Director of Facilities

Posted July 21, 2025

Sinai Temple and Sinai Akiba Academy are seeking a systems-oriented and experienced Director of Facilities (DOF) who will be responsible for the overall safe, smooth, and efficient direction and management of the Sinai Temple facilities. Partnering with the Sinai Temple Executive Director and the Sinai Akiba Head of School, the DOF will ensure the long-term sustainability and function of Sinai Temple’s multiple properties. The DOF will develop, implement, and oversee efficient processes to seamlessly manage competing priorities, including directing and overseeing a digital operations management system to ensure the smooth functioning, maintenance, and planning for the facilities in a sustainable manner. 

The DOF will be at the helm of the facilities’ needs for Sinai Akiba Academy, Sinai Temple, as well as multiple apartments, it is essential that this person is able to navigate several competing needs to maintain the smooth operations of the school, synagogue, and residences. This position requires significant experience in venue/building management, supervisory expertise, budget oversight and experience with operation management systems.  S/he will supervise the entire Facilities Department.  The DOF must be able to clearly identify operational and facilities’ gaps and needs and successfully manage change implementation.  

Primary Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Evaluate, assess, and make recommendations for adoption of various operational management tools and platforms.
• Utilize the operational management tools and platforms to communicate facility needs and priorities, track maintenance requests, project maintenance and facility needs.  Track inventory of fixed assets, facility supplies and storage.
• Train departmental supervisors on the effective use of the operational management system and ensure the Facilities Team’s ongoing successful use of the operational management tools.
• Manage priorities between the School and Temple, with consideration of timelines, resources, scope of projects, sense of urgency, and competing interests.

• Work collaboratively with both Sinai Temple and Sinai Akiba Academy Leadership to ensure both institutions’ facility priorities and needs are being met.

• Utilizing the operational management system, develop and maintain building and equipment preventative maintenance schedules for the long-term health of all systems in all properties, including but not limited to heating, ventilation, plumbing, air-conditioning, lighting, fire safety, elevators, etc.
• Direct the efficient completion of facility repairs and maintenance work orders.
• Manage facility-related vendor relationships, including the development of a preferred vendor list, and maintaining adherence to vendor insurance requirements.
• Plan, direct, maintain and document an effective preventative maintenance program for all Sinai Temple owned properties within the operational management platform.
• Recommend and implement policies, procedures, and work standards involving maintenance and operations projects that improve day-to-day efficiency and cost effectiveness.

• Supervise and manage Sinai Temple’s maintenance team, custodial team, and contracted janitorial team.
• Work closely with architects, consultants, and contractors in coordination with the planning, design, and construction of capital projects and building improvements.
• Envision and coordinate physical changes including relocation of staff offices, set-up of program rooms, and preparation for special events.
• Document, review, update and test the emergency preparedness plan in coordination with the Sinai Temple Executive Director, Head of Security and Sinai Akiba Academy Leadership.
• Identify and mitigate potential areas of risk related to all properties owned by Sinai Temple.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, building codes and industry standards, fire safety, ADA accessibility, and environmental regulations.
• Effectively manage the department budget and allocation of resources to meet regular and special requirements and to respond to emergency facility needs.

Core Competencies:

• Ability to use and train others on computer software designed for project management.
• Ability to plan, direct, and administer a complex and a diverse building maintenance, repair, custodial and grounds maintenance program for a busy, multi-use facility with distinct missions and stakeholders.
• Ability to anticipate conditions, plan, establish priorities, meet schedules and adapt as necessary to meet institutional needs.

• Analyze problems and situations, evaluate alternatives, and adopt an effective course of action.
• Ability to develop, communicate, and implement policies, procedures, and work standards to achieve goals and objectives set for multiple departments.
• Ability to facilitate effective collaboration, teamwork and cohesion to meet deadlines and achieve goals as a Facilities Team.

Qualifications: 

• Comfort and experience with computer software and open to learning new programs to implement.
• 7-10 years of full-time experience in the management of building maintenance and repair operations of a large commercial or public building complex, including experience in a supervisory position.
• Working knowledge of building management, mechanical, HVAC, refrigeration, and building control management equipment and systems.
• Solid writing, technology, and communication skills.
• A degree from a recognized college or university with a major in engineering, construction management, or a field closely related to facilities management and/or relevant work experience and certifications.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, agile environment where you will partner with multiple constituencies .

SALARY & BENEFITS:

$130,000-$180,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.

