Director of Facilities

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Director of Facilities is responsible for the planning, oversight, and day-to-day management of all custodial, maintenance, and facilities operations at The New York Institute for Special Education (NYISE). This position ensures that all buildings, grounds, and systems are maintained in a safe, functional, and compliant condition in accordance with applicable NYC, state, and federal laws, codes, and regulations. The Director supervises the Assistant Director of Facilities, the Head of Housekeeping, and all facilities staff, and operates under the Executive Director's general direction with significant latitude for independent judgment.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Administration

· Collaborate with the Executive Director to prioritize institutional needs and develop short- and long-term facilities plans.

· Develop cost analyses for all projects and maintain the department's annual budget; work with the business office to reconcile and monitor expenses.

· Prepare reports and documentation required by local, state, and federal agencies.

· Review and enforce all contractual agreements with outside vendors, including fire alarm, elevator, and gas/electric service providers.

Operations & Maintenance

· Plan, coordinate, and supervise all maintenance and repair projects conducted by Institute personnel or outside contractors.

· Conduct regular inspections of buildings and grounds to identify and address maintenance needs and code compliance issues.

· Inspect and oversee painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work to ensure compliance with contract specifications and applicable codes.

· Establish and maintain an ongoing preventative maintenance program for all campus systems and equipment.

· Inspect and test safety systems including fire alarms, sprinklers, elevators, boilers, safety lighting, fire extinguishers, and eye wash stations.

· Coordinate with the Head of Housekeeping to ensure buildings are properly supplied and cleaned on a regular schedule.

· Ensure timely removal of snow and ice from all sidewalks, parking lots, outdoor staircases, and roadways.

· Coordinate campus setup for special events.

Capital Projects & Compliance

· Collaborate with construction managers, architects, and engineers to develop and implement capital improvement projects.

· Review and approve inspection reports and payment requests to ensure work is completed within specifications, budget, and in conformance with applicable regulations.

· Work with local and state agencies to maintain all required licenses and certifications for the Institute.

· Research and recommend new products, materials, equipment, and supplies to maintain and improve Institute services.

Staff Management

· Supervise, evaluate, and provide training and development for all facilities and maintenance personnel.

· Meet regularly with the management team and school staff to identify maintenance needs and gather input on facility improvements.

· Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director related to the scope of this position.

Physical Requirements

· Frequent sitting, standing, and walking; occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

· Requires finger dexterity, close and distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

· Must be able to hear conversations in a variety of environments.

· Work is performed under varying temperature conditions and may involve exposure to hazardous environments.

Education, Knowledge & Skills

Education & Experience

· Bachelor's degree or higher in facilities management, engineering, or a related field.

· Eight to ten years of progressive experience in building/facilities management, school maintenance, or construction supervision.

· Possession of applicable licenses and certifications required by NYC and NYS regulatory agencies.

Skills & Competencies

· Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to read and interpret technical documents, specifications, and regulatory materials.

· Knowledge of applicable building codes, safety regulations, and local/state/federal laws related to facilities management.

· Understanding of standard construction documents, health and safety standards, and industrial cleaning practices.

· Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, analyze costs, and monitor departmental expenses.

· Ability to work collaboratively with staff, vendors, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

· Ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and perform effectively under pressure.

\nCompany Description

In the early 19th Century, several social activists understood the need to provide opportunities for individuals who were blind. As a result of their efforts, The New York Institution for the Blind was incorporated in 1831. The school held the first class for children who were blind in the United States when it opened its doors over 190 years ago on March 15, 1832.
Our school began in a single-row home in Lower Manhattan and later moved to 9th Avenue and 34th Street. Nearly 100 years later, we opened in our present location on Pelham Parkway in the Bronx in 1924. Before the move, it had been renamed The New York Institute for the Education of the Blind.
In 1986, the Institute reaffirmed its mission of service to children and changed its charter to accept not only children with visual impairments but also children with emotional/learning needs and preschool children with developmental disabilities.
Now known as The New York Institute for Special Education, we offer programs to children ages 3 to 21 from the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and counties in Upstate New York.

Company Description

In the early 19th Century, several social activists understood the need to provide opportunities for individuals who were blind. As a result of their efforts, The New York Institution for the Blind was incorporated in 1831. The school held the first class for children who were blind in the United States when it opened its doors over 190 years ago on March 15, 1832.\nOur school began in a single-row home in Lower Manhattan and later moved to 9th Avenue and 34th Street. Nearly 100 years later, we opened in our present location on Pelham Parkway in the Bronx in 1924. Before the move, it had been renamed The New York Institute for the Education of the Blind.\nIn 1986, the Institute reaffirmed its mission of service to children and changed its charter to accept not only children with visual impairments but also children with emotional/learning needs and preschool children with developmental disabilities.\nNow known as The New York Institute for Special Education, we offer programs to children ages 3 to 21 from the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and counties in Upstate New York.