Description

The focus of the position is to provide tactical management and strategic planning. Provide comprehensive leadership, vision, institutional planning and execution for the Garden’s daily operations, maintenance, safety and security, ensuring a seamless visitor and staff experience. This includes physical infrastructure and internal operations in accordance with visitor and staff needs and government regulation. Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for infrastructure, asset management, emergency preparedness and operational efficiency, aligning with the Gardens’ overall mission and goals. Work closely with the Garden’s Chief Financial and Operations Officer and Operations Support Board Committee to plan initiatives for asset management, infrastructure, master planning, emergency planning, and on-going strategic planning for operations.

The Senior Director of Facilities & Operations is a member of the Garden’s senior management team, which collaboratively leads all aspects of the Garden’s operations, planning, and budgeting. Therefore, while primarily responsible for the leadership of Facilities & Operations, the Senior Director must also develop a strategic understanding of all aspects of the Garden’s mission and operation, and work seamlessly with the senior leadership team in managing the overall operation of the Garden.

Essential Duties

• Direct and coach by leading, motivating and developing a high-performing team across Facilities, Custodial, Operations and Safety & Security department. Foster a positive work environment and culture for the entire team.
• Serve as staff liaison to Operations Support board committee chair.
• Lead the Operations Committee, consisting of representation from each department to review and plan for the Garden’s operational needs.
• Responsible for the Garden’s asset management process; develop and implement a comprehensive asset management plan, prioritizing investments for optimal long-term value. Prioritize, recommend action, track, and report progress to the Operations Support board committee.
• Lead the development and execution of master plans for future infrastructure improvements and growth in line with infrastructure planning.
• Manage complete life cycle of all facilities and equipment: designing; planning; purchasing; installation; and repair/maintain buildings, infrastructure, and equipment (office furniture, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, HVAC, etc.).
• Oversee the development and implementation of robust emergency preparedness and business continuity plans. Ensure all staff are trained and prepared in the event of an emergency and key staff are trained on routine incidents, first aid, and incident command.
• Ensure clean, well maintained facilities, effective safety protocols and smooth daily operations exceeding visitor and staff expectations for operational excellence.

Job Description

• Continuously analyze and improve operational processes for enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee budget development and execution for assigned departments, collaborating with CFOO on capital budget planning to achieve budget and resource management.
• Ensure adherence to relevant safety, security and facility regulations, implementing risk management strategies in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations for safety, security, and facilities; ensure alarms and life safety equipment are regularly tested and maintained to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
• Develop and implement operations, maintenance, and safety and security policies and procedures for the Garden.
• Project manager to lead construction and renovation projects, managing timeframes, budgets and stakeholder communication.
• Manage building space allocation, layout, storage, and inventory.
• Maintain vendor and partner relationships cultivating strong partnerships with service providers, security teams and first responders.
• Drive continuous improvement through innovative solutions and effective change management practices.
• Ensure department goals and initiatives align with the Garden’s overall strategic plan and priorities.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Garden and all of its programs; regularly attend community events to authentically engage with our core audiences and, particularly, with the three audiences identified as priorities in the current strategic plan—Latinx, millennials, and children and their families.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, non-profit management, engineering, construction management, or related field or related work experience.
• Minimum of ten years’ experience in managing senior-level teams and complex projects in a facilities-based, customer-oriented environment.
• Proven track record of strategic planning, organizational development, and data-driven decision-making.
• Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Teambuilding skills
• Computer literacy
• Superior time management, attention to detail, and follow-up skills are a must
• Patience, tact, and the ability to build rapport throughout the organization; high emotional intelligence and the art of persuasion required
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• A valid driver’s license is required
• Ability to work off-hours with occasional evenings, weekends, and/or holidays

Equipment Used

Typical office equipment.

Scope of Authority

Review, negotiate, sign, and enforce contracts under direction of the Executive Director.

Financial Authority

Develop and manage budget for Facilities, Operations, and Safety & Security.

Internal Communication

Frequent communication with Garden employees.

External Communication

Frequent communication with guests, visitors, vendors, law enforcement, first responders, and service

partners.

Working Conditions

Some physical effort beyond what’s typically required in a normal office environment. Potential for tight

deadlines or time periods of high workload may require additional hours. The noise level in the work

environment can vary.

Must be able to walk, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, bend, see, hear, speak, read, and type. Manual dexterity

and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds required. Some outside work may be required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made, when necessary and feasible, to allow a qualified individual

to perform essential job functions.

Pay range: $110,000.00 - $125,000.00

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Desert Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard

to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental

status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

The Garden fosters and supports workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion to honor the unique

perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all, to celebrate successes, and to cultivate individual

and institutional excellence.

All employees will help add to the Garden’s diversity and fully embrace it.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and

deliverables of the role. This is not a contract and should not be viewed as such. Other duties may be

assigned by supervisor and/or his/her/their designee