2026-27 Facilities Director - Como Service Center

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Senior Executive Operations Officer, the Director of Facilities provides strategic and operational leadership for the District's facilities, maintenance, custodial, grounds, construction, environmental health and safety, sustainability, and capital improvement functions. The Director is responsible for ensuring that all district facilities provide safe, healthy, equitable, efficient, and high-quality learning and working environments for students, staff, families, and community members. The Director oversees the stewardship of more than 7.8 million square feet of educational and administrative facilities and more than 500 acres of district property. This position leads a workforce of more than 350 employees through subordinate leaders and is responsible for long-range facilities planning, capital project delivery, asset management, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, labor relations, and budget administration. The Director serves as a key advisor to the Senior Executive Operations Officer, Superintendent, Senior Executive Leadership Team (SELT), and Board of Education regarding facilities strategy, capital investments, deferred maintenance, sustainability initiatives, property management, and facility utilization.

Reporting Relationship

Report to the Senior Executive Operations Officer.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, executive management or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in facilities management, construction management, maintenance operations, engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of supervisory experience leading large and diverse teams.
• At least three years of experience managing large-scale capital improvement programs and operating budgets.
• At least three (3) years of experience overseeing complex facilities operations in a large organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a large public school district, higher education institution, municipality, or other public-sector organization.
• Registration or eligibility for registration as a professional Engineer or Architect in the State of Minnesota.
• Experience working within a unionized environment.
• Professional certification in facilities management, construction management, project management, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

The Director of Facilities provides strategic leadership, direction, oversight, and accountability for the following areas:

• Planning, Design and Construction: Oversees strategic planning, design, construction, renovation, modernization, deferred maintenance, and capital improvement projects while ensuring compliance with district, local, state, and federal requirements.
• Maintenance, Operations and Custodial Services: Provides leadership and oversight of maintenance, repair, custodial, grounds, and facility operations services across all district facilities.
• Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance: Oversees environmental health and safety programs, regulatory compliance, hazardous materials management, indoor air quality initiatives, and workplace safety programs.
• Sustainability and Energy Management: Leads district sustainability initiatives and energy conservation efforts to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Asset Management: Develops and implements asset management strategies to maximize facility life cycles, improve reliability, and prioritize maintenance and capital investments.
• Furniture, Distribution and Moves: Oversees acquisition, reuse, storage, movement, and distribution of furniture, equipment, instructional resources, and supplies.
• Facilities Permitting and Rental: Administers facility permitting, leasing, and community use programs to maximize public access while protecting district assets.
• Administrative Services: Provides facilities-related research, reporting, data management, records management, website maintenance, customer service, and administrative support functions.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties:

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Management

• Provide vision, strategic direction, and leadership for all Facilities Department functions in alignment with district priorities and educational goals.
• Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team consisting of assistant directors, managers, supervisors, and support staff.
• Establish department goals, key performance indicators, service standards, and accountability measures.
• Promote a culture of safety, customer service, innovation, equity, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Lead succession planning, workforce development, employee engagement, and talent management initiatives throughout the department.
• Serve as a member of district leadership teams and provide facilities expertise on districtwide initiatives.

Facilities Planning and Capital Program Management

• Oversee the strategic planning, design, management, and delivery of remodeling, construction, modernization, and deferred maintenance projects.
• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the District's Facilities Master Plan.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive Five-Year Facilities Maintenance and Capital Implementation Plan that is reviewed and updated annually.
• Ensure all capital projects are completed within approved budgets, timelines, and quality standards.
• Coordinate facility condition assessments and utilize data to prioritize capital investments.
• Establish district design, construction, and facility standards.
• Oversee construction administration processes and contractor performance.
• Ensure all projects comply with applicable laws, regulations, codes, and district requirements.

