Facilities Operations Director

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Job Description:

Facilities Management supports the College mission by maintaining over 2 million square feet and 300 acres of campus property. Our dedicated team of 140 FTEs spans various trades—from Mechanical and Central Heat to Grounds and EH&S—to ensure the excellence of 60+ major buildings.

We are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2037. To reach this goal, we are replacing our fossil-fuel steam system with a state-of-the-art geo-exchange district energy system, paired with aggressive energy demand reduction and system optimization across campus.

Reporting to the Associate VP of Facilities, the Facilities Operations Director provides strategic leadership for the college’s physical environment. The Operations Director will provide direct leadership and mentorship to the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) trade supervisors and their teams.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide direct leadership and supervision to MEP trade supervisors (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing), fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovative energy conservation.

• Drive the college’s decarbonization efforts by identifying and implementing high-impact efficiency strategies and long-term energy conservation measures (ECMs).

• Oversee the lifecycle management of campus assets, utilizing a comprehensive planned maintenance program and an optimized CMMS to reduce deferred maintenance.

• Formulate and monitor MEP and utility budgets, using data-driven forecasting to reduce operational costs.

• Maintain and optimize Building Automation Systems (BAS) and collaborate with Capital Planning on plant upgrades from design through commissioning.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Energy Engineering (or equivalent professional experience).

• 5+ years of progressive experience in maintaining complex institutional/commercial facilities, including direct management of central utility plants (heating and chiller).

• Deep knowledge of HVAC systems, steam/hydronic distribution, and high proficiency with BAS.

• In-depth understanding of OSHA, ADA, NFPA, and state/local building codes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a Higher Education environment.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

• Massachusetts Second Class Steam Engineer License.

Key Competencies

• Proven ability to mentor and motivate a diverse technical staff.

• Proficiency in financial modeling and engineering software to justify capital projects.

• Skilled in managing complex energy upgrades from concept to final acceptance.

• Ability to translate complex technical data for senior leadership, vendors, and trade staff alike.

Physical Requirements

This is an active leadership role. Candidates must be able to work outdoors in all seasons, lift up to 50 lbs., climb ladders/stairs, and adjust hours for system emergencies or call-ins.

Full Job Description

Hiring Range: $127,225 - $147,434

What We Offer:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 9% of salary)

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Disability and Leave Benefits

• Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Tuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)

• Generous Paid Time Off

• Access to Kendall Sports & Dance Complex

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants: 

Apply online; application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications

• A complete resume or curriculum vitae

• For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.

​It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.