Director of Facilities

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Location: New York City (with travel to Captiva, FL, and Mount Vernon, NY)
Employment Type: Full-Time; Exempt - Leadership (Manager)
This is an in-office position, as the organization has fully transitioned back to an on-site work environment. Remote or hybrid options are not available.

ABOUT THE ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG FOUNDATION

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation (RRF) honors the legacy of artist Robert Rauschenberg by fostering interdisciplinary creativity and supporting artists, scholars, and change-makers. Focus areas include expanding access to Rauschenberg’s work, nurturing emerging artists through residencies, and promoting art’s role in social issues.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head of Facilities is responsible for overseeing the comprehensive management of all the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation’s properties and facilities, including the New York City headquarters, Captiva, FL (artist residency campus), and Mount Vernon, NY (warehouse). This role will involve hands-on management and strategic oversight of property maintenance, building systems, construction projects, space utilization, and management of service vendors (e.g., office administration, housekeeping, IT, cleaning, and security services). Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director of Special Projects, this position will ensure the Foundation’s facilities are safe, functional, efficient, and aligned with the Foundation's broader goals and objectives. Additionally, this role will oversee the planning and execution of renovation and construction projects and support the long-term growth and adaptability of the Foundation’s facilities portfolio.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilities and Property Management

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and management of the Foundation’s New York City headquarters, Captiva residency campus, and Mount Vernon warehouse, ensuring all locations meet operational standards and support the mission of the Foundation.
• Develop and implement comprehensive facilities management plans, focusing on efficient space utilization, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
• Ensure that all building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire suppression, vertical transportation, etc.) are functioning at peak efficiency and compliant with local, state, and federal codes and regulations.
• Implement and monitor preventative maintenance programs to ensure the longevity and reliability of all building systems and equipment across all sites.
• Manage the safety and security of the facilities, including security systems, access controls, emergency procedures, and compliance with relevant safety standards.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of buildings, ensuring a clean, safe, and well-maintained environment for staff, artists, and visitors.

Construction and Renovation Projects

• Lead construction and renovation projects at all Foundation properties, coordinating with contractors, architects, and vendors to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with the Foundation’s standards.
• Take responsibility for overseeing the transition of new construction projects into fully operational spaces, including final inspections, quality control, and ensuring the facilities are functional before opening or occupancy.
• Collaborate with the COO and Director of Special Projects to integrate future construction and facility improvement plans with the Foundation's strategic goals.
• Ensure that all construction and renovation projects comply with zoning laws, building codes, and sustainability goals

Vendor and Contract Management

• Source, negotiate, and manage contracts with service providers, contractors, and vendors for building operations and maintenance services, including office administration, housekeeping, IT, cleaning, and security services, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective services.
• Manage vendor relationships and performance, ensuring compliance with service level agreements (SLAs), timely completion of tasks, and adherence to the Foundation’s operational standards.
• Oversee the procurement process for all facility-related goods and services, including tools, equipment, systems upgrades, and the hiring of external vendors.
• Work closely with vendors to ensure they align with the Foundation’s culture, values, and goals, particularly in the areas of sustainability and community engagement.

 Budget and Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage facility-related budgets, including both operational and capital expenditures, ensuring all financial targets are met and cost-saving opportunities are identified.
• Collaborate with the COO to plan for large-scale facility projects, including capital improvement needs and long-term budgeting.
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership on facility expenditures, maintenance costs, and construction project budgets.

  Space Planning and Optimization

• Work with senior leadership to optimize facility layouts and space usage across all locations, ensuring that spaces are flexible and adaptable to the evolving needs of the Foundation.
• Develop plans for space expansion, reconfiguration, and adaptive reuse of existing facilities to meet the growing needs of the Foundation’s programs and staff.
• Oversee space allocation for staff, artists, and exhibitions, ensuring that all space is used efficiently while maintaining a supportive and functional environment.

 Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to building operations, including health and safety codes, environmental regulations, fire codes, and accessibility standards.
• Develop, implement, and manage safety programs across all sites, including training staff on safety procedures and maintaining up-to-date compliance documentation.
• Conduct routine safety audits and inspections to ensure that all properties remain in compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

 Leadership and Staff Supervision

• Supervise and lead facilities teams, including maintenance, custodial, and engineering staff, providing guidance, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative work environment, ensuring that all facilities staff are aligned with the Foundation's values and mission.
• Manage staffing needs and recruitment for the facilities department, ensuring that all positions are filled with qualified individuals.
• Collaborate with the COO and Director of Special Projects to plan for staff growth in relation to new projects or facility expansions.

 Collaboration with External Partners

• Liaise with external contractors, architects, consultants, and local agencies to ensure that projects are executed smoothly and meet the Foundation’s operational needs.
• Coordinate with other departments (such as Security, Special Projects, and Public Programs) to ensure that the facilities support the activities and events hosted by the Foundation.
• Partner with the COO and Director of Special Projects to ensure the integration of facility needs with the Foundation’s broader programming and initiatives.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, business administration, construction management, engineering, or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in facilities management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing multiple facilities.
• Strong expertise in building systems, construction project management, property maintenance, and space optimization.
• Proven experience with vendor management, contract negotiation, and budget oversight.
• Expertise in managing large-scale construction and renovation projects, from initial planning to execution and occupancy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Experience with facility-related software (e.g., building management systems, work order systems, project management tools).
• Strong understanding of local (NYC), state (NY/FL) and federal building codes, regulations, and compliance standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in facilities management, business administration, or a related field.
• Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable building practices.
• Previous experience in managing facilities for nonprofit or cultural organizations.
• Knowledge of historic preservation and managing specialized facilities such as artist residencies.

ADA SPECIFICATION

• While largely sedentary, this position requires the ability to sit, stand, lift up to 50 lbs., as well as speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods of time.
• Requires the ability to use a computer and office equipment traditionally found in office settings.
• The ability to traverse stairs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary Range for the position is between $140,000 and $160,000, commensurate with experience. RRF offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. We also provide generous employer contributions for dental and vision coverage, life insurance, STD, LTD and exceptional retirement savings options with an industry-leading employer contribution and match. Additionally, the Foundation offers a robust charitable giving matching program and generous time-off policies to support work-life balance.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

As an equal opportunity employer and in our commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive work environment, the Foundation strives to attract a diverse mix of talented people. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds in arts organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.