Asset Management and Operational Excellence

• Develop and implement comprehensive asset management and preventive maintenance programs.
• Utilize facility data, condition assessments, and operational metrics to guide investment decisions.
• Monitor facility performance and operational effectiveness through key performance indicators and service benchmarks.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and extend the useful life of district assets.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives across all facilities functions.

Budget, Financial and Resource Management

• Develop and administer the annual Facilities Department operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure effective stewardship of district resources.
• Collaborate with Finance, district leadership, and financial advisors to forecast short- and long-term facilities needs and funding requirements.
• Prepare financial analyses and recommendations related to facilities investments and capital planning.
• Monitor contractual services and evaluate vendor performance, costs, and service quality.
• Pursue available grants, rebates, and funding opportunities that support facilities and sustainability initiatives.

Labor Relations and Workforce Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for a workforce of more than 350 employees.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and labor representatives in the administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Participate in labor-management discussions and negotiations related to facilities operations.
• Ensure equitable staffing practices, workforce planning, employee development, and retention efforts.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional growth opportunities for department staff.
• Promote positive labor-management relationships and a respectful workplace culture.

Health, Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, codes, and district policies governing facilities operations.
• Maintain compliance with building, fire, life-safety, environmental, and accessibility requirements.
• Oversee environmental compliance programs including asbestos management, indoor air quality, lead management, hazardous materials, and related regulatory requirements.
• Implement workplace safety programs and monitor compliance with safety standards and best practices.
• Develop and maintain risk management strategies to mitigate operational, environmental, and financial risks.

Emergency Preparedness and Continuity of Operations

• Lead facility-related emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and continuity planning efforts.
• Coordinate facilities support during emergencies, severe weather events, utility disruptions, environmental incidents, and other crises.
• Collaborate with district leadership, public safety agencies, and emergency management partners.
• Ensure facilities systems and infrastructure support district continuity of operations plans.

Sustainability and Energy Management

• Lead sustainability initiatives that improve environmental stewardship and operational efficiency.
• Monitor energy consumption and identify opportunities for conservation and cost reduction.
• Evaluate energy management systems and maintenance practices to optimize building performance.
• Support district sustainability goals through strategic planning and operational improvements.

Stakeholder Engagement and Community Relations

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with school leaders, district departments, labor groups, community organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Present facilities-related reports, recommendations, budgets, and capital plans to district leadership and the Board of Education.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement processes related to facilities planning and capital investments.
• Represent the district in community meetings, public hearings, and intergovernmental partnerships.
• Manage relationships with local government agencies regarding joint-use agreements, permits, easements, leases, and property matters.

Property and Contract Administration

• Oversee the acquisition, lease, utilization, and disposition of district property and facilities.
• Manage the disposal of surplus properties in accordance with Board policies and procedures.
• Review and approve facilities-related contracts, agreements, and procurement activities.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure compliance with contract requirements.

Equity, Inclusion and Organizational Culture

• Foster an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful work environment.
• Ensure facilities planning and capital investments support equitable access to safe and effective learning environments.
• Promote practices that advance the District's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Other duties as assigned by the Senior Executive Operations Officer.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of facilities management in large, complex public-sector or institutional environments.
• Knowledge of capital planning, facilities master planning, and long-range infrastructure lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of construction management processes, including design, bidding, procurement, contract administration, and project delivery methods.
• Knowledge of building systems and infrastructure, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, structural systems, and related maintenance operations.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local codes and regulations related to building safety, fire safety, environmental compliance, accessibility, and occupational safety.
• Knowledge of public-sector budgeting, capital financing, and financial stewardship principles.
• Knowledge of procurement laws, contract administration requirements, and vendor performance management practices.
• Knowledge of the principles of asset management, preventive maintenance, and facilities condition assessment methodologies.
• Knowledge of risk management principles as they relate to public facilities, safety, and operational continuity.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices, energy management strategies, and environmental stewardship initiatives in public facilities.
• Skills and experience in strategic facilities and capital planning aligned with district priorities and educational goals.