TO APPLY: Send resumes to Judith Fischer at judy@RJAexecutivesearch.com.

Director of Facilities and Operations

Posted May 28, 2025

The Director of Facilities and Operations is responsible for ensuring a clean, safe, and well-maintained campus that supports the school’s mission. This role oversees the management of the physical plant, campus operations and safety, groundskeeping, maintenance, custodial services, and budgeting for facilities projects. The Director of Facilities and Operations must have a holistic view of campus facilities and operations with attention to how the school calendar impacts operational priorities. Reporting to the Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations, the Director works closely with key operations team members, including the Director of Security and Transportation.

Beyond technical expertise, the Director of Facilities & Operations must be a collaborative leader who understands and embraces the school’s culture, fostering an environment that reflects its commitment to providing an excellent education and responsible stewardship of resources.

Key Responsibilities

Campus Facilities Management

• Oversee daily operations of the physical plant, ensuring a high standard of service and responsiveness to faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Supervise work order management to ensure timely and efficient completion of maintenance, event setups, and student activities.
• Solicit, review, and negotiate vendor contracts in partnership with the Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations.
• Oversee night cleaning crews and landscape maintenance teams.
• Assess both short- and long-term campus needs, implementing improvements in collaboration with school leadership.
• Preventative Maintenance
• Develop and oversee a structured preventive maintenance program for HVAC, lighting, elevators, and other key building systems.
• Maintain an inventory of essential equipment, supplies, and replacement parts to ensure smooth operations.
• Review existing service agreements and provide recommendations to school leadership that align with long-term planning and fiscal responsibility.

Campus Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Lead the school’s safety efforts as a thought leader in Emergency Preparedness in coordination with the Head of School, Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations, and other administrators.
• Manage Emergency Response Plans, ensuring a proactive approach to campus safety.
• Maintain the schedule for emergency drills to comply with both state requirements as well as the school’s high priority for safety
• Serve as a liaison to local police, sheriff, and fire department personnel.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements, including Cal/OSHA, LA County Water Boards, and building codes.

Budgeting & Planning

• Collaborate with the Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations to develop and manage the annual facilities budget responsibly.
• Provide accurate and complete information regarding cost projections for projects and expenses
• Track and forecast expenditures, ensuring alignment with the school’s long-term financial and operational goals.

Construction Management

• Oversee and manage all campus construction projects, prioritizing minimal disruption to the school community.
• Collaborate with contractors and construction management firms to ensure quality, efficiency, and adherence to project goals.

Sustainability & Stewardship

• Develop and implement strategies to ensure efficient resource use and responsible environmental practices, including:

1. Energy efficiency and conservation
2. Waste reduction and recycling initiatives
3. Pollution control and eco-friendly facility maintenance
4. Community education on sustainability practices

• Stay current with local, state, federal, and internal environmental regulations to ensure compliance.
• Partner with faculty, students, and staff to integrate sustainable practices into campus life.
• General Management & Supervision
• Supervise facilities staff, conduct performance reviews, and ensure adherence to school policies while fostering a culture of professionalism and accountability.
• Demonstrates strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to foster constructive outcomes in challenging situations
• Provide project management oversight for facilities-related trades as needed.
• Establish workflows to optimize efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.
• Address and resolve facilities-related issues both timely and in a manner that upholds the school’s commitment to a high-quality learning and working environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of facilities management experience in a similar environment, with expertise in operations, maintenance and emergency preparedness.
• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and calmly with all campus stakeholders, fostering collaboration and problem-solving.
• Detail oriented with good time management skills and the ability to prioritize in a multi faceted environment
• Keen judgment, discretion and the ability to uphold professional boundaries
• Proficiency in Google Suite and other technology tools
• Strong knowledge of building trades and the ability to interpret architectural and engineering drawings (preferred.

Cultural Fit & Expectations

The Director of Facilities and Operations must be committed to upholding and embodying the school’s culture in all aspects of their work. This includes:

• Demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and collaboration in all interactions.
• Fostering a positive, service-oriented work environment that supports the needs of students, faculty, and staff.
• Taking a proactive and solutions-driven approach to facilities management.
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive, and welcoming campus atmosphere.
• Leading with self awareness, empathy and emotional intelligence.

This role offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a mission-driven institution that values innovation, stewardship, and excellence in education.

TO APPLY:  For more information, contact matt@campuswiseca.com.