Head, Renovations & Facilities

Role Overview

The Head of Renovations & Facilities is responsible for the strategy, execution, and performance of all facilities operations across Success Academy’s portfolio, including 59 schools in New York City, 5 schools in Miami, and K–12 campuses. This role leads the full lifecycle of facilities management—from day-to-day operations and preventative maintenance to capital planning and renovations—ensuring all buildings are safe, compliant, and aligned to the organization’s standards for quality and experience.

Key responsibilities

• Set Facilities Strategy & Execution: Define and lead a multi-year facilities strategy that ensures all schools are safe, compliant, and aligned to Success Academy standards, while supporting portfolio growth and evolving operational needs.
• Oversee Day-to-Day Operations: Ensure consistent, high-quality building operations across all sites, including rapid response to issues, strong service levels to schools, and minimal disruption to instruction.
• Lead Renovations & Capital Projects: Plan and execute capital improvements, renovations, and new site readiness, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to specification.
• Manage Preventative Maintenance Programs: Establish and enforce preventative maintenance systems to maximize asset life, reduce reactive work orders, and improve overall building performance.
• Own Vendor Strategy & Performance: Source, onboard, and manage vendors providing critical services (HVAC, custodial, security, food service, etc.), holding partners accountable to clear performance standards and SLAs.
• Build & Lead High-Performing Teams: Recruit, develop, and manage a facilities team with clear roles, strong accountability, and a service-oriented mindset.
• Ensure Compliance & Life Safety: Maintain full compliance with all regulatory, safety, and inspection requirements, including fire/life safety systems, emergency preparedness, and local/state codes.
• Manage Budgets & Financial Performance: Develop and oversee departmental and site-level budgets, ensuring disciplined cost management and strategic allocation of resources.
• Drive Operational Excellence & Systems: Implement scalable systems, tools, and processes to improve efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision making across the portfolio.
• Persist Cross-Functionally: Collaborate with internal stakeholders (school leadership, operations, real estate, technology) and external partners (districts, landlords) to align on priorities, resolve issues, and enable successful school operations.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in facilities management, building operations, or related fields, including oversight of large, multi-site portfolios
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams, with the ability to drive accountability and results
• Strong track record of executing capital projects and renovations, including planning, budgeting, and on-time delivery
• Deep knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety) and preventative maintenance best practices
• Experience managing vendor relationships and service contracts, with a focus on performance management and cost control
• Demonstrated ability to build and implement scalable systems and processes across complex operations
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development, forecasting, and cost management
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance, safety standards, and local/state building codes
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in fast-paced environments
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence at all levels of the organization
• Experience in education, public sector, or mission-driven organizations is a plus