5 to 7+ years of experience in real estate, architecture, construction, facilities, or procurement management.
Direct experience with NYC governmental agencies like DOE, SCA, DOB, and DOT.
Proven project management skills in budgeting, contract negotiation, and scheduling under tight deadlines.
Bachelor's degree in Facility Management, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or equivalent experience.
Responsibilities
Develop and oversee multi-year facilities plans and needs assessments for the school portfolio.
Lead capital improvement and renovation projects, managing scope and construction timelines.
Coordinate with internal teams and external service providers to ensure project alignment.
Conduct due diligence for acquisitions and navigate governmental approvals.
Oversee routine and emergency maintenance operations while managing project budgets.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one, with 82% of core medical plan covered by SA.
403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match and employer HSA contributions.
Generous paid time off, holidays, and parental leave.
$50/month cellphone stipend, pre-tax commuter benefits, and backup family care.
Full Job Description
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.
Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. This position is not bonus eligible.
Compensation Range
$90,000-$105,000 USD
About Success Academy Charter Schools
Success Academy Charter Schools is a network of 47 free, public charter schools serving 20,000 students in grades K-12 across New York City. Success Academy was founded in 2006 by Eva Moskowitz, a former New York City Council member. Success Academy schools are known for their rigorous academic curriculum, high standards, and emphasis on character development. Success Academy has been recognized for its success in closing the achievement gap and providing high-quality education to students from low-income families. Success Academy is headquartered in New York City and has schools located throughout the city.
