Director, Building Operations

About the role

The Zeiterion (The Z) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to hosting performing arts experiences that foster learning, connection, and creative expression. The Director of Building Operations plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the historic theater facility, ensuring it meets the needs of staff, artists, patrons, and the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic and Operational Leadership:

  • Develop and lead the overall building operations strategy, goals, and impact, aligned with organizational goals and mission impact.
  • Manage operating and capital budgets, forecasting short- and long-term infrastructure needs.
  • Oversee emergency preparedness plans, safety drills, and incident response readiness.
  • Represent the facility’s operational priorities in organizational planning and cross-functional projects.
  • Model transparency, communication, and shared decision-making across departments.

• Building Systems & Maintenance:

  • Supervise daily maintenance of all areas of the building and grounds, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and functionality.
  • Oversee the operation, repair, and replacement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire/life safety, and security systems as well as equipment such as dishwashers, ice machine, popcorn machine, beer draft refrigeration system, refrigerators, laundry facilities, lifts, etc.
  • Lead and track preventative maintenance schedules using industry best practices and software tools.

• Vendor & Contract Management:

  • Manage contracts for outsourced services (e.g., janitorial, HVAC, elevator, security, pest control).
  • Conduct vendor evaluations and performance reviews, ensuring quality, cost control, and SLA adherence.
  • Negotiate and oversee service agreements within budgetary and strategic parameters.

• Compliance, Safety & Risk Mitigation:

  • Ensure compliance with building codes, health, fire and life safety regulations, ADA, OSHA, and local permitting requirements.
  • Coordinate regularly with municipal departments, inspectors and officials.
  • Maintain documentation for all inspections, incidents, and certifications.
  • Lead crowd safety planning and place-of-assembly compliance in collaboration with Production and Theater Operations.

• Supervision & Team Development:

  • Recruit, train, and supervise a team of facilities staff and contractors/vendors to support a busy schedule of live performances and events in multiple spaces in and out of the building with a focus on inclusion, shared leadership, and growth making.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and excellence in service delivery.
  • Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management to build leadership capacity within the team.

• Cross-Department Collaboration:

  • Partner with Theater Operations and Production teams to ensure seamless event execution and audience experience.
  • Coordinate building readiness for performances, rentals, and special events.
  • Align facility projects and scheduling with programming calendars and operational needs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive facilities management experience, preferably in a performing arts, historic, or public assembly environment.

• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex building systems, capital improvement projects, and preventative maintenance programs.

• Strong working knowledge of regulatory requirements (building code, place-of-assembly, OSHA, fire/life safety, accessibility, inspections, licenses).

• Proven ability to manage vendor contracts and lead negotiations.

• Excellent project management and communication skills.

• Supervisory experience with a track record of fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.

• Proficiency in work order systems, building management systems (BMS), and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

What We're Looking For

In addition to relevant experience, we’re looking for a colleague who:

• Bridges curiosity, creativity, and openness.

• Communicates with clarity, honesty, and care.

• Thrives in a collaborative, relationship-centered team.

• Shares our commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

• Is excited to learn, grow, and imagine new ways forward.

Our Workplace Culture

We create a workplace where you can bring your full self, feel supported, and know your contributions matter. Our values guide us: Imagination, Connection, Equity, Transparency, and Discovery.