Regional Facilities Manager: Newark

Company Description

About KIPP New Jersey

KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. In 2002, KIPP New Jersey first opened its doors in Newark’s South Ward as a single class of 80 fifth graders and has since grown to educate students in grades K-12 across 17 schools in Newark and Camden. More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals.

Job Description

Here's what you should know:

The Regional Facilities Manager is responsible for maintaining and managing facilities across multiple school buildings to ensure safety, functionality, and efficiency. This role oversees maintenance, vendor management, and capital projects while supporting operational staff to enhance the overall learning environment.

Here's what you'll be doing:

Facilities Maintenance and Operations

• Oversee the maintenance and operation of all building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ventilation, security, communication, and life safety systems.
• Develop and implement a preventative maintenance program, including tasks such as carpentry, HVAC maintenance, maintaining boilers, general plumbing repairs and general electrical repairs.
• Conduct regular inspections of buildings and grounds, addressing maintenance needs promptly.
• Respond to life safety, security, and equipment alarms on a 24/7 basis as needed.
• Maintain working knowledge of building systems, procedures, and operations.
• Maintain and update the work order ticketing system.
  
  

Vendor and Contractor Management

• Manage relationships with facility vendors for services such as cleaning, pest control, landscaping, snow removal, security, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and general building maintenance.
• Schedule and manage annual inspections for systems including fire alarms, extinguishers, mechanical systems, boilers, elevators, burglar alarms, and sanitation.
• Manage vendors and contractors for small capital (CapEx) and preventative maintenance projects up to $100K.
• Collaborate with leadership to execute building infrastructure upgrades, general construction projects, and technology installations.
  
  

Operational Support and Compliance

• Coordinate and facilitate professional development training for Operations and Custodial staff.
• Monitor utility consumption and implement cost-saving measures.
• Support school operations with logistics for programmatic moves, including estimating costs for labor, materials, and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and protocols.
• Ensure compliance with all state and local facility requirements.
  
  

Stakeholder Collaboration and Leadership

• Work closely with school operations teams to address facility needs and priorities.
• Serve as a mentor to School Facility Specialists, providing guidance and support.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, staff, and external partners to ensure alignment on facility-related initiatives.
  
  

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above essential duties and responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE

• Comprehensive understanding of building systems (carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, security, and life safety).
• Familiarity with construction best practices, site safety, and logistics.
• Understanding of Asbestos awareness training and compliance.
• Expertise in reading and interpreting building blueprints and specifications.
  
  

Skills

• Strong project management and vendor management capabilities.
• Proficiency in using work order systems and building management systems (BMS).
• Ability to troubleshoot and apply critical thinking to data and facility-related analytics.
• Strong communication skills (phone, email, and in-person interactions).
  
  

Abilities

• Ability to lead and collaborate with operations teams to ensure seamless facilities management.
• Physical capability to lift packages, move furniture, and operate power tools and facility-related equipment.
• Ability to multi-task and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

Qualifications

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:

• Lifting and transporting heavy equipment or supplies.
• Operating facility maintenance tools and equipment.
• Frequent walking, standing, and performing inspections across multiple locations.
  
  

Must-Haves:

• Previous facilities management experience in a school or professional setting.
• Current Black Seal license for low-pressure boilers.
• Valid New Jersey driver’s license with the ability to drive a van or box truck.
• Experience in general carpentry, handyman work, and power tool operation.
• Experience using facility work order systems.
• Experience with Google Workspace.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing a team of four or more staff members.
• Conversational Spanish language skills.
• Certified Educational Facilities Manager (CEFM) Certification.
  
  

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, KIPP New Jersey offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, retirement, a school laptop and transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into New Jersey from the New York City area.

KIPP New Jersey | KIPP Miami is an equal opportunity employer