Director of Plant and Facilities

About Maine Central Institute

Maine Central Institute (MCI) is one of New England's most distinctive secondary schools — an independent, coeducational boarding and day school in the Town of Pittsfield, Maine. MCI serves students from across Maine, the United States, and more than 20 countries, inspiring purposeful, happy lives and producing engaged world citizens.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Plant and Facilities is a critical member of MCI's senior administrative team, responsible for the safe, efficient, and well-maintained operation of MCI's 20-acre campus — including all buildings, grounds, systems, and equipment. Reporting directly to the Head of School, this role carries significant responsibility and visibility across the institution.

We are seeking a self-motivated, solutions-oriented leader who takes pride in creating an exceptional physical environment that supports student life, learning, and the MCI community.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities Operations & Team Leadership

● Lead, schedule, and supervise the maintenance and custodial team to ensure MCI's buildings and grounds are consistently clean, safe, and well-maintained.

● Foster a culture of accountability, pride of ownership, and continuous improvement within the facilities team.

Planning & Capital Management

● Develop and maintain a comprehensive facilities database, including a long-range Capital Expenditure plan and equipment inventory.

● Prepare, manage, and monitor the annual facilities departmental budget; identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.

● Develop and implement an ongoing preventive maintenance and equipment replacement program across all campus systems.

Construction & Contractor Management

● Solicit bids, develop project specifications, and manage outside contractors and vendors for all campus construction, renovation, and service work.

● Ensure contractor performance meets MCI's standards for quality, safety, and timeliness.

Compliance & Safety

● Ensure full compliance with all applicable environmental, health, safety, and building code regulations at the local, state, and federal level.

● Maintain all required permits, inspection records, and regulatory documentation.

● Coordinate emergency response planning related to facilities, including snow removal, utility failures, and other campus disruptions.

Institutional Partnership

● Serve as a member of the senior administrative team and provide regular facilities updates to the Head of School and the Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Board of Trustees.

● Collaborate with academic, athletic, residential life, and advancement departments to coordinate facilities support for events, programs, and daily operations.

● Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Head of School.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, facilities management, or a related field — or an equivalent combination of education and substantial hands-on experience.

● Minimum of five years of progressive experience in facilities management, preferably in a school, campus, or multi-building environment.

● Demonstrated supervisory experience managing maintenance, custodial, or trades staff.

● Working knowledge of building systems including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and grounds maintenance; ability to read blueprints and technical specifications.

● Proven ability to manage budgets, plan capital projects, and prioritize competing demands effectively.

● Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with sound judgment and a proactive mindset.

● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to work diplomatically with faculty, staff, students, parents, and outside vendors.

● Valid driver's license required; ability to be on call for facilities emergencies.

Preferred

● Experience working in an independent school or residential campus environment.

● Proficiency with facilities management software or CMMS platforms.

● Familiarity with sustainable facilities practices and energy management.

Benefits

MCI offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Generous paid leave
• Access to MCI's campus facilities and programming.
• The opportunity to be part of a genuinely mission-driven school community committed to student growth and global citizenship.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and résumé to David Pearson at dpearson@mci-school.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position is open immediately. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $70,000