Director of Facilities and Operations

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Join us in building a more inclusive world! At Braille Institute, we are undertaking one of the most transformative initiatives in our history, planning our next century of success in serving the blind and visually impaired communities.

Through our strategic planning process, we identified the next generation opportunities to advance critical initiatives in areas such as customer research; the expansion and transformation of current programs and services; the development of new nationally and internationally accessible programs; the creation of dynamic new strategic partnerships; the fulfillment of employment and career aspirations; and taking a fresh look at our physical facilities with an Intention to align our mission, strategy, and resources.

WHO WE ARE:

At Braille Institute, we are driven by a shared purpose: to serve the blind and low vision community. We come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, finding fulfillment in the impact we create. We believe in fostering a culture that is collaborative, inclusive, and flexible. We understand the importance of work-life balance, valuing both personal and professional fulfillment.

Here, you will find an environment that supports your well-being while providing opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive alongside colleagues who are sighted and visually impaired. Join us in embracing technology and innovation as we shape the future of accessibility and positively transform the lives of those with vision loss.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

All employees within Braille Institute are expected to support the organization’s mission, vision and values, work cooperatively with others, contribute to the positive morale of the department/center and be a respected representative of the organization.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for strategically and operationally maximizing asset utilization and efficiency across BIA’s portfolio of properties (LA facility over 170,000 sf). Provides leadership and management oversight of all BIA facilities and operations including remote locations (owned and leased).

Directs the work of team members and oversees contractors and vendors as needed to maintain and enhance all facilities. Areas of responsibility include facilities operations, maintenance and renovation, parking, security, custodial, grounds, transportation (e.g., fleet management), mail, shipping and receiving, and space management. Liaison with architects and other external consultants on space planning, design, and furniture selections.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Financial Stewardship:

• Proactively interface well with user groups to understand needs.
• Provide leadership and knowledge to help advance facility management excellence in meeting the organization’s vision, mission and goals.
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in nonprofit management and facility operations.
• Accountable for overall department management responsibilities including hiring, training, providing work direction and evaluation of performance of department staff. Oversees staff development and corrective action issues.
• Develops goals, objectives, policies and budget for the department. Evaluates needs or requests for new services or programs and their impact on facilities. Calculates return on investment for all expenses related to facilities.
• Fiscal responsibility for developing and monitoring multi-year operational and capital budgets. Oversees department operating expense budget with accountability for variances.
• Negotiates contracts with outside vendors providing facilities maintenance and renovation, mail, shipping and receiving, security and transportation services. Assesses and approves completed work of vendors.
• Represents the Department participating in meetings and conferences with executives, management, outside vendors and inspectors.
• Receives reports from inspectors and assures compliance with all building and safety codes and regulations. Meets with various city and state inspectors regularly.
• Performs independent research and analysis to compile reports or presentations to leadership or external parties.
• Reports on overall facility health and related projects, status of milestones and deliverables, financial information about budget and expenditures, project risks and progress on mitigating these risks, project performance, effectiveness of management and utilization of resources, among other factors.
• Leads BIA’s sustainability initiatives across all sites.

Asset Management:

• Lead development and execution of a facility business plan to maximize the use of the facilities in accordance with organizational program and financial goals; maintain site Master Plan.
• In coordination with the CFO, VPFO and Center Directors, lead the planning, development, and renovation of sites and buildings that will facilitate program needs now and in the future.
• Oversee facility renovations and construction process and ensure appropriate resources to secure permits, manage projects, and work within available resources.

Operations and Maintenance:

• Oversee the maintenance of grounds, facilities, equipment, and materials to meet or exceed requirements and standards of the county, state, city, and federal authorities.
• Utilizes industry best practices, techniques, and standards throughout all facility project execution and property management.
• Ensure facility operations meet or exceed required federal, state, and local laws, and regulations, and industry accreditation standards.
• Maintains energy benchmarking reports and coordinates with respective authorities and agencies for site visits and report remittance.
• Directs inspections of facilities to ensure the safety, security, and functionality of BIA buildings.
• Works closely with the Assistant Director of Facilities in LA and heads of facilities at other locations to establish priorities and determine and communicate work assignments while maximizing team performance.
• Acts as a key member of the Safety Committee and Emergency Response Team ensuring that all facilities are compliant with safety standards and emergency protocol, and all team members are accountable for following safety requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned. As the organization continues to evolve, duties or tasks may change without impacting the overall Job Description.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises the following positions:

• Assistant Director, Facilities, Los Angeles (and all who report to the position).
• Heads of Facilities at other owned locations (who have dotted line to Center Directors).
• Facilities Administrative Support Staff.
• Operational Support Services (mail, shipping, transportation).
• Security Vendor Attendants.
• Custodial Contracted Vendor All Other Contracted vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties.

KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION:

• A four-year college degree or the equivalent in additional work experience is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and construction as it applies to commercial buildings, as well as related codes and compliance with OSHA rules and regulations is required.
• Knowledge of central plant systems is strongly preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills, and strong leadership skills are essential.
• The ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and management, exercise discretion and sound judgment, analyze and resolve problems is required. Strong code enforcement and skills related to building trades are needed.
• A customer-centric approach to leadership and providing services is essential.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in all areas of facilities management including HVAC, plumbing, electrical and construction is strongly preferred.
• At least five years of leadership experience is desirable.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

• LEED Certification, OSHA Safety Certificate, Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), Sustainability Facilities Professional are pluses.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Position works in standard office environment, as well as frequent exposure to boiler/chiller/generator rooms, construction/maintenance workshop with exposure to power tools, high voltage electricity and gas.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position operates standard office equipment. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Requires occasional travel to regional facilities as needed.

Ability to Relocate:

• Los Angeles, CA 90029: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person