Bethesda, Maryland
Posted: 05-Nov-25
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: Full Time
Salary: $90,000-$160,000
Categories:
Preferred Education:
Director of Facilities and Operations
Job Type: Full-Time, 12 months
Start Date: TBD
Reports To: Chief Financial and Operations Officer
The Stone House Group is conducting this search on behalf of The Lab School of Washington.
About The Lab School
Founded in 1967, The Lab School of Washington is an independent, arts-based, college-preparatory school serving students in grades 1–12 with language-based learning differences. The Lab School’s mission is to unlock the potential of students with language- based learning differences, preparing them for rewarding college experiences and fulfilling lives. Through an innovative curriculum that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and experiential learning, Lab equips students to discover their strengths and develop the skills needed for lifelong success.
Position Overview
The Director of Facilities and Operations is responsible for the care, safety, maintenance, and day-to-day functioning of The Lab School’s multi-building campuses in Washington, D.C. In close coordination with the Chief Financial and Operations Officer, this role oversees facilities staff, campus services, building systems, and contracted providers to ensure a safe, responsive, and supportive environment for students, faculty, staff, and the broader school community. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines operational management with service-oriented collaboration. The Director ensures that facilities needs are met promptly and professionally, supports school programs and events, and maintains campus readiness across academic and co-curricular activities.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Hire, schedule, and supervise building and grounds maintenance staff and security personnel.
- Manage performance evaluations, training, professional development, and disciplinary actions for direct reports.
- Foster a customer-service–focused approach to all work orders and facilities requests from faculty, staff, students, and campus partners.
- Maintain positive working relationships with administrators, faculty, students, parents, and vendors.
- Oversee the daily operations of campus buildings, grounds, mechanical systems, and safety systems.
- Schedule and conduct preventive maintenance for building systems, including MEP, roofing, finishes, monitoring systems, and vehicles.
- Coordinate regular custodial operations and manage contracted cleaning or environmental service providers.
- Respond promptly to facilities concerns, repairs, and emergencies.
- Coordinate repairs, renovations, and facilities projects under the direction of the CFOO.
- Coordinate contractor access, scheduling, and monitoring to ensure quality work and minimal disruption to academic operations.
- Assist in scoping and coordinating maintenance or improvement projects as assigned.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local codes and regulations, including building safety and workplace standards.
- Coordinate building system inspections (e.g., fire alarms, elevators) and maintain appropriate documentation.
- Collaborate with school leadership on emergency preparedness and safety protocols.
- Manage daily facilities and operations budgets and track expenditures.
- Provide budget updates and documentation to the CFOO as needed.
- Monitor vendor contracts and service delivery within assigned areas.
- Work with administrators to align facilities services with academics, athletics, technology, and events.
- Coordinate room setup, event support, and campus logistics to meet program needs.
- Communicate regularly with leadership to anticipate and address operational requirements.
- Participates constructively in the strategic development and management of the campus (e.g., master plan, zoning compliance, utilities services, energy management).
- Collaborates with the CFO to plan for, purchase, and implement big-ticket facility-related items from the early budgeting/planning stage through installation and ongoing use.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial and Operations Officer and/or Head of School.
- Maintain a campus-ready mindset and respond to reasonable after-hours needs when necessary.
Salary range: $90,000-$160,000
The Lab School of Washington is an inclusive and welcoming school that celebrates diversity, including race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other status protected by applicable law.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 7 years of related technical experience (e.g., facilities management, plant engineering, construction).
- Demonstrated experience supervising personnel and managing contractors across multiple trades.
- Hands-on experience in at least one technical area (carpentry, mechanical, electrical, or structural) preferred.
- Experience managing operational budgets and coordinating facilities projects.
- Familiarity with educational or nonprofit environments preferred.
- Proficiency with technology tools, including Excel and Word; knowledge of BAS or CMMS platforms a plus.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven commitment to responsiveness and campus support, including availability for after-hours issues when needed.
- College or trade school degree (or equivalent experience), preferably in Industrial Management, Construction Management, Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or Architecture.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment:
- Frequently lift materials or equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
- Crawl, climb ladders, twist, turn, and reach to perform work tasks.
- Work outdoors in hot or cold conditions for extended periods.
- Navigate a variety of campus environments.
- Operate vehicles and machinery as needed.