Area Manager, FAS Libraries Facilities

Job Description

The Office of Physical Resources & Planning (OPRP) provides complete and integrated planning and design services, construction management, and building renewal, maintenance and operations management to maintain the physical resources of the FAS campus.

To accomplish this mission, OPRP relies on a unique set of IT systems and applications to fulfill its day-to-day business needs. The Area Manager is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of building operations across the FAS and Harvard Library portfolios.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Facilities Operations & Portfolio Management

• Direct all aspects of facilities operations, including building systems, maintenance, custodial services, security, and support services across ~1M SF of library space.
• Manage a combined operating and capital budget of ~$11M across FAS and Harvard Library locations.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, consistent building services aligned with institutional standards and user needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all facilities-related issues, including emergencies, major repairs, and operational disruptions.
• Identify cost efficiencies and support cost-reduction initiatives without compromising service quality.

• Leadership & Staff Oversight

• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of facilities staff, including building managers, administrative staff, security personnel, and third-party contractors.
• Provide performance management, coaching, and operational direction to ensure accountability and service excellence.

• Building Systems & Maintenance

• Oversee operation and monitor performance of critical building systems, including complex HVAC, electrical, life safety, and security systems.
• Establish and manage preventive maintenance programs, work order processes, and service level expectations.
• Maintain and monitor system performance through CMMS and building automation systems to ensure reliability and efficiency.

• Capital Planning & Asset Management

• Develop and implement long-range capital and lifecycle plans for building systems and infrastructure.
• Support planning and execution of renovations and capital projects in coordination with OPRP and Library leadership.
• Evaluate deferred maintenance and prioritize investments based on risk, condition, and program needs.

• Security & Risk Management

• Oversee comprehensive security program across all library locations.
• Partner with Harvard University Police Department and external agencies on security planning and incident response.
• Lead responses to emergencies, incidents, and business continuity events.

• Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and university policies (life safety, fire protection, environmental health, etc.).
• Coordinate inspections, audits, and corrective actions.
• Maintain and strengthen safety programs and protocols across the portfolio.

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with library leadership, faculty, and administrative stakeholders to align facilities operations with programmatic needs.
• Serve on senior administrative and cross-functional teams supporting strategic initiatives.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Harvard Library leadership (dotted-line reporting structure).

• Sustainability & Efficiency

• Partner with OPRP and the Harvard University Office for Sustainability to advance energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
• Implement best practices in sustainable operations and maintenance.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of progressive facilities management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience (12+ years).
• Demonstrated experience managing complex building portfolios, systems, and budgets.
• Strong analytical, operational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.

• Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in higher education, research, or cultural institution environments preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage senior leadership, faculty, and diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in negotiation, collaboration, and consensus-building.