Regional Director of Facilities (Education Sector)

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

The Regional Director of Facilities Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational execution of facilities management across a multi-site portfolio of K-12 and/or Higher Education campuses. This role balances high-level P&L accountability with technical oversight of HVAC, MEP, and grounds. The Director serves as the primary advisor to client leadership (CFO/COO/Superintendents) regarding risk mitigation, sustainability, and long-term asset lifecycle planning.

Responsibilities

1. Multi-Site Strategy & Operational Consistency

• Standardize operational "best practices" across all regional sites to ensure brand and service consistency.

• Implement a "Safety First" culture, driving compliance with OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and ADA standards across the district.

• Drive the transition toward Integrated Facilities Management (IFM), merging custodial, grounds, and MEP into a single, high-performance delivery model.

2. Financial Oversight & Contract Retention

• Manage full P&L for accounts, including budget forecasting, procurement controls, and capital expenditure (CapEx) planning.

• Act as subject matter liaison for clients, ensuring high satisfaction and securing long-term contract renewals.

• Analyze financial data and CMMS metrics to drive operational efficiency.

3. Technical Leadership & Asset Stewardship

• Establish and audit Preventive Maintenance (PM) schedules to move accounts from reactive to proactive maintenance.

• Utilize Building Automation Systems (BAS) and CMMS data to monitor energy consumption and reduce carbon footprint.

• Provide subject matter expertise on the maintenance of specialized educational facilities, including athletic facilities, laboratories, and aquatic centers.

4. Talent Development & Mentorship

• Build a robust talent pipeline by recruiting and developing the next generation of facility managers and skilled tradespeople.

• Lead technical training for staff on blueprint reading, equipment manuals, and emerging HVAC/MEP technologies.

• Empower site managers to make "Make or Buy" decisions regarding the use of internal skilled trades vs. external vendors.

5. Project & Vendor Management

• Oversee small-to-medium scale renovation and capital improvement projects.

• Negotiate and manage regional vendor contracts for specialized trades, ensuring high-quality performance and cost-effectiveness.

Qualifications

Experience & Education:

• 7–10+ years in Facilities Management, with at least 5 years in a multi-site/regional leadership role.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facility Management, or Business Administration.

• Sector Expertise: Proven track record in K-12 or Higher Education environments.

Technical Skills & Certifications:

• Certifications: CFM (Certified Facility Manager), FMP, or SFP preferred.

• Software: Proficiency in CMMS platforms (e.g., Maximo, Brightly, Operations Hero, FMX) and Building Automation Systems.

• Hard Skills: Deep knowledge of MEP systems, maintenance, and energy management.

• Digital Productivity: High proficiency in Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Drive) for reporting, data tracking, and team collaboration.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Travel: Ability to travel 50–75% of the time for site visits, emergency response, and client reviews.
• Environment:

  • Must be comfortable navigating mechanical rooms, construction sites, and rooftops during visits. Regular exposure to mechanical and electrical systems, noise, and varying weather conditions.

  • Ability to walk for long periods of time around campus, climb stairs, stand, walk, sit, bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.

  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces when needed.

• Schedule: May require evening or weekend availability during emergencies or client events.