Chief of Facilities and Campus Operations

01-Mar-2024

Harvard Graduate School of Design

65090BR

Job Summary

The Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) educates design, research, and scholarship leaders to make a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The GSD offers degree programs across a range of design disciplines—architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, design engineering, and real estate—as well as advanced research programs that cut across these disciplines and a robust public program of lectures, exhibitions, and publications. The immense variety of people, programs, and ideas at the School sustains a vibrant and rich environment for learning, inquiry, and collaboration, unlike any other design school.

Reporting to the Administrative Dean, the School seeks an experienced, inclusive, and forward-thinking Facilities Management professional. The Chief of Facilities and Campus Operations is responsible for overseeing planning and construction, building maintenance, energy management, real estate management, renovation and repair, utilities, grounds, custodial services, and general facility operations, such as dining, safety, and other contracted services. The successful candidate is a strategic problem-solver, resourceful, enjoys collaborating with colleagues from various disciplines, can see the big picture and the details, and is excited about the changing needs of historical properties on a vibrant college campus.

Position Description

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages a department of staff covering the following areas: facilities maintenance, facilities planning, construction project management, mail center, room and event scheduling, security, dining, building access and accessibility, code, and regulatory compliance.
• Makes effective hiring decisions, sets expectations, and clarifies roles and responsibilities of direct and indirect reports. Provides regular and timely guidance and performance feedback to direct and indirect reports. Shares relevant information and updates with staff. Regularly aligns the evolving needs and goals of the organization with the evolving abilities and goals of the facilities and operations team. Plans and supports the development of the team’s skills and abilities. Effectively identifies and actively works to resolve conflicts between individuals and groups, engaging all resources available.
• Develops and manages departmental budgets for facilities maintenance and campus operations. Develops and manages budgets for capital projects, including facility construction, building alteration and renovation, major renewal and replacement projects, expansion, and utility upgrades.
• Collaborates with the Administrative Leadership Council and faculty in the development of long-range capital plans.
• Administers project management systems for the school’s facilities-related capital programs.
• Oversees emergency management and response for GSD in close collaboration with other Harvard schools and Central Administration. Ensures emergency management protocols are maintained, team members are trained, including regular desktop exercises, and coordinates planning and response to emergencies.
• Guides the long-term sustainability vision, mission, and operating principles to meet the sustainability goals of the University and City of Cambridge.
• Develop requests for proposals (RFPs) and coordinate professional consultants to resolve complex issues.
• Negotiates and administers design and construction contracts working with key university staff at various levels, including University Operations Services (UOS), Information Technology (HUIT), Harvard Real Estate (HRE), and Harvard University Police Department (HUPD).
• May serve on various University committees, including the Facilities and Maintenance Organization (FMO), Utilities Review, Environmental Safety and Compliance Officers (ESCO), and Harvard Planning and Project Management (HPPM).
• Collaborates with the Administrative Dean and Administrative Leadership Council to provide leadership in the overall administrative function of the School and University-wide issues such as compliance, etc.
• Provides creative problem-solving on issues confronting the school and the department.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field; minimum of 10 years of facilities experience with progressive responsibility managing teams in different aspects of large and complex facilities and capital projects in the $10M-$20M range.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Experience with leading and managing long-range physical plant planning with both new and aging facilities; strong background in developing energy management programs; experience managing departmental and project-specific budgets; well-developed ability to evaluate, negotiate, select, and manage appropriate, cost-effective vendor contracts; ability to diplomatically build consensus among various constituents with diverse interests while maintaining a strong customer service focus; broad technical knowledge of construction and building systems (structural, life safety, mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, etc.), and applicable regulatory agencies and standards (OSHA, EPA, DOT, NFPA, Building codes, etc.); excellent communication skills (both verbal and written )and ability to present to small and large groups.

Physical Requirements

Must have the ability to access construction projects: climbing scaffolding, walking through construction sites, etc.

Working Conditions

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Flexible work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.  

Additional Information

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

For more information about Harvard GSD see: https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/ 

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

329060 Facilities & Oper Manager

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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