What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Facilities position at Vermont Academy?
Position OverviewThe Director of Facilities leads all aspects of the school's physical plant and grounds. This role combines hands-on work with strong management of people, systems, and vendors. The Director evaluates and prioritizes work based on safety, operational continuity, cost, and long-term preservation of campus assets. Although not traditionally student-facing, the role directly supports the daily experience of students, faculty, and staff and requires a high standard of responsiveness, communication, and customer service.
Reports to: Head of School
Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000, commensurate with experienceSchedule: Full-time with participation in an after-hours on-call rotation for maintenance emergencies
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Oversee daily operation, inspection, and upkeep of buildings, mechanical systems, grounds, and athletic facilities.
- Manage preventive maintenance schedules, work orders, and emergency response.
- Maintain a visible presence across campus to anticipate needs and assess conditions.
Maintenance & Work-Order Oversight
- Maintain strong oversight of the maintenance ticketing system:
- Timely assignment, follow-up, and closure of tickets
- Clear communication with faculty and staff on timelines and outcomes
- Tracking and reporting of trends, recurring issues, and system-level needs
- Perform hands-on repairs when appropriate and coordinate specialized contractors as needed.
Vendor Management & Procurement
- Build strong, reliable vendor relationships while maintaining multiple competitive options.
- Evaluate vendor performance, pricing, responsiveness, and quality.
- Develop scopes of work, solicit bids, and oversee contracted projects.
- Maintain contracts, warranties, and service agreements with proper documentation.
Capital Planning & Budget Stewardship
- Evaluate requests and repairs with attention to short-term urgency and long-term asset care.
- Prepare recommendations and cost estimates for capital projects and infrastructure needs.
- Manage the facilities operating budget in coordination with the CFO/COO.
- Contribute to long-range campus planning and asset life-cycle strategies.
Team Management
- Supervise, train, and support the facilities and grounds staff.
- Set expectations, provide feedback, and ensure accountability for quality and safety.
- Coordinate scheduling, daily assignments, and the after-hours on-call rotation.
- Foster a professional, service-oriented culture within the team.
Campus Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with building codes, inspections, fire/life safety requirements, and environmental regulations.
- Partner with leadership on safety planning, emergency operations, and drill readiness.
- Maintain records for inspections, regulatory compliance, and preventive maintenance.
Grounds & Seasonal Operations
- Oversee landscaping, road/trail maintenance, athletic field preparation, snow removal, and ice management.
- Ensure effective care and maintenance of grounds equipment.
Community, Service, and Communication
- Respond to faculty and staff needs with clarity, professionalism, and follow-through.
- Recognize that responsiveness and communication directly impact the student and faculty experience.
- Support school events, athletics, weekend activities, and student-life operations as needed.
- Communicate proactively about planned work that may affect classrooms, dorms, or schedules.
Qualifications
- 5–10 years of facilities management, trades, or related operations experience.
- Technical competency with building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, or general maintenance).
- Experience managing staff and contractors.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
- Budget management and capital planning experience preferred.
- Ability to work hands-on and respond to emergencies, including after-hours.
- Valid driver's license; ability to perform physical work in varied conditions.
Attributes
- Decisive and practical; able to balance immediate operational needs with long-term stewardship.
- Communicates clearly, especially under stress.
- Service-oriented, understanding that facilities work directly shapes the student and faculty experience.
- Skilled in building and maintaining vendor relationships while protecting the school's financial interests.
- Organized, reliable, and comfortable setting expectations and holding standards.
To Apply
Please submit one PDF including:
- Letter of interest, addressed to Head of School, Michael Peller
- Current résumé
- Statement of Educational Leadership Philosophy
- A list of three or more professional references with contact information (phone and email)
Send materials to
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60, $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $60,000 - $75,000