Director of Facilities - Operations

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

6d • $130,000 - $140,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Facilities provides operational and technical leadership for all facilities management functions at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), ensuring its campus operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably in support of teaching, learning, research, and engagement with the field. The campus includes six owned buildings on Appian Way and two leased properties in Harvard Square, totaling 252,737 square feet. The Director leads a team of 20 Harvard and contracted staff and manages an annual operating budget of $4.0 million.

The role oversees facilities systems and infrastructure, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm, fire protection, generator, and other life safety systems. It manages service contracts, preventive maintenance, corrective repairs, operational projects, regulatory compliance, campus renewal data, utilities, and work-order processes. In partnership with the Chief of Operations and others, the Director contributes to short- and long-range facilities planning, project delivery, sustainability and energy management, accessibility, safety, and emergency preparedness.

This is a fully on-site, 35-hour-per-week position. The Director is designated critical and essential personnel and must report to campus during emergencies to support continuity of operations. A cover letter must be submitted with the resume as one document.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible facilities management experience, preferably in higher education or a large, complex institution.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, utilities, and life safety systems.
• Experience managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and overseeing vendors.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion in the built environment.
• Candidates must submit a cover letter with their resume as one document.
• Must meet work-location sponsorship requirements; Harvard University cannot provide visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree.
• Demonstrated leadership in planning, energy management, and sustainability.
• Facilities management experience in higher education or a large, complex institution.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and delegate facilities operations to ensure organization-wide compliance and effective performance of facility systems.
• Ensure proper operation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm, fire protection, generator, and other life safety systems.
• Develop knowledge of campus systems and infrastructure; manage service contracts, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs.
• Plan and lead system upgrades and operational projects valued at less than $300,000, including scopes of work, budgets, and schedules.
• Maintain the campus renewal database and ensure regulatory compliance across systems and operations.
• Liaise with Harvard Engineering & Utilities regarding infrastructure and life safety compliance with city and utility regulations.
• Oversee utility usage tracking and billing accuracy, collaborate on annual projections, and develop reconciliation plans as needed.
• Lead the facilities team’s use of the work-order management system, emphasizing performance metrics, reporting, and customer-focused service.
• Partner with the Chief of Operations to establish short- and long-range facilities goals and priorities and recommend long-range maintenance, service, and improvement plans.
• Oversee planning, budgeting, bidding, and approval for non-capital construction projects and environmental health, safety, and sustainability initiatives.
• Oversee and participate in contractor selection and develop contracts in accordance with Harvard University and HGSE policies.
• Maintain the campus renewal database, sustainability improvement opportunities, and accessibility status; use data to recommend projects for multiyear capital planning.
• Represent facilities interests on capital projects and review design drawings, equipment specifications, and construction submittals for compliance with HGSE and University facility standards.
• Support capital projects by ensuring infrastructure impacts are addressed without adversely affecting daily campus operations.
• Collaborate with the Chief of Operations on energy management strategies that advance efficiency and carbon reduction goals.
• Partner with the HGSE Green Team on campus-wide behavioral change initiatives and support Living Building Challenge Core objectives on capital projects.
• Implement waste diversion, recycling, and green procurement initiatives; monitor and report energy use and sustainability performance metrics.
• Oversee facility assessments for ADA compliance, identify deficiencies, and develop remediation strategies in collaboration with the Chief of Operations.
• Develop plans and oversee fire alarm, sprinkler, evacuation, and life safety drills and testing.
• Serve on HGSE’s Local Emergency Management Team and support emergency preparedness, response, and business continuity.
• Report to campus during emergencies as critical and essential personnel to support continuity of operations.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

What This Job Offers

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