Facilities and Building Management Director

Job Purpose

The Facilities and Building Management Director provide strategic and operational leadership for the stewardship, maintenance, safety, and functionality of the Foundation's physical environment. This role ensures that building systems, grounds, and workplace operations are maintained to high standards of safety, efficiency, reliability, and appearance, supporting a productive and welcoming environment for staff, guests, and partners. The Director leads facilities and building maintenance functions, oversees preventive and ongoing maintenance programs, manages vendor relationships and contracted services, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations and organizational standards. As a key partner across the organization, this role helps align facilities operations with business needs, supports long-term planning for capital improvements and space management, and contributes to an exceptional workplace experience through responsive service, sound judgment, and continuous improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Facilities Operations and Building Systems Leadership

• Direct all day-to-day operations of the Foundation's physical environment, ensuring the building, grounds, and related systems are safe, efficient, well-maintained, and aligned with organizational needs.
• Provide leadership and oversight for a 50,000 square foot, fully electric facility, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and long-term stewardship of building assets.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and continuous optimization of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, security, and other critical infrastructure.
• Lead the development and execution of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to reduce downtime, extend asset life, and ensure operational continuity.
• Monitor building conditions and system performance, identify risks or deficiencies, and implement timely corrective actions and long-term improvement plans.
• Provide strategic oversight of the Foundation's meeting, event, and hospitality functions, establishing service standards, planning processes, and operational expectations that support a consistent, high-quality experience for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor event-related service delivery, space utilization, and operational trends, using data and stakeholder feedback to inform continuous improvement and long-range planning.

Strategic Facility Planning and Asset Management

• Develop and manage facility maintenance plans, capital improvement priorities, and replacement schedules for major building systems and equipment.
• Partner with organizational leadership to align facilities strategy, building operations, and workplace planning with evolving business and operational goals.
• Recommend and implement process improvements, operational efficiencies, and sustainability practices that enhance building performance and support long-term organizational resilience.
• Maintain accurate records related to maintenance, inspections, warranties, service history, and asset lifecycle planning.

Emergency Preparedness, Safety, and Compliance

• Lead facility-related emergency preparedness planning, response coordination, and recovery efforts to ensure organizational readiness and continuity.
• Develop, implement, and routinely update emergency response procedures for building-related incidents, including severe weather, utility failures, fire/life safety events, and other emergencies.
• Serve as the primary point of leadership during facility emergencies, coordinating internal response efforts and external service providers as needed.
• Administer emergency communication tools and protocols, including notification systems, to support timely communication and incident response.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety requirements, regulatory standards, inspection schedules, and operational policies related to building maintenance and occupancy.

Vendor, Contract, and Budget Management

• Oversee relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers, ensuring high-quality service delivery, contract compliance, and cost-effective operations.
• Develop scopes of work, evaluate vendor performance, and manage service agreements for maintenance, repairs, security, housekeeping, and specialized facility services.
• Prepare and manage the facilities operating budget, including maintenance expenditures, contracted services, and capital project planning.
• Review and approve facilities-related invoices, expenditures, and service documentation in accordance with organizational procedures.

Operational Leadership and Service Excellence

• Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for facilities-related operations, including guest services, maintenance coordination, security, and housekeeping, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and service expectations.
• Set and uphold operational standards that promote service excellence, accountability, safety, and a consistently high-quality workplace experience across all facility functions.
• Lead, coach, and develop direct reports and contracted partners by establishing clear expectations, supporting performance and professional growth, and strengthening coordination across operational disciplines.
• Serve as a strategic partner to internal leaders and stakeholders to anticipate facility and workplace needs, resolve service issues, and ensure spaces and services effectively support organizational operations.

Cross-Functional Support and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with leaders and staff across the organization to identify operational needs and deliver facility solutions that support productivity, accessibility, and organizational effectiveness.
• Analyze facilities-related issues, trends, and service needs, and use data and feedback to improve operations and service quality.
• Support special projects, renovations, moves, and operational initiatives related to space use, building performance, and workplace improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Foundation's operations, safety, and workplace experience.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Compentencies

Foundation-wide Competencies:

• Collaborates, Communicates Effectively, Manages Complexity, Builds Networks, Being Resilient, Drives Results, Strategic Mindset, Instills Trust

Position specific Competencies:

• Plans and Aligns, Optimizes Work Processes, Ensures Accountability, Decision Quality, Resourcefulness, Interpersonal Savvy and Situational Adaptability

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Associates Degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, or a related field, and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities operations, building maintenance, including leadership of complex building systems, vendor management, compliance, safety, and staff supervision. Experience overseeing commercial or institutional facilities with advanced HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems is required. Experience in a nonprofit, foundation, or mission-driven environment is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, technical training, professional certifications such as IFMA's Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP), or a combination of equivalent experience.

Specialized Knowledge

Strong knowledge of commercial building operations and maintenance, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, security, and other critical infrastructure systems. Demonstrated understanding of preventive and predictive maintenance practices, asset lifecycle planning, and work order or computerized maintenance management systems. Knowledge of building automation and controls systems, energy management, and sustainability practices that support efficient operation of a high-performance facility. Familiarity with applicable building codes, OSHA and workplace safety requirements, inspection protocols, emergency preparedness and response procedures, and vendor and contract management. Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, equipment manuals, and operational data to support sound decision-making and long-term facility stewardship.

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, set clear expectations, build accountability, and foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization and with external vendors, contractors, and service providers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess facility issues, prioritize competing demands, and respond effectively in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and high standards of quality.
• Ability to develop and manage operating budgets, evaluate costs, and make sound recommendations related to maintenance, repairs, contracts, and capital improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage vendor and contractor relationships, including developing scopes of work, monitoring performance, and ensuring timely, cost-effective service delivery.
• Ability to interpret technical information, maintenance data, and building system issues to support effective troubleshooting, planning, and long-term asset stewardship.
• Ability to maintain compliance-focused practices and exercise sound judgment in matters involving safety, confidentiality, operational risk, and organizational priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and standard business systems; experience with work order, maintenance management, or building operations systems is preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and respond as needed to facility issues, urgent operational needs, or emergencies outside standard business hours.

Direct Reports

• Events and Guest Services Manager; and
• Building and Maintenance Coordinator

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and throughout the Foundation's facility, including common areas, storage spaces, utility or mechanical rooms, and exterior grounds as needed.
• The role requires regular walking, standing, and movement throughout the building to conduct inspections, assess conditions, respond to operational issues, and support facility oversight.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, climbing stairs, and accessing building systems or equipment may be required.
• Occasional lifting or moving of supplies, materials, or equipment up to 50 pounds may be required; greater physical demands may occur infrequently when supporting facility needs or emergency situations.
• The position may require availability outside standard business hours to respond to urgent facility issues, emergencies, vendor coordination, or other operational needs.
• Regular use of standard office technology and business systems is required, including computers, phone, and other tools necessary for communication, documentation, and facility oversight.

This opportunity is a full-time, exempt position based in Minneapolis. The position salary is $144,400. Applications will be accepted through Friday, June 12, 2026 at 5:00 pm Central Time. Please upload both a resume and cover letter.

McKnight is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. More information about The McKnight Foundation can be found on our website.

The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this description.