Our Mission & Strategic Vision

Our mission is to prepare today's learners for tomorrow's world. We seek to intentionally design an environment where every student is held to high expectations and empowered to reach their full potential as productive, well-rounded humans. Driven by our strategic framework, we are committed to five key pillars of excellence:

Academic Success: Building strong foundations for lifelong learning.
Supportive & Safe Schools: Nurturing student well-being and security.
A Thriving Workforce: Sustaining a dedicated and inspired team.
Operational Excellence: Meeting evolving district needs with efficiency.
Community Engagement: Fostering reciprocal, authentic relationships.

Our Portrait of a Graduate serves as our "north star," expanding the definition of success to include both core academic knowledge and the essential competencies our community identifies as vital for our students to leave ready for their next step within their academic journey, future work, and life. By clearly articulating these student-focused outcomes. The entire School District 123 Strategic Framework and Portrait of a Graduate can be found at: plan.d123.org.

Job Requirements

The Director of Buildings and Grounds is a district-wide leadership position responsible for overseeing the operations, maintenance, and safety of all District 123 facilities and grounds. This position ensures that all school buildings and outdoor areas are safe, clean, functional, and well-maintained to provide a conducive learning environment. The Director supervises maintenance, custodial, and grounds personnel and manages budgeting, planning, and the execution of building and grounds projects. The role interacts regularly with the Superintendent, building principals, District Office staff, contractors, vendors, and members of the community, and requires availability to respond to facility emergencies throughout the district. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical demands and working conditions required of this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role.

Job Qualifications

Experience in facilities management, maintenance, or operations in a school district or similar environment.
Supervisory experience leading maintenance, custodial, or grounds teams.
Proven experience with budgeting, project management, and the maintenance of complex facilities.
Valid driver's license and the ability to operate district vehicles as needed.
Certification in safety, environmental health, or other related areas is desirable.

Direct Supervisor

Superintendent, may receive assignments from administrative personnel as required or assist with special projects as assigned by District administration.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Demonstrate support of the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District #123 Strategic Framework.
Uphold the established Board of Education policies, regulations, and administrative procedures.
Oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and safety of all district buildings and grounds.
Supervise, evaluate, motivate, and develop maintenance, custodial, and grounds personnel.
Plan, schedule, and oversee construction, renovation, and capital improvement projects.
Develop and manage the buildings and grounds budget, allocating resources and controlling costs.
Ensure compliance with OSHA and other safety regulations and standards related to building and grounds maintenance.
Coordinate the upkeep and repair of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
Manage relationships with contractors, vendors, and service providers, including bidding and procurement activities.
Respond to facility-related emergencies occurring throughout the district 24/7.
Maintain confidentiality of district records, staff information, and program documentation.
Communicate and cooperate with colleagues, students, parents/guardians, and the community as needed to meet professional standards.
Participate in meetings and perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent or designee in accordance with the Board of Education.
Utilize time management techniques to organize and prioritize work.
Regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of principles and practices of building maintenance, custodial operations, and grounds management.
Knowledge of OSHA and other safety regulations and standards related to building and grounds maintenance.
Knowledge of project management techniques, including the ability to plan, schedule, and oversee construction and renovation projects.
Knowledge of budget development, resource allocation, and cost control in a facilities environment.
General knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to motivate, manage, and evaluate staff performance.
Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills, especially in facility-related issues.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and budget constraints are met.
Strong organizational skills with a focus on detail and quality.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact with school staff, contractors, and vendors effectively.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency with personal computing tools, including web browsers, databases, software, spreadsheets, and word processing.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to walk, stand, bend, climb, and reach in various work environments (both indoor and outdoor).
Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds (e.g., equipment, supplies).
Ability to perform physical tasks such as snow removal, grounds maintenance, and cleaning.
Ability to work in all weather conditions and to use power tools, ladders, and equipment safely.

Work Environment

Work is conducted both indoors and outdoors at any District 123 location.
The position is based in a school and school grounds environment within a public school district.
Considerable travel between district sites is required.
Frequent interaction with district personnel, school staff, contractors, vendors, and the community.
The work schedule generally follows the school year calendar, with additional duties or meetings required outside of regular school hours.
May be required to attend after-hour meetings as needed.
Must be available to respond to emergencies throughout the district 24/7.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Terms of Employment

Status: Administrative / Management (Non-Represented)
Months/Year: 260 Days (12-month position)
Salary: Annual Contract

Evaluation

Performance in this position will be evaluated by the Superintendent or designee in accordance with the Board of Education's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.

The School Board of Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 prohibits any and all forms of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, homelessness, or disability or other basis prohibited by law in any of its programs, services, activities or employment.