Director of Facilities

Curtis School • Los Angeles, CA

2d • $160,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Curtis is seeking a Director of Facilities to join a team-oriented, inclusive, and professional learning community. Curtis School is a DK-6 co-ed elementary school whose mission is to “develop, in every child, a sound mind in a sound body, governed by a compassionate heart.” We place an equal emphasis on academic, physical, social-emotional, and character education and instill a growth mindset modeled by faculty and staff who are the best in their craft. The Director of Facilities is responsible for ensuring a clean, safe, and well-maintained 27-acre campus that supports the school’s mission and includes the Head of School’s house. This role oversees the management of the physical plant, campus operations and safety, groundskeeping, maintenance, custodial services, and budgeting for facilities projects. The Director of Facilities must have a holistic view of campus facilities and operations with attention to how the school calendar impacts operational priorities. Reporting to the Head of School, this Director works closely with key operations team members, including the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating and People Officer (COPO), and serves on the School’s Senior Administrative Team. Beyond technical expertise, the Director of Facilities must be a strategic and collaborative leader who understands and embraces the school’s culture, fostering an environment that reflects the school's commitment to providing an excellent education and to responsible stewardship of resources.

Requirements

• Embracing Curtis School’s Vision, Purpose, Values, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of facilities management experience in a similar environment, with expertise in operations, maintenance, and emergency preparedness.
• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and calmly with all campus stakeholders, fostering collaboration and problem-solving.
• Keen judgment, discretion, and the ability to uphold professional boundaries
• Proficiency in Google Suite and other technology tools
• Warm, kind and caring personal qualities, and professional presence.
• Sense of humor combined with gravitas - able to be approachable and commanding respect.
• Commitment to working in and fostering an inclusive community and demonstrated high EQ in working with team members, campus partners, prospective families and alumni.
• Strategic thinker and creative problem-solver with ability to see the big picture.
• Fostering a positive, service-oriented work environment that supports the needs of students, faculty, and staff.
• Taking a proactive and solutions-driven approach to facilities management.
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive, and welcoming campus atmosphere.

Nice To Haves

• Strong knowledge of building trades and the ability to interpret architectural and engineering drawings (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Campus Facilities Management
• Oversee daily operations of the physical plant, ensuring a high standard of service and responsiveness to faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Supervise work order management to ensure timely and efficient completion of maintenance, event setups, and student activities.
• Solicit, review, and negotiate vendor contracts in partnership with the CFO, COPO, and Head of School.
• Oversee cleaning crews and landscape maintenance teams.
• Assess both short- and long-term campus needs, implementing improvements in collaboration with school leadership.
• Preventative Maintenance
• Develop and oversee a structured preventive maintenance program for HVAC, lighting, elevators, and other key building systems.
• Maintain an inventory of essential equipment, supplies, and replacement parts to ensure smooth operations.
• Review existing service agreements and provide recommendations to school leadership that align with long-term planning and fiscal responsibility.
• Campus Safety & Emergency Preparedness
• Lead the school’s safety efforts as a thought leader in Emergency Preparedness in coordination with the Head of School, and other administrators.
• Manage Emergency Response Plans, ensuring a proactive approach to campus safety.
• Maintain the schedule for emergency drills to comply with both state requirements as well as the school’s high priority for safety
• Serve as a liaison to local police, sheriff, and fire department personnel.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements, including Cal/OSHA, LA County Water Boards, and building codes.
• Budgeting & Planning
• Collaborate with the CFO and Head of School to responsibly develop and manage the annual facilities budget.
• Provide accurate and complete information regarding cost projections for projects and expenses
• Track and forecast expenditures, ensuring alignment with the school’s long-term financial and operational goals.
• Construction Management
• Oversee and manage all campus construction projects, prioritizing minimal disruption to the school community.
• Collaborate with contractors and construction management firms to ensure quality, efficiency, and adherence to project goals.
• Sustainability & Stewardship
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure efficient resource use and responsible environmental practices, including:
• Energy efficiency and conservation
• Waste reduction and recycling initiatives
• Pollution control and eco-friendly facility maintenance
• Community education on sustainability practices
• Stay current with local, state, federal, and internal environmental regulations to ensure compliance.
• Partner with faculty, students, and staff to integrate sustainable practices into campus life.
• General Management & Supervision
• Supervise facilities staff, conduct performance reviews, and ensure adherence to school policies while fostering a culture of professionalism and accountability.
• Demonstrates strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to foster constructive outcomes in challenging situations
• Provide project management oversight for facilities-related trades as needed.
• Establish workflows to optimize efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.
• Address and resolve facilities-related issues both timely and in a manner that upholds the school’s commitment to a high-quality learning and working environment.

Benefits

• At Curtis School, salaries are one component of a compensation package that includes a generous benefit package, retirement matching, lunch credits, health & and life, AD & LTD insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior