Mercersburg Academy has retained Helbling, a ZRG company to conduct an executive search to secure a Director of Facilities.

For more details about this opportunity, please visit the position profile by clicking on the cover image below.
 

Position Summary: 

The Director of Facilities has general responsibility for all aspects of the 300-acre physical plant and reports directly to the Chief Financial and Operating Officer. The position provides supervision and direction for all members of the staff in maintenance, grounds, housekeeping, and environmental initiatives. In addition to having general administrative responsibility for the day-to-day operation of facilities, the Director acts as the school’s representative in all capital construction projects, regularly attends construction progress meetings, and reports back to the administration. The Director must bring a long-range planning perspective to his/her work and contribute to the efforts of the committee on Infrastructure and Technology for the Board of Regents. The Director oversees all environmental and safety issues enforceable by external agencies of both state and federal levels. This position models the customer service behavior expected of all members of the department to keep the total campus in the best possible condition to support the educational mission of the school. To be successful, the Director of Facilities must have a broad understanding of the work of all of the trades and general construction practices.
 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Administration

• Facilities record keeping to include oversight of the work order system.
• Personnel administration to include the ability to lead and work with a variety of skilled and unskilled labor positions.
• Financial administration including contract review and negotiation and budget development and monitoring.
• Oversee and monitor an annual operating budget of roughly $6.5 million.

Planning

• Information resource to the Board of Regents Infrastructure and Technology committee and school administrators by providing technical data, planning schedules, and cost estimates regarding all aspects of the physical plant preventative maintenance schedule and upgrades.
• Oversee the construction of new facilities, renovations and remodeling, and alteration of existing buildings.
• Oversee and monitor an annual capital budget of roughly $1.5 million.
• Review and prioritize requests for maintenance from department heads, dorm deans, and occupants of faculty residences provided by the school.

Operations 

• Coordinate facilities personnel in the maintenance of diverse systems such as utilities (sewer, water, gas, electric, heating/air conditioning, fire alarm systems) and all environmental and safety issues enforceable by state and federal agencies.
• Formulate and monitor expenses and annual allocation of funding through the operations and capital budgets.
• Ensure equipment is kept in good operating order.
• Coordinate the proper training of staff through safety meetings and specialty training seminars, e.g., boiler treatment, water treatment for cooling systems, locksmithing, high voltage terminations, tree pruning, lawn care techniques, etc.

About Mercersburg:

Mercersburg Academy, established in 1893, is a distinguished independent college-preparatory boarding and day school situated in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. 

The academy caters to around 444 students in grades 9-12, including postgraduates, on a scenic 300-acre campus. Renowned for its challenging academic curriculum, Mercersburg Academy offers a wide array of courses, including numerous honors and Advanced Placement options, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for higher education and future endeavors.

The faculty at Mercersburg Academy consists of highly qualified professionals, many of whom hold advanced degrees. The school emphasizes a low student-to-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized attention and strong mentorship. This dedication to academic excellence is evident in the school’s high college acceptance rates, with many graduates gaining admission to prestigious universities.

In addition to academics, Mercersburg Academy boasts a dynamic extracurricular program that includes a variety of sports, arts, and clubs. The school supports 24 varsity sports teams and has a strong tradition in the performing arts, with students actively participating in theater, music, and dance. These programs aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals who excel both academically and personally.

Mercersburg Academy is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive community. Students hail from across the United States and around the globe, bringing a rich mix of backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity enhances the educational experience, preparing students to succeed in a global society. The academy’s financial aid program ensures that a Mercersburg education is accessible to talented students, regardless of their financial situation.

One of the academy’s notable initiatives is its Global Programs, which provide students with opportunities to explore new cultures and languages through travel. These programs include trips to various countries, offering immersive experiences that expand students’ worldviews. 

Mercersburg’s alumni are stewards of the school, leading the world in academia, the arts, athletics, business, the military, and other industries. Some notable alumni include Benicio Del Toro (’85), Rebecca Lowe (’99), Vincent Rey (’06), Michael Davies (’85), and Jimmy Stewart (’28). 

Location: 

Mercersburg, PA

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Sincere dedication toward service of the school.
• Very strong knowledge base in construction practices, environmental and safety issues, and a broad knowledge and understanding of all trades.
• Demonstrated proficiency in working with bid specifications, negotiating agreements, and administering contracts.
• Skill in financial management to include budget preparation, management, and monitoring.
• Ability to independently problem-solve, analyze issues and create action plans.
• Must be able to prioritize and delegate to supervisors and others under direct supervision.
• Must be a good motivator and be able to accomplish tasks and projects within deadlines, including delegating tasks, as needed.
• Must have a strong sense of urgency and good organization and computer skills.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly in English.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in facilities management, construction management or engineering. Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of PA preferred.
• Demonstrated minimum of ten years’ experience in managing multiple aspects of facilities operations.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience, with ability to lead and manage staff.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Mercersburg Academy’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, which is comprised of faculty and students, exists to cultivate a safe community where everyone is emboldened to be their authentic selves. First established in 2018, a task force began leading students, faculty, and staff in conversations and planning as it related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This group was charged with exploring what Mercersburg has accomplished related to DEI, thinking about what DEI currently means at the school, and considering what it looks like for the school moving forward. The work continues now under the leadership of Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Renata Williams. While much work has been done to educate the Mercersburg community on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the work is ongoing, and they commit to building their DEI initiatives as a community. From the foundational work with their task force, Mercersburg created a DEI Committee made up of multiple subcommittees that will continue the work of the task force into the foreseeable future.

Please submit Resume and Cover Letter to Valerie Rohn at valerier@helblingsearch.com.