Director of Facilities and Campus Safety

Munson seeks an experienced and strategic Director of Facilities & Campus Safety to lead the operations, stewardship, and safety of our dynamic campus. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this role is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for shaping and executing the vision for facilities management, campus infrastructure, and safety across Munson’s multi-building downtown Utica, NY campus.

This position oversees all aspects of Munson’s facilities and campus safety division, including physical plant operations, buildings and grounds across 23 campus buildings, utilities, energy management systems, and safety/security operations. The Director works closely with division leaders - including Finance, Museum of Art, Performing Arts, School of Art, Development, Human Resources, and Marketing/Communications—to advance organizational priorities aligned with Munson’s strategic plan and campus master plan, including significant capital improvement and renovation projects.

The Director leads a large and diverse team responsible for maintaining the campus environment and ensuring a safe and welcoming experience for students, visitors, and employees. The position provides direct leadership to key operational supervisors—including Grounds, Maintenance, Engineering & Building Trades, and Campus Safety—and supports a division of more than 50 facilities and safety professionals.

Successful candidates will bring strong operational leadership, experience overseeing complex facilities operations, and the ability to manage large-scale projects and budgets. The role requires someone who can build collaborative relationships across the organization and externally with contractors, vendors, and community partners.

Munson offers a comprehensive and competitive executive benefits package, including generous paid time off, participation in our TIAA retirement plan, and a wide range of employee benefits that support work-life balance and long-term financial security.

Our Culture: 

Munson is committed to community engagement and belonging. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background, and welcome the unique perspectives and experiences they bring. If your skills and qualifications align with this opportunity, we invite you to apply to join our team. This position will model the values and culture of the organization to colleagues and the public by being welcoming, inclusive, and respectful and will value collaboration across the organization.

Essential Job Functions:

Management

• Direct the operations of the Facilities and Campus Safety Division and set strategic goals in partnership with the President and CEO.
• Provide mentoring supervision and coordination of all divisional activities for maintenance, grounds, engineering and building trades, and campus safety staff, including 4 direct reports and staff.
• Set priorities for teams, direct daily operations, and conduct regularly scheduled meetings and check-ins with team leaders to lead strategic priorities.
• Develop and manage the divisional budget, allocating resources effectively to support maintenance, repairs, and capital improvement projects.
• Build strategic working relationships internally and externally with professional colleagues and the public.

Facilities Projects

• Provide leadership and implement comprehensive maintenance programs to ensure the upkeep of buildings, grounds, utilities, and other campus facilities—daily and preventive maintenance, repairs, renovations, and contractual services. 
• Project Management: Act as Owner's and Architect Representative for large projects, including active capital campaign renovation initiatives by overseeing construction projects and renovations from inception to completion, collaborating with internal stakeholders and external contractors to achieve project goals on time and within budget. 
• Interview and hire architects or engineers as required; prepare drawings (architectural, mechanical, and electrical) and specifications for smaller projects that do not require an architect or engineer.
• Lead general contracting oversight of larger projects: gather quotes and technical details for major projects; issue RFPs and review bids; issue contracts and provide daily supervision of contracted work.
• Assist with Munson facilities-related grant applications and manage the facilities aspects of successful grant-funded projects, including related reporting requirements and fiscal management.
• Ensure the physical operation of Munson meets budgetary and strategic objectives.
• Serve as manager for Praxis LLC buildings and their rental units (2 buildings; 11 units), including building maintenance and rental leases.

Health, Safety, and Campus Safety

• Provide leadership and administration for overall health, safety, and campus safety programs, ensuring compliance in occupational and environmental focus areas and the personal safety of students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and protection of property and assets.
• Ensure institutional compliance with applicable Federal and State safety and security laws and regulations including OSHA, Clery Act, ADA, SAVE, VAWA, Title IX, and NYS Fire Code.
• Develop and maintain the Munson-wide Emergency Action Plan, Business Continuity/Recovery Plan, and Collection Emergency Action Plan in coordination with relevant divisional leaders.
• Oversee fire alarm systems, fire protection equipment, access/intrusion control systems, and CCTV systems.

Energy Management and Sustainability

• Oversee building automation and HVAC control systems (ECMS) to optimize energy performance and reduce operating costs in support of Munson's sustainability goals.
• Identify and pursue energy efficiency improvements, utility grants, and green infrastructure opportunities aligned with institutional priorities.

General Institutional Duties

• Attend organizational meetings; enhance community and neighborhood relations and attend community events.
• Organize the Annual Fountain Elms Invitational and the Community Car Show during the Arts Festival.
• Help manage the Munson Board of Trustees Facilities Advisory Committee
• Serve on Munson interdivisional committees and participate in all-employee events, trainings, and other divisions' events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Director of Facilities and Campus Safety has direct supervisory responsibilities for hiring, termination, performance appraisals, and performance counseling.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Seven (7) or more years of job-related management experience in a large, multi-building setting; experience in higher education, museum, cultural arts, or a non-profit environment strongly preferred.
• Bachelors or Master's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, business/public administration, or facilities/construction management required.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale capital projects and working with architects, engineers, and contractors.
• Familiarity with current OSHA regulations, fire codes, and relevant federal/state safety compliance requirements.
• Experience with CMMS work order systems, building automation/HVAC control systems, access control and security platforms, and OSHA training platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace; experience with incident reporting and chemical management systems is a plus.
• Valid NYS driver's license required.

Physical Activities and Demands:

The physical requirements described here represent those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Ability to move throughout a multi-building campus environment, including walking, standing, and climbing stairs for extended periods while conducting inspections, responding to incidents, and overseeing operations.
• Ability to access facilities infrastructure areas such as mechanical rooms, rooftops, basements, and construction sites. 
• Ability to lift or move items up to approximately 25 pounds (e.g., equipment, supplies, or safety materials).
• Ability to visually assess facilities conditions, read plans and technical documents, and identify safety hazards.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through electronic communication systems, including during emergency situations.
• Ability to respond to campus emergencies outside of standard business hours, which may require physical presence on campus.

REQUIRED TRAININGS: 

Complete required initial, annual, and as-needed trainings, including but not limited to: Safety Trainings, NYS Sexual Harassment Training, and other trainings as assigned.

The final candidate will be required to complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check. 

Munson is an Equal Opportunity Employer