Posting date: August 06, 2026
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Cambridge
- School/Unit: Harvard Kennedy School
- Department: Campus Planning and Operations
- Salary Grade: 059
- Job Function: Facilities
- FLSA Status: Exempt
- Term Appointment: No
- Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?
The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.
Job Description
This position is responsible for managing the building operation of the five-building HKS complex and leased space, as required. Duties including directing a wide range of support functions and all activities relating to building operations, building systems, safety maintenance and services, building renovations, space planning and lease management.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
- Manages and oversees all aspects of the building planning and operations to ensure that the highest quality service is provided in support of the teaching and research in the facilities..
- Establishes and oversees processes needed for maintenance, emergency repairs, safety program, and renovations.
- Plan, prioritize and review the work of staff and contractors responsible for mechanical and electrical equipment, lighting, plumbing, masonry, utilities, and grounds. Manages the process of furnishing and equipment selection, purchasing, and installation
- Develop goals, objectives and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance of HKS’s infrastructure and building systems; make recommendations for improvements and monitor work activities to ensure compliance with industry standards
- Partners closely with the University’s department of Environmental Health & Safety to fully leverage the University’s Designated Safety Officer model, as well as the Construction Renovation Officer model, to ensure compliance with all environmental health and safety regulations and standards.
- Develops, manages, and monitors facilities operations budget. Work closely with direct reports to ensure budgets are on target and funds are properly allocated across the portfolio.
- Manages small/medium (100K -1M) expense and capital projects including renovations from concept through close-out. Responsible for all phases (planning, scheduling and managing) of the design, construction and occupancy process for a construction or refurbishment project as assigned for both building infrastructure and campus spaces
- Develops long-range maintenance and life-cycle costing plans for building systems.
- Partner with Chief of Campus Operations for space planning, feasibility assessment, space studies. Responsible for the maintaining and applying “standards” for office, classroom, and administrative space including furniture, paint color, and flooring, standards for the site and implement.
- Support business continuity by proactively planning for and responding to localized emergencies and catastrophic events (e.g. Power loss, leaks, floods, hurricanes, ice storms, tornados, earthquakes, etc.). Partner with Environmental Health & Safety to leverage University-wide emergency management, response, and planning tools, to develop locally applicable plans, and ensure alignment with HKS’ Local Emergency Management Team (LEMT).
- Work with Sr. Sustainability Manager on Greenhouse Gas Reduction initiatives and utility needs.
- Oversee and monitor the performance of inspections for facilities maintenance and ensure adherence and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Leverage Environmental Health & Safety’s (EHS) University-wide tools to fulfill these responsibilities.
- This position is expected to be reachable 24 hours/7 Days per week to assist in person or remotely with campus and facilities-related emergency activities as necessary.
- Act as the CPO representative and liaison to HKS community, University departments (Campus Services, Office of the General Counsel, etc.), city and state agencies.
- Is a member of HKS and University related committees and teams, such as University Facilities Safety Team, and HKS Local Emergency Management Team, as required.
- Execute special projects as assigned by senior leadership
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree plus 8+ years of progressive work experience managing facilities and building operations OR, in lieu of a degree, at least 10 years of progressive work experience managing various building operations.
- Management experience is required.
Note: in order for your application to be considered complete, you must submit a COVER LETTER and RESUME.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Certification(s) such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facilities Management Professional (FMP), or equivalent a plus.
- Experience with operations management of multiple facilities, structures, and buildings within higher education environment preferred.
- Experience working within a higher education, institutional, or similarly complex environment.
- Direct experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), such as ServiceNow, and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software platforms.
- Demonstrated success managing building systems upgrades, renovations, or minor capital projects.
- Knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, with hands-on experience leading preventive maintenance programs, sustainability, energy efficiency, and green building practices; LEED accreditation is a plus.
- Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance (OSHA, ADA, local building codes).
- Must be able to grasp and communicate complex ideas clearly and think creatively.
- Experience in the development of analytical and planning-related communication materials.
- Excellent communication skills; ability to assess needs, set priorities, and deal with stressful situations.
- Experience in the management of physical facilities.
- As a facilities management professional able to demonstrate skills in customer service to support, respond to, and coordinate with students, faculty, and staff.
- Proven ability to analyze and resolve large-scale facility, logistical, and organizational issues.
- Diplomacy, negotiation, and consensus-building skills.
- Able to develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with customers, stakeholders, peers, business partners, and direct reports.
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, demanding work environment; Computer proficiency with MS Office, Workorder System, Building Automation Systems (BAS)
- CAD experience preferred.
Physical demands and work environment:
- Able to work evening hours and/or weekends or holidays as needed.
- This position involves occasionally lifting and moving loads weighing in excess of 40 pounds
- Will be required to travel to multiple locations around campus on a daily basis
Additional Information
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit
- Other Information: This position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, and required to work on-site 5 days/week.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a COVER LETTER and RESUME.
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.