Head of Facilities Services

Job Description Job Details The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn. This statement was co‑created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. Facilities Services is responsible for the built environment of the Durham District School Board. From site acquisition and construction to the daily operation and maintenance of 138 buildings and sites, Facilities Services provides comprehensive capital and operating management to our growing portfolio. Reporting to the Associate Director, and an integral member of the senior leadership team, the Head of Facilities Services will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and direction for all Facilities Services functions. The Head of Facilities Services is responsible for ensuring departmental alignment with board policies, human rights and equity commitments, legislative requirements, and the Board's Strategic and Operational Plans. The Head of Facilities Services serves as the primary point of contact for Facilities Services, directly liaising with the Associate Director. This role requires strong analytical, creative, and problem‑solving skills to address complex, multi‑layered issues across the organization. The incumbent will champion initiatives that uphold the district's commitment to creating learning and working environments that are safe, welcoming, inclusive, equitable, accessible, barrier‑free, and rooted in human rights and equity. Key Responsibilities Strategic and Operational Leadership Leading an overall department of 675 employees, with two Senior Manager roles as direct reports, provide direction on departmental priorities and project alignment. Oversee, coordinate, and integrate services across the six Facilities Services portfolios: Property and Planning, Design and Construction, Major Projects, Custodial Services and Community Use, Maintenance and Energy, and Health & Safety. Analyze and resolve daily operational issues impacting schools and board facilities. Oversight of an annual Capital Budget of $200M+ and an annual Operating Budget of $40M. Examine data trends across portfolios to determine needs, impacts, and inform decision‑making. Prepare reports, analyses, and recommendations to support strategic and operational planning. Lead or participate in Board meetings, district, departmental, and school‑based meetings on a regular basis. Collaboration and Relationship Management Partner with Supervisory Officers to assess and address Facilities needs; assign projects to managers and staff. Resolve conflicts across teams, departments, schools and community stakeholders by facilitating understanding, identifying concerns, and establishing shared solutions. Build and sustain networks with contractors, consultants, and internal and external partners to support departmental and district initiatives. Provide objective, informed guidance on issues that cross organizational boundaries or stakeholder groups. Decision-Making and Organizational Alignment Evaluate the broader implications of departmental decisions on multiple partners. Strengthen systems and implement initiatives that support staff development, succession planning and alignment with Board policies and Ministry mandates. Oversee development and implementation of comprehensive operational plans across Facilities Services. Optimize the use of resources and identify innovative solutions to support strategic goals. Identify emerging trends and synthesize new insights to inform departmental priorities. Qualifications and Skills University degree or equivalent experience in a facilities‑related environment, public sector preferred. Minimum 5 years of formal leadership experience leading a large department or portfolio in a complex, unionized environment, including oversight of multifaceted and large capital construction projects. Experience managing capital and/or operating budgets. Knowledge of legislation, policies and best practices related to human rights, equity, accessibility, inclusive design and safe and respectful workplaces (Human Rights Code, AODA, OHSA). Strong ability to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines across multiple projects. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for diverse audiences. Strong negotiation, conflict resolution and problem‑solving skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including Trustees, Senior Staff, Administrators, Managers and external consultants. Self‑motivated, highly organized and detail‑oriented. Additional Requirements Provide a current criminal record and judicial matters check (CRJMC) screening upon hire. Equity and Inclusion The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights. The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs. Ignite Your Career At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day. Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community. We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well‑being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time. #DDSBISHIRING Location Name EDUCATION CENTRE About Durham District School Board The Durham District School Board (DDSB) serves over 80,000 students across Ajax, Brock, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge, and Whitby, offering diverse urban and rural opportunities to make an impact. Committed to equity, human rights, and Indigenous rights, DDSB fosters learning and working environments that are welcoming and inclusive, free from discrimination and harm. Through cutting‑edge technology, innovative practices, and a focus on diversity, DDSB ensures everyone feels valued and supported. At DDSB, we believe in empowering success for all. Whether you’re teaching, leading, or supporting behind the scenes, we offer the tools, positive work environments, and leadership opportunities to help you thrive. By celebrating uniqueness and embracing innovation, DDSB provides an inspiring space to ignite your career while shaping the future of education. #J-18808-Ljbffr