Executive Director, Facilities Operations

Reed College • Portland, OR

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Reed College is seeking an experienced and collaborative Executive Director of Facilities Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership for the college’s physical campus. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance & Treasurer, this executive-level position oversees facilities maintenance, custodial services, preventive maintenance, grounds, space planning, and capital projects while ensuring a safe, functional, sustainable, and welcoming campus environment. About the Role The Executive Director of Facilities Operations leads both the day-to-day operation and long-term stewardship of Reed College’s facilities. The position develops strategies and policies that support efficient and cost-effective operations, regulatory compliance, effective use of campus resources, and long-term capital needs. This is a highly visible campus leadership role that works closely with senior leadership, faculty, staff, students, the Board of Trustees, contractors, consultants, and community partners. The Executive Director must be able to translate complex facilities, operational, and capital matters into clear recommendations that support institutional priorities. The successful candidate will be a strong operational and people leader who can balance the immediate needs of a complex campus with long-term facilities planning. They will bring sound judgment, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and the ability to build productive relationships across organizational levels while maintaining accountability for projects, budgets, safety, and service. This position is on campus and regularly interfaces with Reed College students, faculty, staff, leadership, and external partners.

Requirements

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, including at least five years in a leadership role.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing complex facilities operations
• Experience leading facilities operations within a higher education environment.
• Working knowledge of applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Experience supporting sustainability and environmentally responsible facilities practices.
• Knowledge of relevant state, county, and municipal regulations, codes, and reporting requirements.
• Experience leading represented employees and participating in union negotiations and collective bargaining matters

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for facilities operations, including maintenance, custodial services, grounds, preventive maintenance, space planning, and capital projects.
• Develop and implement policies and strategies for facility maintenance and repair, space utilization, design, construction, and long-term campus infrastructure needs.
• Lead preventive, corrective, and deferred maintenance planning to support the safety, functionality, and long-term sustainability of campus facilities.
• Plan and manage capital improvement projects through the full project lifecycle, including scope design/development, design, budgeting, execution, and delivery.
• Direct facilities supervisors and managers and provide leadership to maintenance, custodial, and grounds teams.
• Develop short- and long-term operational plans, programs, contracts, and priorities for Facilities Services.
• Manage contractors, subcontractors, professional service consultants, and vendors, including solicitation, selection, negotiation, and performance oversight.
• Track project and operational performance against budgets, milestones, and other performance indicators and provide reports and recommendations to college leadership.
• Communicate facilities projects and operational impacts effectively to individuals, departments, buildings, and the broader campus community.
• Present complex facilities and strategic matters to senior leadership, faculty, the Board of Trustees, and other campus and community groups.
• Foster a departmental culture centered on safety, accountability, collaboration, inclusivity, service, and continuous improvement.
• Partners with Human Resources in labor relations and collective bargaining, including union negotiations, contract administration, and implementation of collective bargaining agreements affecting Facilities operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

• comprehensive medical and dental insurance options for you and your dependents
• 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service)
• educational assistance for employees and their children
• 22 days of paid vacation
• paid holidays
• half-day Fridays in the summer
• many other campus amenities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed