Position Overview

 

Boston Public Schools (BPS) is the largest school district in Massachusetts, serving approximately 50,000 students with a $1.2 billion budget. The Office of Facilities Management (OFM) is one of the largest departments within the district, managing a $90 million annual budget (approximately 10% of total spending). The department is responsible for maintaining 125 school facilities across 11 million square feet, ensuring the safety and functionality of educational spaces. Additionally, OFM is involved in the district's Long-Term Facilities Plan, focusing on strategic capital upgrades and improvements across the district.

The Executive Director of Facilities Management will provide overall leadership for the planning, implementation, and management of facilities maintenance, operations, planning, engineering, minor and major projects. The Executive Director will report directly to the Chief of Operations and will play a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and security of all school facilities, thereby fostering a positive learning environment. The successful candidate will excel in managing relationships, systems, and processes, setting priorities, and negotiating effectively.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Leadership & Staff Management

• Establish departmental goals and objectives aligned with district mission and strategic priorities.
• Monitor and evaluate staff performance, providing feedback, support, and opportunities for professional development.
• Hire, assign work, and establish clear performance expectations for staff. Take corrective action when necessary, including managing grievances and disciplinary processes.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and build a strong, effective team.

Operational & Budget Management

• Develop and manage the departmental budget in collaboration with assigned budget analysts. Ensure adherence to fiscal controls, district policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee daily operations, including custodial and grounds administration, building systems maintenance, and projects team.
• Ensure efficient allocation of resources and prioritize maintenance activities based on district needs and operational requirements.
• Coordinate and manage work requests, estimates, and prioritization of repair and replacement needs for district facilities.

Facilities Planning & Maintenance

• Provide oversight of maintenance and capital planning efforts, ensuring facilities are safe, clean, and conducive to learning.
• Monitor ongoing maintenance projects and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local building codes and safety regulations.
• Conduct research into new maintenance techniques, trends, and technologies to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Oversee the district's Long-Term Facilities Plan, focusing on capital improvements and major renovations to ensure the long-term sustainability of BPS facilities.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Interpret and ensure compliance with all relevant laws, codes, and regulations, including those related to building codes, purchasing, prevailing wages, and safety standards.
• Administer projects to ensure all work adheres to safety standards and regulatory codes.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with district departments, city partners, external agencies, and contractors to coordinate facility-related activities.
• Serve as a member of the district bargaining team for labor negotiations involving facility operations personnel.
• Provide counsel and technical support to district staff regarding maintenance strategies, priorities, and best practices.
• Communicate regularly with stakeholders to gather feedback on staff performance and overall customer satisfaction with facilities services.

Qualifications:

 

Required

• Bachelor's degree in facilities management, engineering, or a related field.
• At least ten years of increasingly responsible experience in facilities management, construction, or a related field, preferably in an educational or public service setting.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a related field.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of custodial and grounds administration, facilities maintenance, building systems, and construction.
• Expertise in facilities planning, design, construction, and capital improvement projects.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local building codes, safety standards, and regulations.
• Strong proficiency with standard office software (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing) and facility management tools.
• Proven ability to develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring adherence to fiscal controls and policies.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage relationships, collaborate across departments, and lead a diverse team.
• Skilled in prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Take individual initiative and accept responsibility and be held accountable.
• Ability to adapt to change, innovate, and remain flexible in a dynamic environment.

Additional Qualities

• Commitment to maintaining a positive learning environment through the proactive and efficient management of facilities.
• Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts effectively, ensuring that the needs of all stakeholders are met.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and build teams to achieve organizational goals.

The Executive Director of Facilities Management will play a pivotal role in ensuring that BPS facilities meet the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and functionality, supporting the district’s commitment to providing a positive educational experience for all students.

Terms:

• Managerial Tier: E81 
• Employment Type: Managerial
• Residency: City of Boston Residency Required
• Work Schedule: 9am – 5pm with peak periods; evening and weekend availability as necessary.

Non-Discrimination Policy

BPS does not discriminate in its programs or employment opportunities based on race, color, age, disability, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or military status. Retaliation or harassment is not tolerated.