Bennington College welcomes applications for an Assistant Director of Operations. The Assistant Director will join a dedicated, mission-driven Buildings & Ground team whose work centers on the custodial upkeep, design and maintenance of campus buildings and landscape. The team contributes to student and employee success at Bennington by providing the campus community with clean, beautiful and functional spaces in which to imagine, learn, and pursue their best work. 

The Assistant Director is responsible for managing all facets of housekeeping and moving services on campus - managing people and projects to ensure that campus facilities are maintained in a clean, orderly and attractive manner. The position is responsible for scheduling, assigning and monitoring work orders, handling requests for services and responding to concerns from campus constituents and guests, facility inspections, budgeting, ordering inventory, and staff management/development including hiring, coaching and performance management. The role works closely with the Office of Student Life on student housing matters and works in collaboration with other campus offices to consider and respond to/solve a variety of routine and critical projects/initiatives including, among others, renovation moves. The position also assists with the management of campus housing leases.

The Assistant Director supervises and manages a team of 19 full-time and one part-time staff as well as seasonal/temporary/student labor. In conjunction with the Associate Vice President of Facilities, the position assists with executing concierge-level conference services and serves as the first point of on-call contact and as part of the broader on-call Buildings and Grounds management team. 

The Assistant Director of Operations plays a critical role in providing an interface between students, faculty, staff, and guests of the College and the work of Buildings and Grounds.  Candidates must evidence a commitment to providing a superior customer service experience, one that is both positive and effective in nature. 

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values. The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply.

The position requires a minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience (ideally supervision of custodial services in a hospitality, institutional or other commercial environment) and prior experience professional custodial/cleaning. Candidates must have experience motivating teams and actively engaging with staff to promote cooperation, respect and teamwork. The position requires excellent communication, listening and problem solving skills. Candidates should be proficient with technology including Google Suite and work order systems; ADP payroll/attendance systems experience desired. The position requires knowledge and experience with commercial cleaning practices, protocols and materials and an understanding of related Federal and State regulations. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, empathetic, have keen attention to detail and able to successfully prioritize against competing deadlines. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Associate’s degree or higher is preferred. Experience with conference services or event management is a plus. The position requires a valid driver’s license.

This position requires successful completion and acceptable results of a background check.

The College

Bennington College offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, and tuition benefits including Tuition Exchange scholarships. The College also offers an on-site fitness center as well as generous time off benefits.