regulations, ADA, OSHA, and local permitting requirements.
• Act as the primary liaison with the City, fostering a cooperative relationship to ensure the building’s operations align with the terms of the ground lease, municipal regulations, and public safety standards.
• Coordinate regularly with municipal departments, inspectors and officials.
• Maintain documentation for all inspections, incidents, and certifications.
• Lead crowd safety planning and place-of-assembly compliance in collaboration with Production and Theater Operations.
• Recruit, train, and supervise a team of facilities staff and contractors/vendors to support a busy schedule of live performances and events in multiple spaces in and out of the building with a focus on inclusion, shared leadership, and growth making.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and excellence in service delivery.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management to build leadership capacity within the team.
• Partner with Theater Operations and Production teams to ensure seamless event execution and audience experience.
• Coordinate building readiness for performances, rentals, and special events.
• Align facility projects and scheduling with programming calendars and operational needs.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental & vision
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer-paid STD, LTD, Life
• Generous paid time off
• Professional development
• Additional perks: Tickets to performances, wellness programs, and remote and schedule flexibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed