Senior Director of Facilities and Capital Projects

Key Responsibilities 

Facilities & Operations Management 

• Provide leadership and oversight for all facilities operations, including historic buildings, outdoor public spaces, utilities, and critical systems.
• Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating and capital maintenance budgets; track expenditures and identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Lead and supervise facilities team also union members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Human Resources on labor relations matters, including collective bargaining support, contract interpretation, employee performance management, and corrective or disciplinary actions, ensuring all actions are carried out in accordance with the applicable union contract, organizational policies, and employment laws.
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive preventive and predictive maintenance program using industry best practices and asset‑management principles.
• Develop a system of key performance indicators (KPIs) based on industry standards and sustainability best practices to benchmark performance and improve departmental operational efficiency
• Ensure effective operation and maintenance of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural, fire/life safety, security, and building automation systems.
• Oversee and manage vendor and contractor relations for the department including the request for proposals (RFPs) process, execution of contracts once reviewed and approved by the President & Executive Director, ensure that vendors and contractors, meet all contractual and insurance requirement, and  follow regulatory compliance for outsourced services and construction trades.
• Coordinate logistics with various departments for special events and programs, including power, tenting, and infrastructure support.
• Oversee fleet management, including vehicle procurement, maintenance, usage policies, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage insurance for property, liability, and vehicles including claims administration and risk mitigation. 

Capital Projects & Construction Management 

• Plan, scope, and oversee capital improvement projects, renovations, and restorations, with sensitivity to historic preservation standards.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and department heads to identify project priorities and align them with organizational strategy.
• Assist with preparation of capital budget requests and funding proposals for City, grants, and private sources.
• Serve as Wave Hill’s primary liaison with the NYC Department of Design & Construction and other regulatory agencies.
• Manage consultants, architects, engineers, preservation specialists, and contractors throughout all project phases.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with contracts, codes, and safety standards.
• Prepare and manage project documentation, approvals, reporting, and close‑out requirements.
• Attend and report to the Board’s Capital Projects Committee meetings. 

Safety, Risk, and Compliance 

• Lead and chair the Wave Hill Safety Committee; strengthen a proactive safety culture across the organization.
• Update and maintain, the Safety Manual, Emergency Response Plans, and business continuity documentation.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NYC Building Codes, fire and environmental regulations, ADA requirements, and best‑practice risk management standards.
• Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and training initiatives; identify and correct hazards promptly.
• Lead the emergency preparedness and response planning for severe weather, infrastructure failures, and public safety incidents. 

Sustainability & Innovation 

• Integrate sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate resilience measures into facilities operations, and capital planning.
• Advance environmentally responsible practices aligned with Wave Hill’s mission, including energy management, water conservation, and waste reduction.
• Leverage technology and data (e.g., computerized maintenance management systems—CMMS) to improve operational efficiency and decision‑making. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in facilities management, construction, or capital project oversight, preferably including historic properties, cultural institutions/public garden.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), construction methods, and preventive maintenance practices.
• Proven experience managing budgets, staff, contractors, and complex projects.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and construction documents.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
• Working knowledge of safety regulations, risk management, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office   

Schedule and Salary  

This is a full-time exempt position reporting to the President & Executive Director. The schedule is Monday to Friday with the flexibility to work some nights and weekends. The hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. 

The salary is $120,000 plus benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance; paid time off; 401k, pension plan and life insurance.   

 The hiring salary or salary range is dependent on the scope of work and responsibilities of the position. Salaries offered to candidates are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, skills, training and certifications, education, and other factors in addition to the scope of responsibilities of the specific position.  

Wave Hill is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Wave Hill is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact humanreources@wavehill.org.