Position Overview
Under administrative direction, plans, directs, and manages the overall policies, goals, and objectives for the facilities maintenance operations and activities of the Detroit Public Library (DPL); develops, plans, and coordinates short and long term budgeting for new properties and maintenance planning and scheduling of general repairs and renovations for the existing properties; and provides strategic planning for overall facilities operation.
- Position Type
- Full Time
- Job Family
- Facilities Maintenance Group
- FLSA Status
- Exempt
- Bargaining Unit
- Non-Represented
- Revision Date
- September 2026
General Purpose
Under administrative direction, plans, directs, and manages the overall policies, goals, and objectives for the facilities maintenance operations and activities of the Detroit Public Library (DPL); develops, plans, and coordinates short and long term budgeting for new properties and maintenance planning and scheduling of general repairs and renovations for the existing properties; and provides strategic planning for overall facilities operation.
Supervision
Works under the administrative direction of the Library – Chief Administrative Officer; and does exercise supervisory responsibility.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This job class is an individual contributor and is not distinguished from other classes in a job series.
Primary Responsibilities
Under administrative direction, the Assistant Director of Facilities helps lead maintenance, building operations, capital projects, and facility planning across Detroit Public Library locations. The position supervises assigned personnel, coordinates contractors, maintains safe and functional buildings, and advises leadership on budgets, repairs, replacements, and long-range facility needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead, assign, schedule, coach, and evaluate assigned facilities staff. Set priorities, monitor performance and work quality, address concerns, and recommend training or corrective action in accordance with Library policy and applicable agreements.
- Conduct regular on-site walkthroughs and inspections at the Main Library and branch locations. Identify building, accessibility, security interface, and life-safety concerns; document findings; assign corrective work; and verify completion.
- Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, custodial and grounds services as assigned, and the operation of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, elevators, and related building systems. Use work orders and service records to track response times, recurring issues, and asset condition.
- Help establish annual operating and capital budgets; develop cost estimates, project scopes, repair-versus-replacement recommendations, schedules, and multiyear priorities. Monitor expenditures, validate invoices, and report material variances.
- Oversee assigned renovations and construction projects from planning through closeout. Review specifications and bids, coordinate with purchasing and contractors, inspect work in progress, document deficiencies, and verify deliverables before recommending payment.
- Coordinate required inspections, permits, testing, and corrective actions with appropriate professionals and authorities. Maintain records and apply applicable building, fire, occupational safety, accessibility, and environmental requirements.
- Respond to urgent building failures and other facility incidents; coordinate with branch leaders, public service, security, vendors, and emergency responders; arrange interim controls and restoration of service. Participate in emergency preparedness and continuity planning.
- Prepare clear reports, Commission materials, project updates, and recommendations for leadership. Communicate service interruptions and schedules to affected locations and represent Facilities at meetings as assigned.
- Develop and maintain facilities procedures, asset and vendor records, inspection documentation, and service standards. Support procurement and contract administration within delegated authority.
- Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the Library's long-range Facilities Master Plan and Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including the prioritization of capital renewal projects, major maintenance initiatives, building modernization efforts, and lifecycle replacement strategies.
- Direct and oversee systemwide facility condition assessments, structural evaluations, building systems analyses, and asset inventories; develop recommendations and implementation strategies based on assessment findings.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive facilities asset management program, including facility condition indexing, deferred maintenance tracking, lifecycle forecasting, capital replacement schedules, and asset performance metrics.
- Collaborate with Finance, external consultants, and governmental partners in identifying, evaluating, and supporting applications for capital grants, infrastructure funding opportunities, and public-sector facility improvement programs.
- Prepare and present facility condition reports, capital forecasting analyses, risk assessments, and investment recommendations to executive leadership, the Library Commission, and other stakeholders.
- Develop and implement strategies related to energy efficiency, building resiliency, sustainability initiatives, climate adaptation, and operational cost reduction across all Library facilities.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field, and seven years of progressively responsible experience in building operations, construction, or facilities management, including at least three years of supervisory and budget responsibility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with multiple public-facing facilities is preferred.
A valid Michigan driver’s license and ability to travel among Library locations are required when operating a vehicle for Library business, subject to applicable Library policy.
Preferred Credentials:
- Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
- Facilities Management Professional (FMP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- LEED Accreditation
- Professional Engineer or Registered Architect (desirable but not required)
Knowledge and Skills
- Building systems, preventive maintenance, construction practices, plans and specifications, project management, and vendor oversight.
- Applicable building, fire, safety, accessibility, and environmental requirements; ability to recognize issues and engage qualified specialists when needed.
- Budgeting, cost estimation, procurement, contract monitoring, and clear written documentation.
- Leadership, delegation, employee development, sound judgment, and constructive communication with staff, leadership, contractors, and the public.
- Use of work order or facilities management systems, spreadsheets, and standard office applications.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Work takes place in offices, public library spaces, mechanical areas, and active construction or maintenance sites. The employee must be able to travel between locations, walk through and inspect buildings and work areas, stand and move as needed during inspections, review equipment and project conditions, and respond to facility emergencies. Site visits may involve stairs, uneven surfaces, noise, dust, and exposure to weather. The position may require work outside regular hours for urgent incidents or planned projects. The Library will consider reasonable accommodations that enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions.
Position Scope
This description summarizes the position’s principal functions and may be updated as operational needs change. It does not replace Library policies, applicable collective bargaining agreements, or delegated approval requirements.