Senior Director of Energy and Physical Plant - Facilities and Operations

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

SENIOR DIRECTOR

WORKING TITLE

Senior Director-Energy and Physical Plant 

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Facilities and Operations

LOCATION

Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC 

PAY GRADE

Senior Director Band 1

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (Evening and weekend requirements for on-call emergencies on a rotating basis.) 

Position is not available for a hybrid telework workweek. 

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides strategic leadership, executive oversight, and total operational management of the Wake County Public School System’s (WCPSS) Energy and Physical Plant function within Facilities and Operations. Directs a comprehensive multi-disciplinary department comprising Life Cycle Projects, Operations/Customer Service, CMMS, Energy Management, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and other licensed trade shops. Directs the development and execution of long-range capital plans, district-wide physical plant sustainability initiatives, and annual work plans. Authorizes and manages the comprehensive utility and departmental operating budgets. Serves as the primary authority on facility infrastructure continuity, policy compliance, and resource allocation to ensure sound business principles across all district facilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public school system policies and federal, state, and local regulatory requirements;

• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point; Google Apps;

• Considerable knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards;

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;

• Skills in effective leadership of adults, including coaching, evaluation, and team building among a variety of stakeholders; 

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts and feedback;

• Ability to read and interpret technical guidelines, project specifications, and design drawings;

• Ability to analyze system processes to identify and correct inefficiencies, optimizing use of limited resources; 

• Ability to meet deadlines;

• Ability to assess department needs and develop and implement long range plant to meet goals;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, contractors, vendors and external agencies.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, facilities management, business administration, or a closely related field; 

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in large-scale facilities management, physical plant operations, or engineering infrastructure;

• Five years of successful leadership and managerial experience;

• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Within twelve months of employment complete safety training according to OSHA standards;

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Hold or the ability to obtain within one year a registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Architect in North Carolina.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide overall management of assigned functions to ensure that planning methodologies.

Develop and implement a comprehensive annual work plan.

Develops and directs the general programs within energy and physical plant, life cycle, customer service and facilities technology.

Develop sustainability initiatives.

Prepares and manages the department budget and the capital lifecycle construction budget.

Prepares and maintains records, work logs, and reports, as needed.

Effectively prepares and communicated long range needs and plans for Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) facilities.

Provides oversight of WCPPS procedures and policy compliance to ensure sound business principles.

Adheres to laws, regulations, and requirements set forth in the WCPSS Safety procedures/policies.

Maintains compliance and adherence to all safety procedures, occupational health practices, and maintaining a safe work environment.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in an indoor and outdoor environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, contractors, vendors, and external agencies. Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 25 pounds of force. The work occasionally requires driving automotive equipment. Visits to construction sites, schools, and administrative office around Wake County require frequent driving and walking.  

EFFECTIVE DATE:9/2026

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.