New Jersey Regional Director, Facilities Management & Operations

Uncommon Schools•Newark, NJ

25d•Hybrid

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is seeking a Regional Director for Facilities Management & Operations in New Jersey. This role is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and continuous operation of all building systems across the region's facilities. The Director will lead the facilities team, manage budgets, coordinate capital projects, and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. This position requires a strong understanding of building systems, team leadership, financial management, and project planning. The goal is to ensure that all facilities are well-maintained and operate efficiently to support the educational mission of Uncommon Schools.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
7+ years of progressive experience in architecture, construction, construction project management, facility management, or a related field
Familiarity with key building systems (HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing)
Knowledge of OSHA and Life Safety codes
Computer skills to operate Building Management Systems (BMS); proficiency with Microsoft Office
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to speak and write clearly and adjust messaging for different audiences
Ability to build new systems, multitask, set and drive priorities, and monitor progress toward goals
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Exceptional strategic, analytical, and critical thinking skills
Availability to address emergencies as they arise (24/7 as needed)
Ownership of a personal vehicle for travel between campuses
Ability to pass a criminal record history check from the Department of Education

Nice To Haves

Master's degree, preferably in architecture, planning, or a related field
New Jersey low-pressure black seal boiler, HVAC, or other relevant certifications, training, or licenses
Experience with data-driven decision-making and financial forecasting

Responsibilities

Develop comprehensive knowledge of the region's building portfolio and lead the facilities team in executing best-in-class maintenance and preventive maintenance plans.
Manage the repair, maintenance, and continuous operation of all building systems including fire/life safety, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting controls, digital systems (fire alarm, card access, CCTV security), and elevator controls.
Develop and oversee systems to respond quickly to all facility emergencies.
Coordinate and document all required governmental inspections; ensure buildings comply with local, state, and federal regulations; maintain required documentation on file.
Own and monitor a work-ticket system that prioritizes and responds to all requests from school operations staff; assign tickets appropriately to facilities team members.
Develop transparent reporting systems of ticket response, keeping all stakeholders informed.
Establish and lead regular meetings with school operations staff, maintaining clear agendas, notes, and follow-up actions.
Stay informed of facilities challenges across the region and coordinate responses as needed.
Institute clear calendars and expectations for all facility-related workstreams, including summer and break activities.
Develop annual maintenance and operating budgets for all buildings in the region based on historical and projected facility needs; monitor spend to ensure it remains within budget.
Manage the work of the accounts payable associate with respect to Purchase Order creation and invoice approval.
Ensure compliance with New Jersey procurement guidelines.
Establish regular financial reporting practices and identify financial risks for escalation.
Develop and oversee bid processes for maintenance contracts; build a network of compliant vendors.
Develop an ongoing list of needed capital projects across the region.
Work with the Home Office Real Estate and Facilities team to compile an annual prioritized list of capital projects.
Coordinate site visits with school directors of operations to understand facility needs and communicate planned repair work.
Manage communications related to capital projects with Real Estate and Facilities and school operations teams.