Director of Construction Management and Physical Plant

Friends Select School is seeking a Director of Construction Management and Physical Plant to serve as the strategic leader responsible for long-term capital planning, design, and execution of physical infrastructure and construction projects across campus. Focusing on major capital improvements, construction, repairs, and vendor management, the Director oversees all aspects of maintaining and enhancing the school’s physical plant—including pre-construction, budgeting, structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability. The Director works in close partnership and collaboration with the Director of Facilities to ensure the seamless daily operation of grounds, buildings, utilities, vehicles, and equipment.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Pre-Construction Design & Stakeholder Engagement: Lead pre-construction design services, including engaging deeply with campus stakeholders (faculty, staff, administration) to gather functional requirements and understand spatial needs for renovated areas; conceptualize spatial layouts by sketching and drafting initial floor plans and design concepts prior to formal architectural development

• Project Leadership: Lead all phases of campus construction, renovation, and major repair projects from conception through design, bidding, construction, and commissioning

• Infrastructure Strategy: Oversee strategic management of campus infrastructure, including HVAC systems, electrical grids, plumbing systems, roofs, building envelopes, and utility distribution

• Vendor & Contract Management: Evaluate, select, negotiate contracts for, and manage external vendors and specialty contractors (e.g., MEP engineers, roofing specialists, elevator maintenance, structural engineers)

• Sustainability & Efficiency: Identify cost-saving opportunities, energy efficiency improvements, and sustainable building practices across all physical plant operations

• Multi-Year Capital Planning: Partner with the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Facilities to establish and administer a multi-year calendar and budget for capital improvements

• Maintenance & Repair Strategy: Working with the Director of Facilities, establish short- and long-term procedures for maintenance, repair, and replacement of school facilities, grounds, vehicle fleet, and systems equipment

• Preventive Maintenance & Audits: Establish regular preventive maintenance for building systems (MEP, HVAC, roof, safety/monitoring, access control, vehicles) and implement facility and system audits

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Demonstrated leadership experience in construction management, capital project planning, physical plant management, or facilities operations

• Deep familiarity with architectural design processes, contract administration, bidding, blueprint reading, and building commissioning

• Strong technical knowledge of complex building systems (MEP, HVAC, electrical grids, structural building envelopes, and access control)

• Comprehensive understanding of local, state, and federal building codes, ADA compliance, OSHA safety standards, and environmental regulations

• Robust interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with children, families, and colleagues

• Solid organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Commitment to supporting an inclusive, anti-racist, and anti-bias educational environment

• Familiarity with educational institutions, independent schools and/or Quaker education is helpful but not required

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Matt Rosen, Chief Financial Officer, through the school’s website at: 

https://www.friends-select.org/about/employment-opportunities  

Materials are accepted until the position is filled.

References to be provided upon request. 

Friends Select School is a co-educational, pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, college preparatory, independent school located in Center City Philadelphia, serving over 600 students. As a Quaker school committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, FSS actively seeks and warmly welcomes applicants from diverse and underrepresented populations. Friends Select School provides programs and services and equal opportunity in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, financial aid programs, employment, and the selection of its governing board without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status.