Director of Facilities Planning & Design Job Summary The Director of Facilities Planning and Design role is an integral part of the Real Estate and Facilities team, ensuring and overseeing the planning, design and construction of new facilities as well as the renovation and expansion of existing facilities.
The starting salary range for this role is $125,223-$138,403 .
This is a full-time, occasional flexibility role based at HDQ with an anticipated start date of January 2026.
About KIPP DC For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital.
Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.
Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond.
Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike .
As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C.
Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community.
About the Role The Director of Facilities Planning and Design at KIPP DC is responsible for leading the strategic planning, development, and management of KIPP DC’s facilities and long-term capital improvement projects.
The Director of Facilities Planning and Design collaborates with various stakeholders, including school leaders, architects, engineers, and community members, to ensure that KIPP DC’s facilities meet the educational needs of students and staff while adhering to safety, sustainability, and budgetary considerations.
As a Director, this position must also ensure adherence to established internal control policies and procedures and maintain compliance within the organization.
Location and Type of Work This is an exempt position and will report to the Managing Director of Real Estate and Facilities.
As a headquarters team that is focused on being responsive to our schools and meeting the needs of our students and families, we approach our work in a way that reflects these priorities.
Schools operate in person and our students and families rely on us for in-person support, and this position will regularly provide on-site support to school teams, frequently partner with other headquarters teams, or regularly work in multiple locations.
Because of the nature of the work, this role allows for occasional flexibility and will be required to be onsite 4 days per week.
Responsibilities The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned.
Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs.
Develop Long-Term Facilities Strategy (40% of time) Develop and implement a comprehensive facilities master plan, in collaboration with KIPP DC leadership and other stakeholders, to guide the long-term development and improvement of KIPP DC’s facilities Lead the planning and design processes for new construction, renovations, and expansions of school facilities, ensuring alignment with educational goals, safety requirements, and community needs Stay informed about industry best practices, emerging trends, and advancements in educational facility design and construction, and make recommendations for innovative approaches to improve facility planning and management Lead New Facilities Initiatives (25% of time) Collaborate with KIPP DC leadership and educational stakeholders to understand their facility needs and integrate those requirements into the planning and design processes Coordinate with regulatory agencies, including local planning departments and building code officials, to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and obtain necessary permits and approvals Conduct site evaluations and feasibility studies to assess the suitability of potential sites for new construction or expansion projects Monitor and evaluate construction progress, quality, and adherence to project schedules, and take appropriate actions to address any issues or delays Vendor Management & Oversight (20% of time) Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other consultants to develop design concepts, specifications, and construction documents that meet functional, aesthetic, and sustainability goals Develop and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, vendors, and suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of materials and services Budget Development & Management (15% of time) Manage the procurement and selection process for architectural and engineering services, construction contractors, and other consultants required for facility projects Develop and manage project budgets, including cost estimation, tracking, and reporting, ensuring effective utilization of resources and adherence to budgetary constraints Prepare and present regular reports to executive leadership and KIPP DC board members regarding facility planning activities, project statuses, and future facility needs.
Requirements & Preferences Required Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree 5 years of experience in facilities planning, design, and construction management, preferably in an educational setting Strong knowledge of educational facility planning principles, building codes, construction standards, and sustainability practices Proven experience managing large-scale construction and renovation projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and contract management Preferred Qualifications Master’s Degree in relevant field Excellent project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and present complex information in a clear and concise manner Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating leadership and decision-making skills Familiarity with relevant software applications for project management, design, and budgeting Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to educational facilities planning, construction, and safety Physical Requirements Ability to travel across KIPP DC schools regularly Ability to work outside normal business hours as facilities emergencies and projects arise Demonstrated Excellence in the Following Areas :
Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving :
Project Management :
Communications and Influence :
Cultural Humility :
Continuous Learning :
Benefits & Compensation KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package :
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Director Of Design • Washington, DC, US