Job Listing: Deputy Director of Building Operations (Children's Museum of Richmond)

The Children's Museum of Richmond (CMoR) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative Deputy Director of Building Operations to lead the stewardship of our facilities and physical assets. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and is responsible for ensuring that every museum location is safe, welcoming, innovative, and fully operational to support exceptional educational experiences for all guests. 

This position oversees facilities management, maintenance, capital improvement projects, exhibit infrastructure, safety, security, and risk management while working collaboratively across departments to advance the museum's mission and long-term strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities & Building Operations

• Provide strategic leadership for the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of all museum buildings, grounds, utilities, and infrastructure.
• Ensure museum facilities remain safe, clean, accessible, and engaging for guests, staff, and volunteers.
• Develop and oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs that maximize asset life and operational reliability.
• Oversee building automation systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, security systems, and emergency power infrastructure.
• Establish and implement operational standards and best practices across all museum locations.

Capital Projects & Construction

• Manage architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Exhibits Support

• Collaborate with the Director of Exhibits to ensure exhibits are properly installed, maintained, and supported throughout their lifecycle.
• Provide project management  and comprehensive planning for exhibit construction, renovations, and infrastructure improvements to ensure operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Safety, Security & Risk Management

• Develop and oversee comprehensive safety, emergency preparedness, security, and risk management programs.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, ADA, local building and fire codes, environmental regulations, and all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Lead emergency response planning, business continuity, disaster recovery, and crisis management initiatives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, mentor, develop, and evaluate exhibits,  facilities, maintenance, custodial, and related staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear performance expectations, goals, and professional development opportunities.
• Promote strong cross-functional partnerships throughout the museum.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Build and maintain productive relationships with contractors, consultants, suppliers, and service providers.
• Negotiate service agreements and oversee contractor performance.
• Ensure vendor compliance with contractual obligations, safety standards, insurance requirements, and museum policies.

Information Technology Partnership

• Collaborate with the Director of Information Technology to support the effective operation of museum computer, telephone, and technology systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in facilities operations, construction, property management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience managing capital construction and renovation projects.
• Strong knowledge of building systems, preventive maintenance programs, facilities operations, and safety regulations.
• Experience developing and managing operating and capital budgets.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and organizational leadership.
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization. 

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and team-building abilities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Business and financial acumen.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.
• A collaborative, customer service-oriented leadership style.
• Professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Passion for the CMoR's mission of inspiring growth through play.
• Clean driving record and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods with occasional walking, standing, climbing, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

To Apply:

Interested candidates should forward their resume and cover letter indicating salary expectations to jobs@cmorva.org. No phone calls, please. 

Compensation range:

$60,000 - $75,000

 Why Join Us?

At The Children’s Museum, your work directly supports joyful learning experiences for children and families. We offer a collaborative environment, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees.

Our employee benefits include a generous amount of paid time off, health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, HSA with company match, and 401k with company match. And, of course, we offer membership benefits to the museum for your family or a family of your choice.

The Children’s Museum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniform service member status, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal and/or state law.