Director of Facilities Planning and Management

Harvard University seeks a facilities management professional to lead the team responsible for the care and management of its buildings, including a state-of-the-art museum that welcomes visitors seven days a week. Applicants should be strategic problem solvers, resourceful, enjoy collaborating with colleagues from various disciplines, see the big picture as well as details, and be excited about cultural properties.

The Director of Facilities Planning and Management is responsible for the overall operation of the Facilities department in support of the mission of the Harvard Art Museums and Harvard University. The Harvard Art Museums include a portfolio of multiple sites, three Harvard-owned properties in Harvard Square, Cambridge, and one leased space in Somerville, totaling 325,000 square feet, with the largest at 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, a LEED Gold certified building.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs operations relating to facilities management to benefit the mission and goals of the Harvard Art Museums. Ensures all venues are well-maintained, safe, secure, and efficiently managed.
• Develops in-depth knowledge of the facilities, particularly complex features like glass, lighting and shade systems, HVAC systems, and interior and exterior materials.
• Partners with the Deputy Director to set short- and long-range goals and priorities for facilities management. Provides proactive recommendations for preventative maintenance, service, and future projects.
• Manages and deploys a workforce of approximately 20, including direct reports and third-party vendors.
• Develops and sustains relationships with Safety & Security and Visitor Services departments. Participates in the Museums Management Team, Emergency Management Team, and Internal Operations Team.
• Initiates and maintains effective communication with colleagues in other museum departments for planning, timelines, and monitoring impact.
• Prepares and manages the Facilities Department budget, including capital projects, operations, and maintenance. Works with the Director of Finance to ensure sound financial practices.
• Oversees planning, budgeting, bidding, and approval for construction projects, environmental health and safety, and sustainability initiatives. Selects contractors and develops contracts per policies.
• Collaborates on budgets for exhibitions with relevant departments.
• Drives projects to completion, monitors timetables, and resolves issues.
• Ensures all facilities-related work complies with safety and environmental regulations.
• Seeks opportunities to improve protocols and work processes for productivity and service delivery.
• Oversees capital projects and maintains a 5-year capital projects system.
• Responsible for Museums' participation in University-wide resiliency planning and energy reduction measures.
• Develops University contacts and represents the Museums on committees.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to frequently walk up and down stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, be on feet for extended periods, push and pull, bend, stoop, kneel, and lift in excess of 50 lbs.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a BA/BS or equivalent experience in facilities management, with a minimum of 10 years of experience managing teams in large and complex facilities and capital projects of $2-5M.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Knowledge of museum management is desirable; experience in long-range physical planning, budget management, M.E.P. systems, staff supervision, communication, and building consensus; ability to work independently; experience with facilities involving collections and public-facing aspects preferred.

Additional Information

Standard hours: 35 per week. No visa sponsorship. Pre-employment screening required. This is a critical operations position with a 3-month orientation. Work format: On-site at Harvard campus. Salary grade: 060. Benefits include paid time off, health insurance, retirement plans, and more. Harvard is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.