Director of Facilities
Description
The Director of Facilities is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, safety, and functionality of the School's physical environment. This role is pivotal in ensuring that all facilities and grounds are safe, well-maintained, operate smoothly, and provide a conducive environment for learning that meet the highest standards of operational efficiency in support of Kinkaid’s mission. As a member of the School’s Senior Administrative Team, the Director of Facilities will lead a department dedicated to operating the School's building and grounds infrastructure, planning for capital improvement, and compliance while consistently delivering operational excellence.
The Kinkaid School is a co-educational, nonsectarian day school enrolling over 1,500 students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The student body is divided into the Lower School (PreK - 4th Grade), the Middle School (5th grade - 8th grade) and the Upper School (9th grade - 12th grade). Located on a sixty-five-acre campus in the heart of Houston, Texas, the Kinkaid offers a thriving intellectual community in the midst of a vibrant, urban, and diverse culture.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, implement, and continuously assess a comprehensive facilities management plan that aligns with the School's strategic goals and objectives, including: capital projects and long-term capital planning; maintenance repair and operations of buildings and systems; security and safety; and hospitality
- Oversee the maintenance and repair of all school buildings, grounds, and equipment to ensure optimal functionality and safety
- Prepare, manage, and monitor the annual facilities budget, including forecasting, reconciling expenditures, and identifying areas to reduce or consolidate expenses with continuous improvement
- Prepare, manage, monitor and update the 10-year forecast for capital reserves and capital replacement
- Coordinate with external contractors and vendors for specialized services, ensuring quality and timely completion of projects
- Oversee compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to health, safety, and environmental standards in relation to the department’s responsibilities
- Collaborate with school administrators and staff to identify facility needs and prioritize projects
- Lead, manage, and mentor the security and facilities teams and provide guidance, training, and performance evaluations to foster a culture of professional development and continuous improvement supporting the School’s mission and core values
- Conduct regular inspections and assessments of facilities to identify areas for improvement and then recommend and implement changes as needed
- Collaborate with senior administration, other departments, 3rd party contractors, or volunteers to plan and execute facility-related projects, school-sponsored programming, and daily and special events
- Oversee the centralized campus calendar of events, ensure proper space utilization, and minimize calendar conflicts, including: coordination with various departmental contacts responsible for scheduling, space, and event planning; plan and communicate resources allocation needed to provide appropriate support of events; conduct bi-annual calendar planning meetings will all department representatives responsible for calendar and event planning and make recommendations for adjusting schedules, spaces, or resources needed to support identified programming and event needs
- Oversee all aspects of campus security and safety with Security Manager, including managing physical security systems (access control, cameras, keys and related security equipment), security personnel, and campus parking and traffic flow. Partner with other school administrators and the Technology department to ensure security processes, systems and staffing meet school needs
- Oversee internal bus transportation along with Transportation Coordinator, including proper inspection and maintenance of the school vehicle fleet to ensure efficient, safe and reliable student transportation
- Actively participate on the Senior Administrative, Risk Management and Building Committees bringing appropriate items for discussion, and reporting on department operations and projects as required. Maintain routine communication and relationships with committee members
- Oversee maintenance of campus landscaping, grounds, tree inventory and athletics fields with the Grounds Manager ensuring these items are safe, healthy and aesthetically pleasing
- Develop, continuously assess, and distribute emergency preparedness plans and conduct routine drills to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors
- Stay informed about industry trends and advancements in facilities management to incorporate best practices into the School’s operations
- Maintain accurate records of facilities operations, including maintenance schedules, safety inspections, and equipment inventories
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in facilities management, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role overseeing large-scale facilities operations, preferably within an educational institution or similar environment
- Demonstrated success leading a team of facilities professionals, including hiring, training, and performance management
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Extensive experience in budget development and financial management, with the ability to effectively allocate resources, manage expenses, and achieve financial goals related to facilities operations
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic facilities plans that align with School’s goals, including sustainability initiatives, space planning, and infrastructure improvements
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to a variety of stakeholders, including staff, faculty, students, and external partners
- Comprehensive knowledge of building systems, maintenance practices, and safety regulations, with the ability to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards
- Proficiency in using facilities management software and technology to enhance operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to anticipate challenges, identify solutions, and implement effective strategies to address facilities-related issues
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with the ability to integrate sustainable practices into facilities operations and promote a culture of environmental responsibility
- Experience in managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts to ensure high-quality services and cost-effective solutions for facilities maintenance and operations
The Kinkaid School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law, The Kinkaid School complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
Submit all correspondence including your cover letter, resume, and application through The Kinkaid School application portal. Please no emails or phone calls to submit your candidacy or show interest.