Senior Executive Director of School Operations and Facility Maintenance – Nutrition Services

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Executive Director of School Operations and Facility Maintenance provide executive leadership and fiscal stewardship for all school meal operations and facility maintenance functions, including kitchen operations and auxiliary support units within the department. This position ensures subordinate directors execute operational, regulatory, capital and fiscal responsibilities in alignment with strategic priorities.  The role emphasizes system-wide oversight, long-range planning, risk management, and financial sustainability to support safe, efficient, and compliant school operations. 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first 
1.     Provide executive oversight to the Director of School Operations and the Director of Facility Maintenance. 
2.     Establish departmental vision, performance standards, and accountability systems. 
3.     Lead long-range operational strategy, capital forecasting and infrastructure planning. 
4.     Oversee budgets, fiscal controls, and responsible resource allocation. 
5.     Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to school meal operations and facilities. 
6.     Advise the Deputy Chief and executive leadership on operational risk, infrastructure needs, sustainability planning, and risk mitigation strategies. 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

7.     Oversee preventive maintenance programs and lifecycle asset management. 
8.     Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary. 
9.     Present operational updates, capital plans, and financial reports to executive leadership. 
17    . Other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION

A bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, or related field required.  Master’s degree preferred. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in school meal operations, facilities management, public sector administration, or large-scale operational environments. Experience supervising senior-level administrators required. 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Strategic planning and executive leadership expertise. 
Capital forecasting and long-range infrastructure planning. 
Budget oversight and fiscal management. 
Regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. 
Strong communication and organizational leadership skills. 

Equipment 
Office equipment (e.g., computer, copier) 
Power tools (e.g., radial saw, reciprocating saw, drill pneumatic hammer) 
Hand tools (e.g. hammer, shovel, screwdriver) 
Vehicles (e.g., automobile, truck, tractor, forklift) 

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Provides  strategic direction and develop 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 a major impact to multiple divisions or organization and may impact the general direction of HISD. Errors may cause continuous adverse influence on the future operations of the organization, in matters involving important customer commitments, organizational liability, and other matters which may appreciably affect future costs. 

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Oversee and direct - serves as one of the organization's senior level spokespersons in area of expertise, defines and champions change initiatives, organizational strategies, services, policies, and practices. Interactions are typically with Top Management, the Board, and community and business leaders. 

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Anticipates customer needs, identifies, and champions opportunities for the development and implementation of new services and methods to meet or exceed customer needs. Establishes customer service standards and feedback mechanisms across departments. 

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work involves some exposure to moderate risk of accident and requires following basic safety precautions.