Position Summary:
The Director of Facilities at Chicago Commons plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the optimal operation, safety, and maintenance of facilities that support early childhood education and senior care services. This position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of facilities management, including compliance with safety and health regulations, managing capital projects, and leading a dedicated team to ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for the children, families, and older adults served by Chicago Commons. The Director of Facilities will collaborate closely with the Chief of Staff and other senior leaders to align the department’s operations with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Management:
- Provide strategic leadership and management to the Facilities Department, including direct supervision of the Facilities Manager and Facilities Coordinator.
- Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, and procedures that ensure a high standard of facilities management aligned with the needs of early childhood education and senior care environments.
- Foster a culture of excellence in customer service, ensuring that the facilities team supports the operational needs of the organization efficiently and effectively.
Facility Operations & Maintenance:
- Oversee the daily operations of all Chicago Commons facilities, ensuring they are safe, clean, and well-maintained to support the delivery of early childhood education and senior care services.
- Implement and manage preventive maintenance programs to ensure all building systems function optimally, minimizing downtime and disruptions to service delivery.
- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, health codes, and building standards specific to facilities serving children and older adults.
Capital Projects & Budgeting:
- Lead the planning, budgeting, and execution of capital improvement projects, including new construction, renovations, and significant repairs, with a focus on enhancing environments for early learning and senior care.
- Collaborate with the Chief of Staff and Finance Department to develop and manage the Facilities Department budget, with a focus on sustainability and cost-efficiency.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies while maintaining high standards of safety and service.
Vendor & Contract Management:
- Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers, ensuring that all work meets the specific needs of facilities serving vulnerable populations, including young children and older adults.
- Oversee the competitive bidding process for contracts related to facilities management, ensuring the selection of vendors who can deliver quality services in sensitive care environments.
Strategic Planning & Collaboration:
- Contribute to the development of long-term strategic plans related to facilities management, with a particular focus on supporting the growth and sustainability of early childhood education and senior care services.
- Collaborate with senior leaders across departments, including Education, Senior Services, IT, and Finance, to support cross-functional initiatives that enhance facility operations and service delivery.
- Lead efforts to integrate sustainability practices into facilities management, including energy conservation and environmentally friendly building practices.
Compliance & Risk Management:
- Ensure that all facilities meet the regulatory requirements specific to early childhood education and senior care, including health, safety, and accessibility standards.
- Implement and oversee safety and emergency preparedness protocols, ensuring that staff are trained and facilities are equipped to handle emergencies, particularly in sensitive care environments.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with OSHA, ADA, and other relevant regulations, with a particular focus on maintaining safe and accessible environments for children and older adults.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in facilities management, including at least 3 years in a leadership role within a healthcare, education, or similar environment.
- Proven experience managing facilities that serve vulnerable populations, such as children and older adults, including overseeing compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
- Strong knowledge of building systems, maintenance practices, and safety regulations, with experience in environments requiring specialized care.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to oversee complex projects from inception to completion.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams.
- Commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all facility users, including young children, families, and older adults.
Working Conditions:
- The position requires occasional evening and weekend work.
- Must be able to travel between multiple sites within the Chicago area as needed.
- Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally and work in a variety of environmental conditions.
Chicago Commons is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Chicago Commons provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
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