Director, Facilities

Central Ohio Transit Authority•Columbus, OH

10h•Onsite

About The Position

COTA's Director, Facilities provides strategic leadership and oversight for all corporate ‑ owned and leased facilities, directing construction, renovation, maintenance, safety, and daily operations. This role leads budgeting, financial performance, environmental stewardship, capital planning, and major facility projects while ensuring effective coordination with internal divisions, utilities, regulatory agencies, and external partners. The Director is accountable for maintaining all facilities and supporting infrastructure in a State of Good Repair (SGR) and ensuring they remain safe, resilient, and compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, codes, and standards. This position develops and executes strategic plans that align facility, utility, and infrastructure investments with COTA's operational, safety, sustainability, and business objectives, and advances best ‑ practice processes that support reliable transit operations, emergency preparedness, weather response, and construction activities while maintaining secure, efficient environments for employees, customers, and the public. Performs other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, Public Administration or another closely related field and a minimum of eight (8) years' progressively responsible experience in facilities management, maintenance operations, or capital project delivery.
Five (5) of those years in a management or supervisory role, preferably within public transportation, public works, utilities or similar industry.
An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.
Valid Driver's License required.
Requires an ADA Certification.
Knowledge of engineering, design, blueprints, electrical, plumbing, and drainage systems
Knowledge of HVAC, hydraulics and pneumatics
Skills in the successful application of leadership, decision-making, interpersonal, communication, organizational, and self-management competencies
Skills in human relations
Ability to write technical specifications regarding repairs or replacement of equipment used in maintenance/repair of buildings and grounds
Ability to prepare clear, concise reports for submission to and use by superiors.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic oversight of preventive and ongoing facility maintenance to ensure safe, clean, and reliable environments for COTA employees and customers.
Leads utilities, energy systems, and facility infrastructure strategy, coordinating with electric, gas, water, sewer, and communications providers to ensure service continuity, capacity planning, redundancy, and resilience.
Directs emergency preparedness, severe weather response, and recovery activities related to facilities, utilities, and infrastructure, including snow and ice events, heat emergencies, and other disruptive incidents.
Oversees contract administration, including invoice review, change ‑ order approval, and consultant and contractor performance, ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures.
Represents the Facilities Maintenance Department in long ‑ range planning and capital budgeting and provides project leadership throughout the lifecycle of facilities capital projects.
Optimizes the cost ‑ effectiveness and longevity of COTA facilities-including buildings, grounds, and equipment-through timely maintenance and by recommending improvements that enhance operational efficiency.
Serves as the primary liaison with governmental agencies and private entities, ensuring effective information exchange and coordination impacting day ‑ to ‑ day operations of COTA ‑ owned or leased facilities.
Ensures effective labor relations through contract administration and timely resolution of grievances and complaints in accordance with bargaining agreements.
Maintains EPA and environmental compliance standards.
Monitors, coordinates and assists in planning remediation efforts for contaminated sites from spills/releases.
Reviews drawings from engineering firms for correctness and completeness.
Manages construction permits, inspections, project schedules, scope of work documents, contracts, purchase orders and as-built drawings.
Directs and provides leadership for their staff.
Hires, trains, develop, and appraise staff effectively.
Ensures the organization meets its responsibilities by assisting in identifying problem areas, participating in review of complaints alleging discrimination, and supporting career counseling for employees.
Takes corrective action as necessary, on a timely basis, and in accordance with policy.
Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required.
Performs other duties as assigned.