About DVFriends

Delaware Valley Friends School is a national leader in educating bright students in grades 1-12 who have reading, writing, and other related learning differences. The school attracts students from across the Philadelphia area and is in the midst of several years of program expansion and enrollment growth. Students receive a comprehensive, evidence-based, college-preparatory curriculum, individualized instruction, cutting-edge assistive technologies, and successful college placement, with an emphasis on metacognition and self-advocacy within a community based on Friends (Quaker) values.

About you and the role The Director of Facilities is responsible for planning and managing the operation, maintenance, and repair of the school’s facilities, grounds, and van fleet in a manner that supports safe, efficient, and effective delivery of the school’s programs. Ideal candidates will be energized by working in a mission-based organization, demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, and have a strong focus on customer service. This is a year-round position reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations (DFO). The facilities include a 59,000 sqft academic building, parking for approximately 150 cars, a turf field, and green spaces on an 8-acre campus, plus rented office space in an adjacent property. Candidates with diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Hire, train, and manage facilities and fleet staff (1 maintenance tech and 3 van drivers.)

• Track and plan the long-term maintenance, repair, and replacement of the school’s facility- and grounds-related assets.

• Ensure that facility and grounds spaces are prepared for school events, working with event managers to determine needs, supporting them during school events, and maintaining effective relationships with them.

• In consultation with the DFO, oversee the rental and use of the school’s buildings and grounds by outside parties, coordinating with internal stakeholders as needed to avoid space scheduling conflicts.

• Perform a variety of skilled building maintenance and repair tasks, which may include painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, masonry, heating, roofing, and other work.

• Prepare the facilities budget in consultation with the DFO and monitor expenses consistent with the budget.

• Oversee the school’s relationships with its landscaper, gardener, cleaning crew, waste management provider, security equipment provider, and other facilities-related contractors.

• Serve on the school’s Safety Committee and the Building and Grounds Committee of the school’s Board of Trustees, preparing reports and addressing concerns as needed.

• Attend required events as referenced in the Faculty & Staff Handbook.

• Engage in ongoing professional development relevant to the position.

• Other duties as assigned by the DFO and Head of School.

• Support the School and its mission, maintaining a high degree of professionalism at all times.

Qualifications:

• High school degree required; college degree strongly preferred.

• At least four years of experience in facilities maintenance and operations, preferably in a school or similar setting.

• Expertise in one or more of the mechanical, electrical, building or other skilled trades.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage cloud-based building operations systems

• Intermediate spreadsheet, word processing, virtual meeting, and other technology skills

• Strong customer service orientation toward internal and external constituencies

• Able to meet the following physical requirements: Frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds, less frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance. Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, reach, climb, walk and run.

• The values of Friends education resonate with you. Previous experience in Friends education is not essential but is also a plus.

• You have a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice work.

Benefits

You’ll benefit from:

• A competitive salary that is benchmarked against other independent schools in the region

• A robust health insurance plan, including a school contribution that covers the employee cost and a portion of the cost for a partner and dependents.

• Generous time-off policies

• Employer match of retirement plan contributions up to 6% of salary.

To Apply DVFriends has partnered with Applied to ensure an application process that is equitable and free of implicit bias. Review of candidates will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to complete their applications before that date. 

DVFriends is an equal opportunity employer.

DVFriends is working to create a community that recognizes the strength of diversity and aspires to create an inclusive, respectful, and just community. We welcome people of any race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender, gender identity and expression, age, military or veteran status, family structure, marital status, disability, citizenship status, and socioeconomic status to join our community. DV does not discriminate on the basis of these characteristics in our policies or practices.