Executive Director of Maintenance

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Executive Director of Maintenance and Operations is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the maintenance (repairs and services) and operations (custodial, grounds) teams and activities for the district. The administrative responsibilities of the position are broad in scope and encompass a wide range of departmental activities. The work is performed in accordance with federal, state and local laws and regulations and school district policies. The executive director is responsible for inspecting worksites and school district properties on a routine basis and provides oversight to new construction and renovation projects in the school district. Work is performed under the general direction and review of the school district’s chief operations office. Supervisory responsibility and oversight are exercised over custodial, building maintenance and groundskeeping staff.  
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first
1.    Maintains a close working knowledge and understanding of all issues and priorities within Houston Independent School District, Facilities, Maintenance, and Operations, and those departmental issues that may require the attention of the Chief of Facilities and Maintenance Operations (CFMO).
2.    Prepares the annual operating budget and monitors revenues and expenditures.
3.    Plans, coordinates, and conducts periodic inspections of all facilities required by local, state or federal law such as fire inspections, asbestos inspections, insurance safety inspections and annual visual inspections of all campuses and support facilities to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

4.    Makes determinations about scope of maintenance and/or repair activities and decides which can be accomplished by in-house maintenance staff and which are to be contracted out.
5    Inspects work performed by custodial or maintenance employees or approved vendors to ensure proper cleaning, maintenance, repair and groundskeeping procedures are being followed, checks for safety and health hazards, and makes recommendations for correction and improvements.
6.    Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
 

EDUCATION

•    Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in business, management, finance, or related field 
Preferred Qualifications: 
Master’s Degree in business, management, finance, or related field.
 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Significant supervisory project management experience (5+ years), preferably in a large, urban school district    
 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Expert knowledge of HISD and/or understanding of urban education and change management in complex systems.
Knowledge and appreciation of business concepts, strong business writing skills, and strong knowledge of spreadsheet and presentation software.
Strong problem-solving and project management skills, including strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach an end goal.
A commitment to equity; demonstrates a sense of urgency regarding closing the achievement gap and driving equitable educational opportunities for all students.
A successful record leading effective teams and individuals, managing organizational change, setting and achieving ambitious goals, and initiating key innovations.
Demonstrated ability to develop a vision and inspire others to achieve shared goals.
Comfort in leading difficult conversations, guided by the best interests of students and families.
Integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions.
Strong time management skills and the ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills.
A flexible, optimistic approach; committed to overcoming challenges; comfortable with change and ambiguity.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey complex information to a variety of audiences (e.g., large groups, staff meetings, executive briefings, public board meetings, memos).
Strong analytical skills and a high degree of intellectual curiosity to distill analysis into insights and translate insights into action.
A performance management, accountability, and systems-thinking orientation necessary to inform data-driven strategy development and execution.
Ability to initiate and manage cohesive partnerships and professional relationships with stakeholders at all levels, along with the ability to build consensus on pathways for improving student outcomes and addressing complex issues.
Willingness to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of a dynamic team committed to a new future for urban education.
Fluency in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
 

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Provides strategic direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments. Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district wide.
 

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.
 

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.
 

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas.  May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.
 

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the district causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies, or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.
 

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.
 

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor and becomes involved in the customer's decision-making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.
 

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 45 pounds.