Join to apply for the Head of Facilities Services role at Durham District School Board
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. The area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We recognize the traditional and treaty territories of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral lands that we teach, live and learn. Facilities Services is responsible for the built environment of the board—overseeing 138 buildings and sites from acquisition and construction to daily operation and maintenance. The Head of Facilities Services will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and direction for all Facilities Services functions, ensuring alignment with board policies, human rights and equity commitments, legislative requirements, and the Board's Strategic and Operational Plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead an overall department of 675 employees, with two Senior Manager roles as direct reports.
- 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.
- Oversee 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 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.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. 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. 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. 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.
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