Senior Director of Capital Projects & Operations

Senior Director of Capital Projects and Operations

Cranbrook Educational Community, founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, is a leading center of education, science, and art. The campus encompasses a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students in our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more, please visit our website: cranbrook.edu.

This senior leadership position provides strategic direction and comprehensive oversight for all aspects of the organization's physical infrastructure, including master planning, capital projects, facilities management, and day-to-day campus operations. The Senior Director supervises and integrates the Director of Operations and the Capital Projects team to ensure effective planning, development, maintenance, and operation of all organizational assets. The role aligns facilities strategies with the organization’s mission and long-term goals, optimizing resource utilization and maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency, and quality across all physical assets and related services.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all capital planning, construction, renovation (including significant capital campaign projects), and facilities operations across the organization.
• Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Director of Operations and the Capital Projects team, fostering collaboration and professional development.
• Develop and implement comprehensive departmental goals, objectives, and performance metrics aligned with the organization's strategic plan.
• Oversee and manage the implementation of an Enterprise Asset Management/Computerized Maintenance Management System (EAM/CMMS) solution and use the system to guide short-term and long-term decisions.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and best practices for capital project management and facilities operations.
• Manage and approve overall capital and operating budgets for the Capital Projects and Operations departments, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal resource allocation.
• Ensure coordination of capital projects with ongoing operational activities to minimize disruption and maximize long-term asset value.
• Create and implement standardized mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems across the campus as part of capital improvement initiatives.
• Represent the organization in interactions with regulatory agencies, community stakeholders, and governing committees regarding facilities and construction matters, including obtaining required permits and approvals.
• Oversee contract negotiation and management for major projects and services, ensuring compliance, quality, and favorable terms.
• Champion initiatives for sustainability, energy and hydrology efficiency, preventive maintenance, and responsible stewardship of the organization’s physical and natural assets.
• Develop and present high-level reports, analyses, and recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer and other senior leadership regarding facilities performance, project status, long-range planning, and future needs.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant building codes, safety regulations, environmental standards, and organizational policies.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between Capital Projects, Operations, and all other departments, including donor relations for capital projects.
• Be available after hours as needed to respond to emergency situations, attend special functions, events, and meetings.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position directly supervises the Director of Operations, the Capital Projects team (two staff), and a Project Administrator. It also indirectly oversees their respective teams, which include professional management staff, project managers, technical personnel, and administrative staff responsible for capital development, facilities maintenance, landscape, transportation, housekeeping, and other campus services.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of twenty (20) years of progressive experience in facilities management, capital projects, and operations, with at least ten (10) years in a senior leadership role overseeing diverse teams.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex capital projects from concept to completion, as well as overseeing large-scale facilities operations.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, contract administration, budgeting, financial management, master planning, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with EAM/CMMS implementation and management.
• Excellent organizational and oral/written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and conflict resolution skills.
• A valid Michigan driver\'s license with a satisfactory driving record is required.

Preferred

• Master\'s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, Public Administration).
• Relevant licenses like Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA).
• Experience in a non-profit, educational, or institutional setting, particularly with historic or landmark properties.
• Knowledge of historic preservation and restoration practices and experience with advanced administrative, fiscal, and business systems for facilities management.

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contribution. We also offer generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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