Director of Facilities

Riverdale Neighborhood House (RNH) is of, by, and for its local community. Established 152 years ago, our mission is to strengthen community in the northwest Bronx by delivering programs responsive to local needs, by building connections and promoting equity across generational, cultural, racial, and economic lines, and by creating a sense of place. We work with a vibrant, diverse community of over 50,000 residents who live in an area bordered by the Hudson River, Van Cortlandt Park, Manhattan, and Yonkers. RNH provides a wide range of programming anchored in regular needs assessments of our community.

The Director of Facilities is responsible for overseeing the management, maintenance, and operation of all facilities across the organization. This role ensures that all buildings, grounds, and equipment are safe, functional, and maintained following all applicable regulations. As part of the leadership team, the Director will work collaboratively to ensure that facilities align with the organization's mission, providing a safe, welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, clients, and community members. The Director of Facilities will lead long-term facility planning, sustainability initiatives, and capital improvement projects while managing day-to-day operations with a focus on efficiency and safety. The Director reports to the Executive Director and is a member of the Leadership Team. This role is ideal for an experienced facilities management professional who is passionate about ensuring a safe, sustainable, and welcoming environment and who supports the mission of the nonprofit organization

Responsibilities

Facilities Management

• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules and standard operating procedures to ensure the proper functioning of key systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, security, and fire safety.
• Ensure facilities are regularly inspected and maintained in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including health, safety, & environmental standards.
• Develop, implement, and enforce safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans for all facilities, ensuring compliance with OSHA, fire codes, and other relevant regulations.
• Conduct regular safety audits, drills, and training programs for staff and volunteers to ensure readiness for emergencies such as fires, natural disasters, or security threats.
• Implement systems for managing and tracking service requests, work orders, and inventory to ensure that maintenance issues are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Coordinate and schedule repairs, maintenance work, and renovations with minimal disruption to program operations.
• Ensure the security of the campus, including managing the ring camera network, burglar alarm contract, fire alarm contracts, and any other security measures.
• Ensure that facilities are accessible and welcoming for individuals with disabilities or special needs.
• Lead efforts to reduce the organization's environmental footprint by introducing environmentally sustainable practices, energy-saving measures, renewable energy systems, and eco-friendly building materials.
• Maintain all necessary documentation, including safety reports, inspection records, and compliance certifications.

Vendor and Contract Management:

• Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of services (e.g., janitorial, landscaping, HVAC maintenance, security, waste management).
• Negotiate contracts, oversee bidding processes, and manage contracts for outsourced services, ensuring compliance with terms and service quality standards.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and evaluations of vendors and contractors to ensure the organization receives high-quality service.

Budgeting and Financial Oversight:

• Develop and manage the annual facilities budget, working closely with the finance team to ensure alignment with organizational financial goals.
• Monitor and report on expenses related to maintenance, repairs, utilities, and capital projects to ensure budgetary compliance.
• Identify and implement cost-saving measures, including energy efficiency programs and improved procurement processes

Major Projects and Capital Improvements

• Collaborate with leadership on long-term facility planning to accommodate future growth, program expansions, or changes in organizational needs.
• Lead oversight of major capital projects, including facility renovations, expansions, and new construction. Responsibilities include project scoping, contractor management, budgeting, and timeline adherence.
• Ensure that all projects are completed on time, within scope, and meet the organization’s standards for quality and sustainability.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with architects, engineers, and construction managers for any facility upgrades or large-scale projects.

Team Leadership and Supervision:

• Supervise and support a team of facilities staff, including maintenance personnel and custodial staff, ensuring high-performance standards, professionalism, and customer service.
• Manage schedule and day-to-day activities of the maintenance & cleaning team.
• Hire and onboard team members
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, promoting professional development and team growth, and including plans for at least 10 hours per staff member per year of professional development training Work closely with division heads, program managers, and leadership to ensure facilities provided align with the organization's strategic goals and operational requirements.
• Attend Leadership Team meetings.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, security).
• Experience managing capital projects, including renovations, expansions, and new construction.
• Knowledge of relevant safety regulations, including OSHA, fire codes, environmental laws, and their associated permits.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, including forecasting and tracking expenses related to maintenance and capital improvements.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience supervising diverse staff and coordinating with external vendors.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Problem-solving abilities and strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience in implementing sustainability practices is preferred
• English/Spanish bilingual preferred.
• A successful Background Check and State Central Registry clearances required

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience) preferred
• S95 and F7 qualified or will complete within 30 days of hire
• Certification in Facilities Management (e.g., Certified Facility Manager - CFM, Facility Management Professional - FMP) is preferred.
• At least 8 years of experience in facilities management, operations, or related fields, preferably in a nonprofit, educational, or mission-driven organization.

WORK CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequent traveling around the RNH campus and to local vendors as required.
• This position requires regular physical activity, including walking, standing, climbing stairs, and lifting objects up to 50 pounds.
• Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies or facility-related issues.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required, particularly during special events or emergencies.