Director of Facilities Director of Facilities
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer
CALENDAR: 12 month
ABOUT US
The Cornerstone Schools have been serving students and families in Detroit for more than thirty years with a steadfast commitment to opportunity, excellence, and community. We are building schools where young people are not only prepared academically, but are also equipped to live with integrity, resilience, and joy.To do this, we seek team members who bring both skill and spirit to their work: creative
problem-solvers, collaborative partners, and centered souls who act with intention, steadiness, and heart.
Our mission is to seek for ourselves and our students to live a Complete Life, a virtuous life, a life of excellence, in the unfolding of the American Promise. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught us, such a life is of length (“to live for a purpose born”), breadth (“to be a person for others”), and height (“to know God”).
We have six schools around the city of Detroit: Jefferson-Douglass Academy, Washington-Parks Academy, Madison-Carver Academy, Adams-Young Elementary, Adams-Young Middle School, and Lincoln-King High School.
We invite those who feel called to this work to join us in shaping lives and communities for the better.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Director of Facilities provides strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight for all Cornerstone facilities, maintenance, custodial, and grounds operations across our six Detroit schools. This role ensures every building is safe, compliant, and maintained at a standard that reflects the dignity and mission of our community — creating physical environments where students and staff can pursue a Complete Life.The Director sets the standard for the facilities team, leads long-range capital planning and project execution, drives operational efficiency, and builds a culture of reliability, stewardship, and excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Team Development: Build, supervise, and develop a high-performing facilities team grounded in accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.- Lead, mentor, and evaluate all facilities staff — including junior engineers, maintenance technicians, building security, and custodial personnel —supporting professional growth at every level
- Set clear team standards for preventive maintenance, work order management, safety, cleanliness, and reliability
- Establish staffing models and organizational structures suited to the operational demands of six school buildings
- Foster a culture of accountability, service excellence, and responsiveness across the facilities team
- Align all team work with the mission, vision, and values of Cornerstone Education Group, gracefully handling other duties as assigned
- Oversee maintenance and operations across all six CEG school buildings, conducting regular inspections to verify safe and effective functioning
- Execute and continuously improve preventive maintenance programs, work-order systems, and equipment maintenance schedules
- Respond promptly to emergency maintenance issues and facility-related concerns, ensuring minimal disruption to school operations
- Ensure effective coordination between custodial, maintenance, security and operations teams to support school programs, special events, and facility use
- Oversee energy efficiency initiatives, sustainability programs, and environmental monitoring across all sites
- Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations including OSHA, MIOSHA, ADA, environmental standards, fire safety codes, AHERA requirements, and HVAC inspection mandates
- Work with senior leadership team to plan, manage, and oversee facility construction, renovation, and multi-year capital improvement projects from design through completion
- Maintain and update a multi-year facilities plan aligned with organizational growth, budgetary priorities, and instructional needs
- Oversee planning and resource allocation for engineering, landscaping, parking, waste disposal, and security and access systems
- Collaborate with principals, school leadership, and event coordinators to ensure facilities effectively support district programs
- Communicate clearly and interpret district policies, procedures, and
facility-related regulations to all relevant stakeholders
Budgeting, Contracts & Vendors: Steward organizational resources with fiscal discipline and drive cost-effective decision-making without compromising safety or quality.- Develop and manage facilities budgets covering maintenance, repairs, and capital projects
- Work with senior leadership team to negotiate and manage maintenance contracts, construction and renovation agreements, and vendor and service provider relationships
- Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) initiatives and identify cost-saving opportunities across operations
- Ensure cost-effective procurement of supplies and services in compliance with organizational purchasing policies
- Monitor capital project budgets and timelines, ensuring delivery on scope and within approved funding
- Maintain clear, organized records including maintenance logs, inspection reports, invoices, payment tracking, contracts, and warranties
- Utilize and train staff on work-order tracking and facilities management systems
- Ensure accurate inventory of mechanical equipment and adherence to maintenance schedules
- Monitor fire and security alarm inspections, maintenance, and documentation
- Ensure all staff complete required safety training, certifications, and competency standards
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering, construction management, business administration, or a related field required. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Minimum of five years of leadership experience in facilities management, maintenance, or operations required, with
multi-site experience strongly preferred. Working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and infrastructure systems required. Relevant certifications are highly valued, but not required: for example, MSBO Facilities Director (CFD), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), or HVAC certifications.Valid driver’s license required; CDL preferred. All candidates must successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and subject to plan eligibility
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position and the qualifications needed. The job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by a person so classified and should not be taken as a comprehensive list of all qualifications that may be required.Cornerstone Education Group is an equal-opportunity employer.