Area Manager

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Office of Physical Resources & Planning (OPRP) provides complete and integrated planning and design services, construction management, and building renewal, maintenance and operations management to maintain the physical resources of the FAS campus. To accomplish this mission, OPRP relies on a unique set of IT systems and applications to fulfill its day-to-day business needs.

The Area Manager is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of building operations across the FAS and Harvard Library portfolios. This role oversees facility operations, building systems, maintenance, security, compliance, and capital planning for a complex portfolio of academic and research libraries including: Widener, Lamont, Pusey, Houghton, Tozzer, Yenching, Fine Arts/Littauer, Loeb Music, Cabot/Science Center, Statistics/Science Center, Math/Science Center, Carpenter Center, Harvard Film Archive, Audio Preservation (Story St.), Jefferson Lab, 90 Mt. Auburn St., 8 Story St., and the Harvard Depository.

The position ensures reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of facilities while supporting long-term asset preservation, sustainability goals, and programmatic needs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Facilities Operations & Portfolio Management

• Direct all aspects of facilities operations, including building systems, maintenance, custodial services, security, and support services across ~1M SF of library space.
• Manage a combined operating and capital budget of ~$11M across FAS and Harvard Library locations.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, consistent building services aligned with institutional standards and user needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all facilities-related issues, including emergencies, major repairs, and operational disruptions.
• Identify cost efficiencies and support cost-reduction initiatives without compromising service quality.

Leadership & Staff Oversight

• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of facilities staff, including building managers, administrative staff, security personnel, and third-party contractors.
• Provide performance management, coaching, and operational direction to ensure accountability and service excellence.

Building Systems & Maintenance

• Oversee operation and monitor performance of critical building systems, including complex HVAC, electrical, life safety, and security systems.
• Establish and manage preventive maintenance programs, work order processes, and service level expectations.
• Monitor system performance through CMMS and building automation systems to ensure reliability and efficiency.

Capital Planning & Asset Management

• Develop and implement long-range capital and lifecycle plans for building systems and infrastructure.
• Support planning and execution of renovations and capital projects in coordination with OPRP and Library leadership
• Evaluate deferred maintenance and prioritize investments based on risk, condition, and program needs.

Security & Risk Management

• Oversee comprehensive security program across all library locations.
• Partner with Harvard University Police Department and external agencies on security planning and incident response.
• Lead responses to emergencies, incidents, and business continuity events.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and university policies (life safety, fire protection, environmental health, etc.).
• Coordinate inspections, audits, and corrective actions.
• Maintain and strengthen safety programs and protocols across the portfolio.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with library leadership, faculty, and administrative stakeholders to align facilities operations with programmatic needs.
• Serve on senior administrative and cross-functional teams supporting strategic initiatives.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Harvard Library leadership (dotted-line reporting structure).

Sustainability & Efficiency

• Partner with OPRP and the Harvard University Office for Sustainability to advance energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals and, implement best practices in sustainable operations and maintenance.

Working Conditions:  This is an on-campus critical position.

Physical Requirements: Position requires moving throughout multiple buildings daily and visiting all types of building spaces including offices, labs, mechanical rooms, building roofs and stairs. Ability to climb a ladder for above ceiling inspection. Available on call for after-hours emergencies

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of progressive facilities management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience (12+ years).
• Demonstrated experience managing complex building portfolios, systems, and budgets.
• Strong analytical, operational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in higher education, research, or cultural institution environments preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage senior leadership, faculty, and diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in negotiation, collaboration, and consensus-building.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CFM) and/or BA/BS degree preferred.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate:  The salary will be determined based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
• Other Information:  All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.