Harvard University

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Area Manager, Science Center

Job Summary:

The Office of Physical Resources and Planning (OPRP) provides integrated planning and design services, construction management, and facilities renewal, maintenance, and operations for the FAS campus. To support this mission, OPRP uses a range of specialized IT systems and applications to manage day-to-day operations

The Area Manager of the Science Center and 20 Garden Street is responsible for directing a wide range of support functions and all activities related to building operations, building systems, maintenance, services, and budget control within the complex.

The Science Center is a 350,000-square-foot facility that houses three primary academic departments: History of Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. It is also home to the Cabot Science Library; the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments and Putnam Gallery Museum; the FAS Data Center; HUIT Computer Services; Adaptive Technology; Clover Restaurant; the Harvard Yard Mail Center; Lecture Demonstrations Services; twenty-five teaching laboratories across multiple scientific disciplines; multiple research laboratories; five lecture halls with a total capacity of 1,400; 27 general-use classrooms; more than 300 offices; the FAS Campus ALPHA Security Center; and other resources.


Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Facilities Operations & Portfolio Management

  • Direct all aspects of facilities operations across a complex portfolio including the Science Center and 20 Garden Street.
  • Oversee building systems, maintenance, custodial services, mail operations, and support services across academic, laboratory, and public spaces.
  • Develop, manage, and track an annual operating budget of $7M+ for the Science Center, and associated facilities.
  • Prepare annual and multi-year budget forecasts, variance reports, and funding requests and identify cost efficiencies while maintaining service quality and operational continuity.
  • Ensure delivery of consistent, high-quality building services aligned with institutional standards and user needs.
  • Serve as the primary contact for operational issues, including emergencies, major repairs, and service disruptions.

Leadership & Staff Oversight

  • Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision for staff, and multiple embedded vendors and contractors.
  • Direct the work of custodial staff, trades personnel, mail services, and other service providers to ensure timely and cost-effective outcomes.
  • Provide coaching, performance oversight, and operational guidance to maintain accountability and service excellence.

Building Systems & Maintenance

  • Oversee operation and performance of critical building systems, including HVAC, electrical, fire alarm, Lab systems, and security systems.
  • Establish and manage preventive maintenance programs and work order processes.
  • Monitor system performance using building automation and other control systems to ensure reliability and compliance.

Capital Planning & Project Management

  • Plan, coordinate, and manage a range of repair, renewal, and renovation projects, including select capital projects.
  • Collaborate with capital project managers to execute projects through scheduling, coordination, communication with stakeholders, and oversight of contractors.
  • Evaluate facility conditions and prioritize improvements based on risk, operational need, and program requirements.

Security & Risk Management

  • Maintain building security through oversight of access control systems, security procedures, and coordination with campus security operations.
  • Support the operation of the FAS Campus ALPHA Security Center.
  • Respond to emergencies and incidents, including after-hours situations, and support business continuity efforts.

Compliance & Safety

  • Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, safety regulations, and university policies.
  • Coordinate inspections and audits and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Support safety programs in high-hazard laboratories and research environments.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Collaborate with research faculty, academic departments and support a wide range of building users, including research and teaching laboratories, classrooms, lecture halls, libraries, museums, dining, and IT services.
  • Align facilities operations with teaching, research, and public-facing programmatic needs.

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

Physical Requirements: Ability to move throughout multiple buildings daily, including offices, laboratories, mechanical spaces, roofs, and stairways. Ability to climb ladders and perform above-ceiling inspections.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree and 8+ 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.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations governing high-hazard facilities.
  • Experience with relevant systems and tools (e.g., CMMS/work order systems, HVAC controls, security systems, Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Proven leadership and staff management experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Experience in higher education, research, or laboratory-intensive environments preferred.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
  • Professional certifications (e.g., CFM) and/or BA/BS degree preferred.
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; availability to respond to after-hours emergencies as required.
  • 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.

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