About Dexter Southfield

Dexter Southfield is an independent school where boys and girls in Pre-K through Class 12 develop their individual talents and build an ethical foundation for life. Through a classical education and innovative programming, students learn to lead with confidence and serve with compassion. Our 36-acre campus is located on the Brookline-Boston line, just minutes from the city’s best museums, libraries, hospitals, performing arts venues, colleges, and universities—all of which serve as an extension of our classrooms. At Dexter Southfield, we approach everything we do with enthusiasm and commitment, living by our School’s motto: “Our Best Today, Better Tomorrow.”

Dexter Southfield is seeking a Director of Facilities and Operations to plan and direct activities related to the School's facilities including engineering, trades, maintenance, power plant/boiler operations, and other areas related to campus and School-owned properties and operations. Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Facilities and Operations will oversee and coordinate campus operations (including buildings, grounds, and vehicles) and ensure a safe and efficient operating environment that contributes to the growth and success of the Dexter Southfield community. The ideal applicant will have at least 10 years of senior leadership experience in a similar position in a school or an equivalent institution leading a large team and overseeing major campus renovation projects. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintenance:

• Ensure facilities and equipment meet all federal, state, and local standards and regulations.
• Oversee, open and inspect campus buildings, grounds and facilities for mechanical, plumbing, cleaning, and overnight problems
• Schedule and direct all repairs to classrooms, offices, and equipment as required, assuming responsibility for routine changes and updates (e.g., painting, minor repairs, etc.)
• Coordinate, oversee, and inspect work by outside contractors doing repairs and new building (roof repair, parking lots, landscaping, etc.)
• Coordinate and oversee all athletics facilities and grounds including rink and turf fields.
• Ensure routine and timely status updates to the head of school and Facilities & Long Range Planning and Finance Committee(s)
• Annually review campus spaces, classrooms and offices to identify needed repairs and improvements
• Provide a quarterly written report on facilities and maintenance activities for School community
• Oversee Operations and setup for all campus events and school functions
• Oversee contracted dining services operations
• Oversee transportation, including busing contracts and company vehicles. Oversee and support the daily campus transportation and parking program.
• Support and direct Campus Public Safety as required.
• Support Athletic Program as required
• Coordinate deliveries and oversee storage and/or assembly requirements
• Maintain all data and records for the maintenance department

Fiscal Responsibilities

• Manage facilities operating and CapX budgets in coordination with the Business Office
• Procure and oversee contracts for dining services, transportation, HVAC & engineering services, janitorial services, trash removal, pest control, snow removal, landscaping, and other contracts pertaining to safety and maintenance needs
• Review contracts with the Business Office for updates, changes and/or extensions
• Define and implement long-range plans for capital improvements and capital planning in conjunction with the head of school and Building & Facilities Committee

General

• Recruit, train, and supervise facilities and operations personnel
• Schedule and oversee work assignments and workload for direct reports
• Appraise job performance; align job descriptions and expectations to the School’s strategic plan
• Liaise between internal and external constituents to address questions and concerns

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of a decade of experience in a major leadership role
• Worked previously with trustee committees or an equivalent
• Maintenance/construction supervisory experience required
• Understanding of building codes, fire codes, and school regulations
• Understanding of Microsoft Office systems and etiquette (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
• HVAC, OSHA, lead, and asbestos abatement certifications highly desirable
• Familiarity with SchoolDude maintenance software desirable
• Ability to prioritize, organize and manage multiple competing deadline-driven assignments
• Strong customer service skills and experience required
• Effective interpersonal skills (oral, written, non-verbal) and ability to work well with others
• Success working independently and within a team environment
• Punctual, responsible, good sense of humor, and a strong work ethic
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull at least 50 pounds
• Must be able to bend, kneel, squat, reach, climb ladders (up to 16’ high), and perform other job-related activities that require the dexterity of upper and lower body extremities

This is a year-round, full-time position. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required to assist with special events.

At Dexter Southfield, we promote a culture of excellence that extends beyond academics, athletics, and the arts. We offer a culture and community in which both employees and students feel valued and respected.

About Dexter Southfield School

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