Assistant Director, Facilities

As the Assistant Director, Facilities at Harlem Children’s Zone, your key responsibilities include supporting the Director of Facilities in ensuring operational compliance across HCZ's 28 locations. You'll be involved in budgeting, contract preparation and monitoring, scheduling inspections, correcting any violations from regulatory bodies like the FDNY and DOB, and ensuring the upkeep of site permits. You'll also manage departmental budgets, assist in hiring processes, and maintain LEED certification for buildings.

To be eligible for the Assistant Director, Facilities position at Harlem Children’s Zone, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher and ideally have 3-4 years of relevant experience. You should be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and must pass a background check and health screenings. Obtaining IFMA and FDNY certifications will be required for successful candidates.

The role of Assistant Director, Facilities is crucial in supporting Harlem Children’s Zone's mission by ensuring that all facilities are safe, compliant, and conducive to the educational programming. By managing operational efficiency and maintaining high standards for our buildings, you directly contribute to creating a supportive environment for children and families, ultimately helping to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

The Assistant Director, Facilities at Harlem Children’s Zone can expect highly competitive salaries starting at $80,000 per year alongside an extensive benefits package. This includes no-cost health insurance, paid time off, life insurance, and options for career advancement. Additionally, employees enjoy wellness discounts, commuter benefits, and discounts for various lifestyle perks like travel and entertainment.

The Assistant Director, Facilities at Harlem Children’s Zone enjoys a standard Monday to Friday work schedule. This stability allows for a constructive work-life balance while engaging in tasks critical to enhancing the quality of facilities that support our mission of helping children and families thrive.

To ensure compliance, I would establish a routine schedule for facility inspections, maintain an organized database of all regulatory documents, and cultivate strong relationships with local regulatory agencies. I would proactively correct any violations and ensure that all staff are trained on compliance matters.

In my previous roles, I managed facility budgets by meticulously tracking expenditures and forecasting staffing needs. I utilized tools like Excel to analyze spending patterns and adjusted upcoming budgets to align with operational needs without compromising quality.

I would approach conflicts by fostering open communication to understand perspectives from both sides. By defining clear expectations in contracts and addressing issues promptly with constructive dialogue, I aim to find mutually beneficial solutions that focus on project success.

To maintain LEED certification, I would ensure regular assessments of facilities, promote sustainable practices such as recycling and energy efficiency, and keep updated documentation of all relevant sustainability efforts. Continuous education on LEED guidelines would also be essential for staff training.

I prioritize tasks by assessing their urgency and impact on overall facilities operations. Utilizing project management tools and maintaining a clear calendar helps me manage timelines effectively while ensuring that critical tasks, like statutory inspections or compliance checks, are not overlooked.

In a previous role, I spearheaded a major renovation project that involved coordinating multiple contractors and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations. By establishing a clear timeline and regular check-ins, I brought the project in on time and under budget, which improved the operational efficiency of the facility significantly.

When scheduling repairs or inspections, I consider the facility’s operational demands and the types of work being performed. I also take into account any potential disruptions to activities and coordinate with team members to find the most convenient times to minimize inconvenience.

My approach to coordinating with Human Resources is collaborative; I ensure clear channels of communication to discuss staffing needs, job descriptions, and the recruitment process. This involves regular meetings to align on the skills needed for facility operations and to address any staffing challenges that arise.

Improving custodial operations involves assessing current protocols, gathering feedback from staff on pain points, and implementing best practices for efficiency and effectiveness. Regular training and open communication lines with custodial staff help to ensure standards are consistently met.

Technology is an integral part of effective facilities management for me. Using software for maintenance tracking, documentation, and communication with staff drastically increases efficiency and ensures that all maintenance requests are logged and addressed promptly.