Facilities Director

The Watermill Center

www.watermillcenter.org

The Facilities Director will ensure continuous, safe, and reliable operations of all facilities on The Watermill Center campus (39 + 11 Watermill Towd Rd) and oversee the care and maintenance of the 10+ acre grounds and gardens. Reporting to the Byrd Hoffman Water Mill Foundation Director + The Watermill Center Director, the Facilities Director provides expertise and leadership on all facilities, grounds and operations-related activities. The ideal candidate is a team-oriented problem solver seeking an active and hands-on role.

About The Watermill Center The Watermill Center is a laboratory for the arts and humanities providing a global community the time, space and freedom to create and inspire. Founded in 1992 by Robert Wilson, The Watermill Center is an interdisciplinary laboratory for the arts and humanities situated on ten acres of Shinnecock ancestral territory on Long Island’s East End. With an emphasis on creativity and collaboration, Watermill offers artist residencies and education programs that integrate contemporary artistic practice with resources from the humanities and research from the sciences.

The Watermill Center campus spans 3 properties. Situated on 39 Watermill Towd Rd, a 20,000 square foot main facility houses a Study Library, Art Collection, spaces for rehearsals, performances and exhibitions, a kitchen with dining areas, and office space. The Artist-in-Residence House, at 11 Watermill Towd Road, is a 10,000 square foot facility with 8 private bedrooms, a kitchen, living spaces, and an amphitheater. The Art Collection consists of 5,000+ works of art and artifacts, ranging from ancient to contemporary including numerous museum-quality works from Indonesia, Africa, and Oceania, as well as works by contemporary artists such as Paul Thek, Donald Judd, Bruce Nauman, Robert Mapplethorpe, Agnes Martin, among others.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Facilities + Grounds Management

Provide technical leadership for building repairs, preventive maintenance programs, required equipment and facilities-related inspections, facility and/or building system emergencies, and planned upgrades.
Manage and plan all landscaping and maintenance needs of the 10+ acre Watermill Center grounds and gardens.
Provide strategy and project management oversight for immediate and long-range repair and maintenance projects.
Maintain compliance for all applicable building safety codes, manage and coordinate all required inspections for all facilities, life safety equipment, and operating systems as per Town, State, and Federal regulatory agencies.
Build and oversee the facilities and operations budgets.
Coordinate cross-departmentally to ensure work is properly scheduled and performed with minimal impacts to The Center’s operations and visitation.
Identify, strategize, and manage the execution of special projects, such as long-term repair needs related to operations and capital improvements; keep all stakeholders updated on the process as appropriate; coordinate with appropriate parties to ensure quality control measures are met through the entire project lifecycle; and work collaboratively to ensure design needs are met.
Oversee vendor and contractor relations, including the request for proposal (RFP) process, execution of contracts, and ensure that vendors meet all contractual and insurance requirements.
Perform general groundskeeping and building maintenance.
Maintain specific aesthetics of the buildings and grounds.
Oversee and maintain equipment inventory, including tools, electronics, etc.
Oversee and implement proper security systems and protocols to ensure the safety and security of The Watermill Center Collection.
Maintain and care for The Center’s outdoor art collection, including coordinating winterization and spring unwrapping.

Programs + Events

Oversee and coordinate logistics of special events and space/event rentals at The Center as they pertain to the facilities and grounds (e.g., permits, equipment rentals, etc.)
Assist with setup and strike for events and on-site programs.
Work with the Residency Coordinator to ensure artist’s needs are met as they relate to the facilities, grounds, and equipment needed.

Planning + Administration

Prepare departmental reports for the Executive Director and Board Chair, which will include financial information, work order system status, and facility repairs/projects updates, etc.
Assist the Executive Director with the development, implementation, and monitoring of The Center’s strategic plan as it relates to facilities and operations management, capital projects, and upgrades to The Center’s campus.
Act as the supervisor to the Watermill Studio Manager

Working Conditions

Works in all weather conditions.
Moves up to 50 pounds.
24/7 on-call availability for facilities and grounds-related emergencies.

Requirements

5+ years of building, facilities, or estate management experience Prior supervisory experience
Highly collaborative and able to manage across the organization
Experience prioritizing tasks, managing deadlines, adapting to changing priorities, and balancing short-term needs with long-term goals
Project management experience handling multiple projects simultaneously
Strategic thinker with creative problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills
Proficiency in Google and Microsoft Suites, Slack, and adopting new digital tools.
Valid driver’s license
Working knowledge of relevant New York State and Federal regulatory requirements

Preferred Qualifications 

OSHA 10 or 30 certification a plus
Prior experience managing an outdoor environment
Experience in custodial, engineering, or technical trades
Experience and knowledge of art handling
Occasional nights and weekends required; a flexible schedule is preferable
Experience in bidding and contract management
Experience overseeing construction projects
Ability to interpret blueprints and schematics

Employment Terms

Full-time, ongoing position. M-F, 9:00am to 5:00pm with some weekend hours. 24/7 emergency on-call availability. 15 days vacation, dates to be approved by supervisor; 10 major public holidays; 5 personal days; Option for health and dental insurance benefits; option for 401(k) plan.

How to Apply

Please send a resume and a brief cover letter to careers(@)watermillcenter.org with the subject heading “Facilities Director.” Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No emails or phone calls, please.

The Watermill Center, operated by the Byrd Hoffman Water Mill Foundation, is a proud equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.