Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook “the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America” and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. Please visit our website: www.cranbrook.edu.

Cranbrook Educational Community is seeking a Director of Operations. This position requires a uniquely qualified individual who understands the challenges of maintaining and operating building systems and the campus landscape, including a branch of the Rouge River, within a National Historic Landmark campus. The Director of Operations provides leadership for a broad, diverse group of building systems such as electrical, mechanical, and HVAC, including boilers. The Director will manage staff responsible for these systems as well as for landscape, natural spaces, and historic architecture. 

The Director of Operations is responsible for the planning and management of all physical plant departments including Building Maintenance, Building Services, Landscape, Transportation and Warehouse, and Events and Workorders. The position requires excellent communication and coordination with the Directors of Cranbrook Schools, Institute of Science, Academy of Art, and Art Museum to ensure that expectations for the condition of the physical campus are met.  Strong collaboration and communication with peer leaders from Information Technology, Capital Projects, and Security and Safety is key to the success of work processes that affects all departments.

Responsibilities include concept and budget development, supervising operations and projects, and the coordination of work schedules with other planned work on campus.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Plan, organize, implement, supervise and evaluate the operation and maintenance of Cranbrook’s buildings, grounds, vehicles and equipment.
• Direct all aspects of Physical Plant/Operations projects from concept through completion including coordinating activities, assigning contractors as necessary, as well as monitoring project progress, cost and quality, and resolving problems that arise.
• Develop and monitor departmental plans and report on progress towards goals and objectives.
• Provides exemplary leadership to management team including prioritization, direction, development, and assessment.
• Develop, disseminate and periodically review and update departmental policies and procedures.
• Delegate tasks and establish staff performance standards and timelines for the completion of routine maintenance and project focused operations
• Direct through the subordinate manager the Transportation, Central Warehouse, Inventory, Shipping/Receiving and Mailroom Services functions.
• Direct through the subordinate manager the highest level of event coordination, planning, and customer service across the Community. 
• Prepare expense forecasts, and annual operating budgets.
• Develop recommendations and management reports for senior level review.
• Oversee facilities administration including record keeping, blueprints, utility locations, and routine maintenance practices.
• Establish and administer facility programs dealing with such issues as energy conservation and preventive maintenance.
• Manage and direct compliance with building codes, local ordinances and state/federal laws and regulations as they relate to both facilities and public safety.
• Bid, negotiate and supervise contracts with vendors for facilities services.
• Liaison to local and state agencies.
• Manage long-range planning to support future needs and growth
• Must be available after hours, as needed, to respond to emergency situations, attend special functions, events and meetings.
• Coordinate renovations and repairs of Cranbrook’s facilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  This position supervises a professional management staff responsible for landscape, building maintenance, custodial, transportation, warehouse and mailroom, and events.

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture, or the combination of a Bachelor’s degree in another field with significant experience in Operations Management.
• Ten (10) years of related experience with a proven track record in landscape and skilled trades management, building services, capital planning and project management, construction means and methods, contract administration, and developing and managing institutional budgets.
• Superior leadership, organization, managerial, communication and interpersonal skills; open and broad communications; and the ability to work effectively and cooperatively with various constituencies. 
• Proficiency discussing confidential issues with a diverse group of contacts both within Cranbrook (administrators) and outside of Cranbrook (contractors, consultants, Board members, legal and city officials).
• Successfully develop and present new ideas, policies, procedures, programs and services to Cranbrook departments.
• Strong negotiating skills.
• Requires a valid Michigan driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.

Desired:  a Master’s degree in Engineering or Architecture; knowledge of, and experience with, the repair and restoration of historical sites.

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contribution. We also offer generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.