Facilities Director, Immediate Hire

The Wardlaw Hartridge School seeks an experienced, collaborative hands-on Facilities Director for the school’s 36-acre campus. The Facilities Director reports to the Chief Financial Officer and partners closely with the Head of School and Facilities Committee. This position is responsible for the maintenance, operation, safety, and long-term planning of the school campus while supervising a facilities team that includes a Director of Buildings and Grounds and five full-time day maintenance staff members. The salary range for this position is $90,000-140,000 based on experience.

The Facilities Director ensures that the physical environment supports exceptional teaching and learning while maintaining high standards of safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Thus, the role requires a leader who combines strategic thinking with practical problem-solving and a willingness to engage directly in day-to-day campus operations. 

Main Responsibilities: 

• Oversee the daily operation and maintenance of school buildings and grounds, ensuring a safe, clean, and well-maintained campus.
• Implement and manage preventive maintenance programs for building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and lighting.
• Maintain inventory of maintenance equipment, supplies, and replacement parts.
• Supervise and mentor facilities staff while fostering a professional, service-oriented team culture.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and contractors, including custodial, landscaping, and specialized service providers.
• Establish efficient systems and workflows that support the operational needs of students, faculty, and staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations, including OSHA standards.
• Oversee construction, renovation, and capital improvement projects, coordinating contractors to minimize disruption to school operations.
• Serve as project manager/owner’s representative for major campus construction projects.
• Maintain and update campus emergency response plans and safety procedures.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for security and fire alarm systems. Ensure upkeep and maintenance of these systems.
• Promote safe traffic flow and pedestrian safety on campus.
• Serve as liaison with Edison Township and local agencies regarding facilities and safety matters.
• Evaluate service agreements and recommend improvements aligned with long-term campus planning and fiscal responsibility.
• Advance environmentally responsible practices, including energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable campus operations.
• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer and Head of School to develop and manage the facilities budget.

Skills and Responsibilities: 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent professional experience considered.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing operational needs and respond effectively to emergencies.
• 3 years of progressive facilities management experience, ideally in an educational or institutional setting.
• Strong working knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing contractors or service vendors.
• Experience managing facilities budgets, preventive maintenance programs, and capital projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interface with students and adults. 
• Commitment to supporting an inclusive school community and the mission of The Wardlaw Hartridge School.

Working Conditions: This is a full-time, on-site position requiring a responsive, hands-on approach. The Facilities Director must be available for occasional evenings or weekends to support school events or respond to emergencies, including weather-related campus operations such as snow removal.

Work occurs across office, classroom, and outdoor environments and may involve varying temperatures, moderate noise levels, and exposure to mechanical equipment or cleaning materials. The role requires the ability to lift or move materials up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, stand or walk for extended periods, and operate maintenance or snow-removal equipment as needed.

The Wardlaw Hartridge School welcomes candidates who will add to the diversity of our community. The Wardlaw Hartridge School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or family composition, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its employment, education, admission, financial aid, and other policies and programs.

To apply: Send a letter of interest and resume to Facilities Search Committee at jobs@whschool.org

EOE