Director 2, Facilities Operations

JOB SUMMARY

The Director (2) of Facilities Operations is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repairs, building services, and operational efficiency of facilities for various schools and/or district properties. This position ensures that all district facilities are safe, operational, and conducive to an optimal learning environment. The Director (2) will lead a team of building services and maintenance employees and will collaborate closely with district leaders, school administrators, and external vendors to ensure effective service delivery and timely maintenance interventions.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Leadership and Oversight:
•    Provide strategic direction, leadership, and supervision to the maintenance operations team for the district’s schools and facilities.
•    Direct and manage the operations of building services, maintenance, and facility repairs.
•    Implement maintenance policies, standards, and procedures to ensure district buildings meet safety, health, and environmental compliance requirements.
•    Manage a team of skilled maintenance personnel, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and fostering professional development.
2.    Facility Maintenance Management:
•    Oversee the maintenance and repair of district buildings, grounds, HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing, and other essential infrastructure.
•    Monitor and ensure proper functioning of critical systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), electrical systems, water, and sewer systems.
•    Ensure buildings are safe and accessible, meeting ADA compliance and other regulatory standards.
•    Implement a robust preventive maintenance program to extend the life of facilities and reduce the frequency of costly repairs.
3.    Budget and Financial Management
•    Develop and manage the budget for maintenance operations, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with district priorities.
•    Track expenditures, control costs, and find cost-effective solutions for facility maintenance and repairs.
•    Oversee procurement requests and inventory of tools, equipment, and materials necessary for maintenance operations.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

4.    Collaboration and Communication
•    Serve as the primary point of contact for school administrators and other district leaders regarding maintenance needs and issues for the division.
•    Regularly communicate maintenance status, project progress, and resource needs to senior leadership and other stakeholders.
5    Compliance and Safety:
•    Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal safety regulations, codes, and guidelines in the maintenance and repair of facilities.
•    Conduct regular inspections of facilities to assess condition, safety hazards, and code violations.
•    Oversee the execution of emergency response plans related to building systems, safety, and weather-related incidents.
6.    Other Duties As Assigned.

EDUCATION

•    Bachelor’s Degree in Facilities Management, or a related field, preferred. 
•    Professional certification in HVAC (e.g., NATE, HVAC Excellence) is highly desirable.

WORK EXPERIENCE

    WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in facilities management, maintenance operations, or a related field, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or leadership role.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Expert knowledge of HISD and/or understanding of urban education and change management in complex systems.
In-depth knowledge of building systems, equipment, and infrastructure, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and safety systems.
Strong understanding of HVAC systems, energy management, and regulatory compliance.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and manage multiple priorities effectively.
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.