What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director position at Rhode Island College?
The Director of Facilities and Operations is responsible for the maintenance and operations of the physical aspects of the Rhode Island College multi-building campus, including contractor administration. The individual will assist in the administrative review of the budgetary implications of departmental activities; originate and implement Facilities and Operations’ policies, procedures, and standards for the maintenance and improvement of the college’s physical facilities and services with an emphasis on customerresponsive service and proactive communication with facilities’ customers. The individual is also responsible for the planning and development of strategic initiatives associated with the management of the campus physical plant and related services.
Primary Purpose
The Director of Facilities and Operations is the primary department leader and is responsible for the maintenance and operations of a 180-acre campus with 42 buildings, including all roadways, walkways, parking lots and utilities and manages a team of approximately 85 employees. The individual will assist in the administrative review of the budgetary implications of departmental activities; originate and implement Facilities and Operations’ policies, procedures, and standards for the maintenance and improvement of the college’s physical facilities and services with an emphasis on customer service and proactive communication with facilities’ customers. The individual is also responsible for the planning and development of strategic initiatives associated with the management of the campus physical plant and related services.
Essential Duties
- Serve as a leader and role model for Facilities Operations, with a service orientation and strong work ethic.
- Continually improve service delivery processes to enhance customer experience while reducing delivery/completion time.
- Perform the administrative and management functions relative to the staff supervised. Establish guidelines and performance expectations for staff members, which are clearly communicated. Observe worker’s performance; Provide informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance. Resolve informal complaints and grievances. Develop work improvement plans, recommending personnel actions as necessary. Manage disciplinary actions within the authority delegated.
- Identify opportunities and encourage staff training focused on professional and technical development, as well as credentialing and improved customer service delivery.
- Responsible for the physical maintenance and repair of all College buildings and related equipment; all custodial services functions for the College.
- Responsible for operation and maintenance of all campus utilities.
- Track college energy usage. Make recommendations for energy efficiency measures.
- Responsible for coordinating the planning, design, and supervision of repair and renovation projects.
- Responsible for the development and implementation of a preventive maintenance program for all facilities.
- Maintain operational records for all facilities.
- Develop annual plan with prioritized recommended facilities improvements and associated costs, assist in the development of the College’s five-year capital improvement plan, and assist in developing budgets and manage departmental activities to conform with the budget.
- Work collaboratively with the Director of Capital projects to ensure that projects are designed to operational specifications and in transitioning projects to Facilities and Operations.
- Represent the College, as directed, with State offices, such as Properties Committee, Building Commission, Purchasing, and the Office of Higher Education.
- Responsible for the landscaping and maintenance of college grounds; roads and parking areas, including their accessibility under all weather conditions.
- Responsible for maintaining trucks, automobiles, and construction-type equipment for F&O and ensuring questions and issues are appropriately addressed.
- Supervise preparation of annual budget; implement long-range maintenance plans, prepare administrative reports for decision making, and make recommendations relating to the operation.
- Responsible for maintaining an inventory of materials necessary for providing necessary maintenance and repairs.
- Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the central boiler plant, including co-generation; HVAC and energy conservation; responsible for the continuous delivery of utilities to all campus buildings.
- Responsible for the Facilities Work Order system. Develop policies and procedures to ensure timely and responsive services.
- Responsible for the establishment of good working relationships among members of the department and all members of the college community including comprehensive communication regarding work order requests and associated projects.
- Responsible for facilities and operations’ aspects in support of special events as needed.
The College requires that all applicants and employees be able to perform the above essential duties of the job and will explore reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities in accordance with ADA requirements.
Carry out other related functions as may be assigned by the Vice President for Administration and Finance and the Assistant Vice President of Administration.
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Knowledge of the operating procedures for a physical plant area’s, including air conditioning/heating systems, plumbing systems, electrical systems, fire alarm systems, motor pool operations, energy management systems, construction, landscape management, and custodial services.
- Prior management skills in supervising employees in the trades.
- Experience managing department budgets.
- Demonstrated experience with facilities management software implementation and use..
- Effective written communication skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills with the ability to incorporate change and successfully manage multiple tasks.
- Ability to meet deadlines and pay attention to detail and accuracy.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated commitment to providing quality customer service.
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering or related field.
- Ten years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management within a campus environment.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Master’s degree in business, engineering or related field.
- Facilities Management Certification (from APPA, IFMA, BOMI or similar).
- Fundamentals of Engineering/Engineer in Training or Professional Engineer (FE/EIT or PE) credentials.
- Experience in the leadership and management of personnel in a unionized setting and projects relating to the maintenance and construction of major facilities.
- Experience working in a facilities management role in higher education.
- Experience with the implementation of preventive maintenance programs.
- This position requires 24-hour call back in cases of emergency and supervisory presence, when required, on all shifts.
- May be exposed to the following: adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, extreme heat, or cold; other conditions such as noise, vibration, fumes, etc.
