Williams College seeks a collaborative and strategic leader for the Director of Facilities position. Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Campus Planning and Operations, the Director will manage the operations and maintenance of the campus' built and natural environment. The Director will oversee the organizational, functional, and administrative aspects of the Facilities department including operating policies and procedures, personnel and budget management, strategic renewal of buildings and landscape, space and facilities database, program maintenance and repair; and oversee services for the buildings, grounds, equipment, vehicle fleet, and support for events and on and off-campus rental property.The Director will collaborate with colleagues in the Planning, Design and Construction and Energy and Utilities teams, as well as across campus on physical and renewal planning, projects, operations, policies and procedures. The Director is expected to provide leadership for the following teams: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Architectural Trades; Grounds and Custodial Services, Technology support systems, and Facilities Administrative staff, and is responsible for ensuring a high level of service to the campus and supporting and advancing environmental sustainability across Facilities operations.
Communication and Change ManagementThe successful candidate will focus on effective communication within the Facilities Department and with clients across the campus. They will work closely with the AVP of Campus Planning and Operations and the Assistant Director for Planning, Design, and Construction on departmental policies and procedures, promoting teamwork and collaboration, and ensuring proactive coordination between construction and operations. This position will be required to create and provide presentations to Board of Trustee meetings, Williams College Senior staff and leadership teams, and other campus groups: staff, faculty, students, and other stakeholders.The Facilities team is transitioning to a more strategic and proactive mode of operation and will be affected by ongoing campus-wide initiatives such as a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and related process changes. Other changes include: upcoming replacement of the CMMS systems, creation of a space inventory and database, and organizational changes for greater efficiency. The Facilities Director will lead the Facilities team through these efforts interfacing with campus partners as required. Experience with similar and successful change management, including observing outcomes, is desired.
General ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will:
- Provide leadership, operations expertise, and stewardship of the college's buildings, landscape and infrastructure through clear goals and metrics including safety, compliance and energy and environmental efficiency. Effectively lead and manage a staff of over 160 individuals with four direct reports.
- Use collaborative skills, a customer-centric approach, and data to support the mission and strategic priorities of the college.
- Monitor, analyze, and work closely with the Budget Director to develop and track the Department's operating budget. Develop and implement monitoring systems and processes for staff productivity, accountability and process efficiency. Analyze expense and revenue patterns, budget anomalies, and recommend corrective actions.
- Utilize appropriate integrated technology systems to support the department's operations, asset condition and the college's data and information tracking needs. Work closely with Gordian, an external company that collects and analyzes our building information, to compile a ten-year plan and strategy for planned building, systems and infrastructure renewal.
- Prepare, update, and implement a strategic plan for the department, including resource projections for future needs, continuous improvement efforts, and other changes to improve the team's results and partnership with other departments on campus.
- Work closely with the Associate VP for Campus Planning and Operations and the Assistant Director for Planning-Design-Construction to develop long and short-range plans for renovation, maintenance, and infrastructure projects; and to ensure a safe, sustainable, and efficient environment for the College.
- Research, develop, and make recommendations on projects and issues the Associate Vice President assigns, which require coordination across college departments.
- Ensure department and contractor compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal building codes and regulations: fire & life safety codes, building codes, environmental regulations, OSHA regulations and oversee quality control, finish level, and function of all work performed. Ensure compliance with college policies. Communicate schedules, milestones, costs, and status to supervisors, stakeholders, and the college community.
QualificationsThe following qualifications are required:
- A Bachelor's degree in a related field with eight or more years of relevant experience as a senior facilities manager in a complex multi-building facility or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Deep experience with managing organizational and process changes and communicating with a wide range of stakeholders and clients;
- Strong strategic thinking, analytical skills and ability to use data to guide decision-making;
- Broad intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for fresh ideas; and
- Excellent coaching and mentoring skills that foster and support a collegial style of leadership.
Preferred qualifications:
- Advanced degree in a related field;
- Experience at an independent school, college, university, higher education, or other large complex organization committed to service.
Please submit Resume & Cover Letter to Nick Nixon at ...@helblingsearch.com. Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service.Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) ###-#### or email at ...@williams.edu.