Executive Director of Facilities & Maintenance

Highlands College•Birmingham, AL

About The Position

The Executive Director of Facilities & Maintenance serves as a senior leader of the Highlands College 70-acre campus. They are responsible for strategic planning, operational excellence, and the spiritual environment of their areas of responsibility. The Executive Director ensures that the campus remains safe and "Showcase Ready" at all times, reflecting the College's commitment to excellence.

Requirements

A consistent, professional testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and alignment with the values of Highlands College and Church of the Highlands.
Demonstrates a genuine interest in supporting others, coaching, and training to improve performance.
Encourages the contribution of others and takes their views into account.
Highly focused, self-started with an elevated level of energy and positive outlook.
Ability to remain resilient under pressure and effectively adapt to multiple demands, ambiguity, and rapid change.
Strong commitment to excellence, efficiency, and inquisitive.
Visionary and strategic thinker with operational instincts.
Can balance long-term vision with daily execution.
High integrity, trusted presence on campus, and committed to stewardship.
Analytical skills
Problem Solver
Team Builder & Coach
Action-orientated
Initiative
Customer Service
Calm under pressure
A minimum of 5 years' experience required as a Director of Facilities or Engineering at a Class A facility or upper-luxury hotel/resort with a progressive track record in managing a complex campus or multi-site ministry environment.
Expert level knowledge in at least 2 related trade skill certifications required: HVAC, Electrical, Mechanical, General Contracting. Has a general understanding of most/other trade skills: plumbing, carpentry, water treatment, construction, cleaning, etc.
Deep knowledge of building systems, life safety standards, CMMS usage, and facilities regulations.
Familiarity with higher education operations, residential facilities, and construction logistics.
Advanced knowledge of current Microsoft Office 365, use of Macintosh, Asset Management systems (e.g., eMaint, Synergy), and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
Demonstrated ability to lead small to mid-size capital projects from inception to completion.
2-year associate degree required in: Facilities Management, Maintenance, or Engineering.
Knowledge and experience of working within city and state requirements.
Good physical condition is required.
Ability to lift 50 lbs without assistance.
Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.
The physical activity of this job includes climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling.
Available for "on-call" emergency response during evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

A 4-year bachelor’s degree in same fields of expertise preferred.

Responsibilities

Actively model the Highlands College L.I.F.E. (Leadership, Integrity, Faith, Excellence) culture and support the spiritual formation of students.
Lead the facilities and custodial staff through a lens of ministry, fostering a culture of prayer, servant leadership, and professional growth.
Manage the College’s physical resources ensuring environments facilitate life-change and academic focus.
Direct the maintenance, repair, and longterm upkeep of all buildings and systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and structural) on campus. All buildings on campus: academic buildings, student housing, Church of the Highlands-Grandview, and dining facilities, etc.
Develop short and long-term asset management plan to ensure facilities remain at Class A standards and condition including coordination of smaller construction projects, vendor selection, procurement, adhering to government regulations and standards.
Serve as Facilities and Maintenance expert for mechanical emergency response planning and procedures.
Develop and manage departmental budget, prioritizing cost-effective energy solutions and capital reserve planning.
Negotiate and audit high-value service contracts for groundskeeping, janitorial services, and specialized technical repairs.
Participate in ministry at Church of the Highlands and Highlands College by leading small groups.
Affirm and uphold the Statement of Faith and the Core Values and DNA of the College, exemplifying all by word and lifestyle.
Represent the department in executive meetings, board updates, and cross functional planning.
Lead emergency preparedness efforts for weather, outages, and campus disruptions.
Collaborate with other campus departments to support academic, residential, and event needs.
Provide leadership and representation for facilities projects during design, construction, or renovation phases.
Provide leadership to facilities, maintenance, cleaning, and mailroom teams.
Lead and develop teams to effectively reach departmental goals and productivity levels.
Influences others using rational arguments. Identifies basis for compromise and reaches an agreement.
Communicate accurate information in a timely manner and effectively using the most appropriate methods.
Set clear objectives, inspiring and encouraging high performance in teams and individuals to meet goals of Highlands College.
Reviews progress achieved, publicly and privately recognizing achievement.
Anticipates the possible demands and outcomes of a particular task or situation – plans and prioritizes appropriately.
Lead with clarity, accountability, and missional alignment.
Recruit, mentor, and retain all levels of proficient team members.
Establish clear standards, SOPs, and expectations for work quality, safety, and communication.
Promote professional development and trade specialization pathways across the team.
Anticipate long-term campus needs and proactively communicate plans to executive leadership.