North Bennington, Vermont
Posted: 17-Nov-25
Location: Saxtons River, Vermont
Type: Full Time
Salary: $60,000–$75,000
Categories:
Position Overview
The Director of Facilities leads all aspects of the school’s physical plant and grounds. This role combines hands-on work with strong management of people, systems, and vendors. The Director evaluates and prioritizes work based on safety, operational continuity, cost, and long-term preservation of campus assets. Although not traditionally student-facing, the role directly supports the daily experience of students, faculty, and staff and requires a high standard of responsiveness, communication, and customer service.
Reports to: Head of School
Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience
Schedule: Full-time with participation in an after-hours on-call rotation for maintenance emergencies
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Oversee daily operation, inspection, and upkeep of buildings, mechanical systems, grounds, and athletic facilities.
- Manage preventive maintenance schedules, work orders, and emergency response.
- Maintain a visible presence across campus to anticipate needs and assess conditions.
Maintenance & Work-Order Oversight
- Maintain strong oversight of the maintenance ticketing system:
- Timely assignment, follow-up, and closure of tickets
- Clear communication with faculty and staff on timelines and outcomes
- Tracking and reporting of trends, recurring issues, and system-level needs
- Perform hands-on repairs when appropriate and coordinate specialized contractors as needed.
Vendor Management & Procurement
- Build strong, reliable vendor relationships while maintaining multiple competitive options.
- Evaluate vendor performance, pricing, responsiveness, and quality.
- Develop scopes of work, solicit bids, and oversee contracted projects.
- Maintain contracts, warranties, and service agreements with proper documentation.
Capital Planning & Budget Stewardship
- Evaluate requests and repairs with attention to short-term urgency and long-term asset care.
- Prepare recommendations and cost estimates for capital projects and infrastructure needs.
- Manage the facilities operating budget in coordination with the CFO/COO.
- Contribute to long-range campus planning and asset life-cycle strategies.
Team Management
- Supervise, train, and support the facilities and grounds staff.
- Set expectations, provide feedback, and ensure accountability for quality and safety.
- Coordinate scheduling, daily assignments, and the after-hours on-call rotation.
- Foster a professional, service-oriented culture within the team.
Campus Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with building codes, inspections, fire/life safety requirements, and environmental regulations.
- Partner with leadership on safety planning, emergency operations, and drill readiness.
- Maintain records for inspections, regulatory compliance, and preventive maintenance.
Grounds & Seasonal Operations
- Oversee landscaping, road/trail maintenance, athletic field preparation, snow removal, and ice management.
- Ensure effective care and maintenance of grounds equipment.
Community, Service, and Communication
- Respond to faculty and staff needs with clarity, professionalism, and follow-through.
- Recognize that responsiveness and communication directly impact the student and faculty experience.
- Support school events, athletics, weekend activities, and student-life operations as needed.
- Communicate proactively about planned work that may affect classrooms, dorms, or schedules.
Qualifications
- 5–10+ years of facilities management, trades, or related operations experience.
- Technical competency with building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, or general maintenance).
- Experience managing staff and contractors.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
- Budget management and capital planning experience preferred.
- Ability to work hands-on and respond to emergencies, including after-hours.
- Valid driver’s license; ability to perform physical work in varied conditions.
Attributes
- Decisive and practical; able to balance immediate operational needs with long-term stewardship.
- Communicates clearly, especially under stress.
- Service-oriented, understanding that facilities work directly shapes the student and faculty experience.
- Skilled in building and maintaining vendor relationships while protecting the school’s financial interests.
- Organized, reliable, and comfortable setting expectations and holding standards.
To Apply
Please submit one PDF including:
- Letter of interest, addressed to Head of School, Michael Peller
- Current résumé
- Statement of Educational Leadership Philosophy
- A list of three or more professional references with contact information (phone and email)
Send materials to mpeller@vermontacademy.org