About the Role

The Senior Specialist, Renovations & Facilities, plays a pivotal role on the Facilities & Renovations team by leading spatial design initiatives, capital improvement projects, and strategic maintenance across Success Academy’s building portfolio. Reporting directly to the Team Lead of Renovations & Facilities, this position sits between tactical school-level facilities support and senior operational leadership, serving as the primary project manager driving long-term site viability. By ensuring adherence to best-in-class design and sustainability standards, the Senior Specialist directly supports instructional needs and enables the growth and operational excellence of SA’s schools.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee multi-year facilities plans and needs assessments across the school portfolio to ensure alignment with organizational design and educational usage standards.
• Lead end-to-end capital improvement and renovation projects, managing scope, floor plan updates, enrollment adjustments, and full construction timelines.
• Coordinate with cross-functional internal teams (Executive, Schooling, Finance, Legal) and manage external service providers—including architects, engineers, expeditors, and contractors—to secure project alignment and sign-offs.
• Direct due diligence (zoning, code compliance, test-fits) for acquisitions and navigate approvals, submittals, and moves with key governmental bodies such as the NYC Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Buildings (DOB).
• Oversee routine and emergency maintenance operations while tracking project budgets, managing contracts, and maintaining COI documentation to mitigate institutional risk.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7+ years of experience managing service providers and complex initiatives in real estate, architecture, construction, facilities, or procurement.
• Direct experience working with NYC governmental agencies, including the Department of Education (Division of School Facilities), School Construction Authority (SCA), Department of Buildings (DOB), and Department of Transportation (DOT).
• Proven track record in end-to-end project management, including budgeting, contract negotiation, scheduling, zoning, and feasibility studies under strict deadlines.
• Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or an equivalent combination of relevant field experience.

Competencies

• Project Management Excellence: Demonstrates exceptional organization and oversight to drive multiple complex capital initiatives from feasibility to closeout on strict timelines and within budget.
• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Articulates complex architectural and operational plans clearly to build alignment across internal executives, school leaders, and external agency partners.
• Agility & Problem-Solving: Swiftly adapts to ambiguous or changing environments, proactively forecasting risks and addressing emergency maintenance or regulatory roadblocks.
• Strategic Vision & Advocacy: Champion’s high aesthetic, functional, and sustainable facility standards that reflect SA’s mission and directly enhance the instructional environment.

Compensation, Benefits, & Perks

At Success Academy, we invest boldly in our Network team with a comprehensive package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being:

• Day-One Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting your first day (SA covers 82% of our core medical plan), plus a free One Medical membership and confidential mental health support via EAP/Talkspace.
• Financial Security: 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match, up to $2,400/year in employer HSA contributions, employer-paid life/disability insurance, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.
• Time to Recharge: Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
• Perks & Stipends: A $50/month cellphone stipend ($600/year), pre-tax commuter benefits, backup family care, and performance-based earning incentives.

This is a hybrid position based in our NYC Financial District office, requiring on-site work Tuesday through Thursday and remote work on Monday and Friday.