Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart

Director of Facilities & Operations

Newton Country Day is an independent, Sacred Heart school for girls in grades 5-12. A member of an international network of 160 schools, we have been educating women of Courage and Confidence since 1880

Job Summary: Director of Facilities & Operations

The Director of Facilities & Operations provides strategic leadership and hands-on management of all aspects of the school’s physical plant, ensuring a safe, well-maintained, and future-ready campus that supports the school’s mission and daily operations. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director oversees facilities, grounds, transportation, safety and security systems, dining and custodial services, and related vendor partnerships. This role blends long-term campus and capital planning with day-to-day operational oversight, serving as the school’s supervisor on  construction and renovation projects while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. The Director works closely with the Head of School, CFO, Board committees, and community partners to steward resources responsibly, support sustainability initiatives, and deliver a high-quality environment for students, faculty, staff, and families. The Director of Facilities oversees the Senior Manager, Facilities & Operations and a team of 4 Facilities Technicians, a part time Assistant and the Theater Tech/AV director. This person  is a trusted leader and steward of the school’s physical resources, ensuring that the campus remains safe, functional, sustainable, and well-positioned for the future.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The Director of Facilities is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and stewardship of all school buildings, grounds, and infrastructure. This includes direct oversight of Facilities, Grounds, Transportation, Safety and Security, Dining Services, Custodial Services, Theater Tech and Information Technology, as well as the management of external vendors and service contracts, including the Daly Rink. The role requires close collaboration with the Head of School, CFO, and the Board of Trustees’ Facilities Committee to advance campus priorities, capital improvements, and institutional sustainability.

The Director plans, budgets, bids, and manages all construction, renovation, and major maintenance projects, from concept through completion. The Director develops and manages preventative maintenance programs for building systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems, often utilizing a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track work orders and prioritize resources.

Safety, security, and regulatory compliance are core responsibilities. The Director leads or co-leads campus safety and emergency preparedness efforts, oversees security systems and access controls, and ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal codes, including building, life-safety, and ADA requirements. The role also includes coordinating emergency response protocols for weather, health, fire, and other critical incidents.

Financial and operational stewardship is integral to the position. The Director collaborates with the CFO on annual operating budgets, capital expenditure planning, and long-term Capital Improvement Plans, while also monitoring utilities, energy use, and sustainability initiatives. Additional responsibilities include oversight of transportation services and the vehicle fleet, food service operations through third-party providers, purchasing of furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and logistical support for major school events and facility rentals. The Director may also support advancement and capital campaign efforts related to campus projects and serve on Board committees as requested

Qualifications

The ideal candidate brings a blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership. Qualifications typically include:

• A bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Construction Management, nonprofit or school administration, or a related field, or comparable experience.
• A minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible facilities management experience, preferably in an educational or nonprofit environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff, mentoring teams, and working effectively in a fast-paced, service-oriented setting.
• Strong project management skills, including experience overseeing capital projects and working with architects, engineers, and contractors.
• Knowledge of building systems, preventative maintenance practices, safety and security systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency with CMMS platforms, building automation systems, and standard office software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, trustees, staff, vendors, and community partners.
• A valid driver’s license is required; professional credentials such as a Construction Supervisor License or Certified Facility Manager (CFM) are a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Combines office-based administrative work with regular on-campus and field activity. 
• Physical requirements include the ability to respond quickly in emergency situations; 
• work at a desk and computer for extended periods; 
• perform tasks outdoors and occasionally in inclement weather;
• lift and carry up to 30–50 pounds; 
• climb ladders; and access roofs, mechanical rooms, or confined spaces as needed. 
• The position requires availability for on-call response to after-hours or emergency facility issues.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary commensurate with experience; range of $135,000 - $160,000
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and professional development opportunities.
• Dynamic and supportive work environment in a mission-driven school community.
• Access to school vehicle.

This job description is designed to outline the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role and may be subject to change based on the school’s evolving needs.

Newton Country Day School offers a comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary commensurate with experience. Newton Country Day School is an equal-opportunity employer.  MA law requires fingerprint-based and criminal offender record information (CORI) checks for all employees working in public and private schools.  Send resume and cover letter to Ellen Levine: elevine@newtonSH.org

Physical Requirements:

• Combines office-based administrative work with regular on-campus and field activity. 
• Physical requirements include the ability to respond quickly in emergency situations; 
• work at a desk and computer for extended periods; 
• perform tasks outdoors and occasionally in inclement weather;
• lift and carry up to 30–50 pounds; 
• climb ladders; and access roofs, mechanical rooms, or confined spaces as needed. 
• The position requires availability for on-call response to after-hours or emergency facility issues.

About Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart

Newton Country Day is an academically rigorous school for girls in Grades 5-12, located just outside of Boston. NCDS is a member of the International Network of Sacred Heart Schools, which are located in over 40 countries and in more than 20 locations in the United States.

Connections working at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart