Director of Facilities Management and Campus Planning

New England College of Optometry•Boston, MA

10h•$140,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

The New England College of Optometry (NECO) seeks a Director of Facilities Management and Campus Planning to provide leadership and operational oversight for facilities, campus operations, maintenance, safety, security, and capital construction projects across three locations in the Greater Boston area. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role in a small academic institution. The Director is expected to remain actively present at campus locations, work directly with Facilities staff, troubleshoot operational issues, coordinate vendors and contractors, and personally drive projects and initiatives to completion. The Director will support facilities used by students, faculty, staff, researchers, clinicians, and visitors, building relationships across the institution and balancing academic and operational priorities. A significant part of the role is leading major capital construction and renovation projects as NECO's primary facilities representative and project lead, coordinating with architects, engineers, construction managers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and institutional leadership. The position oversees three locations: the approximately 60,000+ square-foot Beacon Street Campus, an owned facility; the approximately 14,000+ square-foot Commonwealth Center for Eye Care, a leased facility; and the approximately 6,000+ square-foot Roslindale Center for Eye Care, also leased. Responsibilities include maintenance, operations, custodial services, event management, security, safety, compliance, and food service oversight at Beacon Street, as well as coordination of lease-related matters, maintenance, cleaning, and security at the two clinical locations. As a member of NECO's essential personnel team, the Director participates in 24-hour emergency response activities, including weather-related and other facilities emergencies. The role requires flexibility, sound judgment, ownership, and willingness to step in wherever needed. Frequent travel between NECO facilities is required, and occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership in facilities management, campus operations, and capital project management.
Demonstrated experience personally managing major renovation and construction projects, including budgets, design coordination, bidding, contractor management, and commissioning.
Deep technical knowledge of complex building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection, and multi-site operational management.
Comprehensive understanding of local and state building codes, life safety codes, environmental regulations, and historic preservation requirements.
Experience in budget development, cost control, lease negotiation, and interpreting technical and financial contracts.
Experience using facilities systems software such as CMMS, BMS, and EMS, and standard office productivity tools including Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to move between executive strategic planning and hands-on operational troubleshooting.
Ability to navigate academic and clinical cultures and balance the needs of faculty, researchers, clinical staff, and students.
Strong communication, negotiation, analytical, and conflict-resolution skills.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel between local campus sites.
Successful completion of standard background checks, including criminal history, education verification, motor vehicle record, and credit review.
Ability to meet the physical demands of an active, mobile position, including frequent walking and standing; climbing stairs; bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching; and lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials, supplies, tools, equipment, and furnishings as required.
Ability to work in varied campus and facilities environments, including mechanical and service spaces, storage areas, outdoor locations, and active construction and maintenance sites, and to follow applicable safety procedures and use personal protective equipment as required.
Availability to respond to facilities, safety, security, weather-related, and other emergencies outside normal business hours.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, academic medical centers, or comparable multi-building institutional environments is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Establish departmental goals, priorities, and budgets aligned with NECO's institutional strategic plan.
Provide direct leadership, technical coaching, and operational guidance to the Manager of Building, Grounds & Security, the Manager of Compliance & Safety, and the Maintenance Technician, while maintaining an active presence across all locations.
Manage departmental and capital budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation in collaboration with senior leadership.
Direct routine, preventive, and emergency maintenance across campus buildings, grounds, and mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire/life safety, and lighting.
Oversee facilities services to maintain a safe, clean, and functional environment for students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors with minimal disruption to academic and clinical operations.
Manage multi-site operations, including furniture and equipment logistics between campus sites and off-site storage.
Oversee Beacon Street Campus food service operations and implement energy conservation strategies.
Serve as NECO's primary liaison to regulatory agencies and municipal entities, including the Boston Fire Department, Inspectional Services, and historic preservation committees.
Oversee external contractors, architects, engineers, and tradespeople; lead RFP creation, competitive bidding, contract negotiations, and lease administration.
Ensure institution-wide compliance with building codes, ADA/accessibility standards, environmental regulations, hazardous waste management, and campus safety protocols.
Lead planning, budgeting, scope development, design, and execution of major construction, infrastructure, and campus renovation initiatives from concept to closeout.
Partner with executive leadership and the Board of Trustees on capital priorities, space utilization, and potential property acquisitions or dispositions.
Oversee project management teams, budgets, schedules, change orders, and risk mitigation to help projects meet institutional standards on time and within budget.
Participate in 24-hour facilities emergency response, including weather-related and other emergencies.

Benefits

Three plan options for BCBS medical coverage.
Mental health and wellness benefits.
BCBS dental coverage.
Discounted vision services.
13 paid holidays and generous paid time off for sick, vacation, and personal days.
Employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability.
Voluntary insurance options: life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident.
Voluntary benefits including employee discounts and pet insurance.
9% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan after one year of service, with no vesting schedule or match requirement.
Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer.