Director of Facilities

College of Lake County Foundation

1d

About The Position

The Director of Facilities is responsible for leading, mentoring, coaching, developing and supervising eight (8) direct reports and a staff of approximately 90 union employees in the operations of three main campuses operations of three main campuses and two sites. This position will provide strategic leadership and planning in all areas of campus facilities, including HVAC, Maintenance, Grounds and Transportation, Facilities Administration and Central Scheduling, Campus Services, Custodial, and Facility Management. Will be responsible for interpreting, implementing, and collaborating on the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, successfully communicating with all stakeholders, and driving change.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum seven years of progressive experience in the facilities management field, including at least five years in a leadership role at the assistant director level or higher.
• A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience managing teams in at least three or more of the following areas: HVAC, Maintenance, Grounds and Transportation, Facilities Administration and Central Scheduling, Campus Services, Custodial, and Facility Management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of facilities operations including but not limited to HVAC, electrical, maintenance and construction.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare an annual budget, schedule, negotiate contracts and control costs.
• Proven ability to work effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups and abilities; demonstrate sensitivity to and ability to work with the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff, including those with disabilities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• The candidate must meet all necessary requirements to become bonded.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree or higher in architecture, engineering or related field, including a professional license.
• Prior experience working in higher education or a governmental entity.
• Prior experience working with procurement for a public entity.
• Experience managing within a union environment and negotiating union contracts.
• Bilingual Spanish/English.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the administrative and financial oversight for the college’s Facilities departments including HVAC, Maintenance, Grounds and Transportation, Facilities Administration and Central Scheduling, Campus Services, Custodial and Facility Management at all campuses and sites.
• Establishes effective operating policies and procedures to address operational and long-term goals encouraging strategic growth in all areas of Facilities in accordance with the College’s objectives, initiatives and strategic plan.
• Prepares annual Facilities expense and capital budgets based on the changing needs of each department and new initiatives. Monitor and manage expenditures, ensuring funds are available and spent appropriately.
• Foster and lead a culture of service excellence across all Facilities departments to ensure subject matter expert knowledge, efficiency, and timeliness of service.
• Responsible for the development and achievement of Facilities strategic operational goals and objectives, interpreting institutional directives, evaluating operational performance, and ensuring that operations support the strategic plan and vision of the College and the Business Services and Finance unit.
• Oversees and approves the purchase of all goods and services for the Facilities department.
• Lead, advocate for and develop all facilities staff in accordance with college guidelines, and the collective bargaining agreement. Mentor and develop all facilities supervisors. Support Professional Development and advancement. Plan, coordinate and arrange appropriate training of staff with a special focus on employee safety.
• Foster a positive working environment for all members of the facilities team, providing recognition for special efforts performed by the Facilities teams. Manage the hiring of all facilities supervisors. Oversee the hiring of all facilities staff members to ensure positions are being filled in a timely fashion. Make recommendations for employment and corrective actions of staff members to the Director of Business Operations.
• Actively participate in the facilities collective bargaining, informal and formal grievance and arbitration processes, as outlined in the contract Maintain an open and positive working relationship with union leadership through regular informal meetings to hear concerns and informally address issues of concern. Chair the Labor Management committee. Meet regularly with supervisors and union leaders to ensure open and direct communication, consistent and accurate union contract interpretation and implementation.
• Review progress and provide detailed status reports to the Director of Business Operations and Vice President of Business Services, and Finance, as requested. Collaborate with other administrators, vendors, state and government agencies and contractors to coordinate activities and programs; resolve issues as needed. Partner with the Director of Capital Planning on assignments that require coordination between Capital projects and Facilities operational responsibilities.
• Assure compliance with laws, codes, regulations, and safety precautions related to maintenance and operations activities. Plan and oversee all building and site remodeling projects and assigned Facilities led construction projects. Consult with engineers on HVAC, mechanical and electrical requirements of new and renovated buildings to maintain utility and energy management systems and initiatives. Lead and direct the College’s energy savings program and initiatives. Conduct site checks to monitor progress and quality standards of assignments and Facilities managed project regularly. Provide progress updates regarding costs and timelines of projects. Problem solve with supervisors and staff to address delays, emergencies or other issues.
• Implement the budgets for Maintenance, HVAC, Custodial, Grounds/fleet, Campus Services, deferred maintenance and capital and surplus funded projects. Leverage the work order management system (AkitaBox) to analyze, plan, schedule and implement a systematic program of project planning, work order response, inventory management and preventive maintenance. Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records, and files related to facilities such as ICCB and Finance required reporting. Assist in the development of plans, specifications, and bid documents for work to be completed; review cost estimates submitted by outside contractors; evaluate bids and recommend award of contracts for College projects, equipment, and major repairs. Ensure all necessary permits, approvals, and other regulatory prerequisites have been obtained. Develop and approve project budgets, change orders, and other necessary documents. Inspect buildings, equipment, and grounds regularly to recommend or require improvements relative to energy usage and savings; evaluate and recommend cost-saving methods. Maintain inventory records of fixed assets under the responsibility of the facilities department; prepare documentation, evaluate and recommend disposition of surplus property. Direct administrative functions such as key and access control. Assess and mitigate risk, overseeing and addressing safety and security.
• Maintains competence and relevance in industry knowledge through professional development. Participate in the shared governance process in the College including but not limited to participating on committees, commissions, lead discussions, present reports and updates to employee group senates. Prepare and give presentations to the College Leadership Team and other identified groups. Lead task forces or work groups related to facilities operations. Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Business Operations the Vice President of Business Services and Finance/CFO or the President of the College.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• excellent benefits that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health, Delta Dental and Superior Vision insurance plans
• tuition support for employees and qualified family members
• three retirement plans
• disability
• group and supplemental life insurance
• health and dependent care flexible spending account plans
• a compressed work week in the summer (Closed Fridays!)
• generous vacation, sick and personal time off
• 14 paid holidays each year

What This Job Offers

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