Director of Property Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Property Operations

About Pali

Pali Mountain is a premier year-round camp, outdoor education facility, and retreat center located on 250 forested acres in the San Bernardino Mountains. We serve over 50,000 guests annually through three distinct programs-Pali Adventures, Pali Institute, and Pali Retreat-and pride ourselves on delivering unforgettable experiences in a setting that blends rustic charm with modern infrastructure. Our campus includes over 100,000 square feet of buildings , a 30,000-square-foot dining hall , 850+ beds across multiple sleeping villages, and more than 75 dedicated activity areas , including zip lines, climbing towers, ropes courses, and specialized instructional spaces. Pali is accredited by WASC , ACA , and AEE , and is a proud member of WAIC and AEE .

Our facilities aren't just the backdrop-they're a core part of the guest experience. From commercial kitchens and water systems to HVAC, fire suppression, and adventure infrastructure, every system must run safely, smoothly, and sustainably. We're not just maintaining buildings-we're stewarding a place where magic happens.

Join us in making the mountains move.

Job Overview

Pali seeks a Director of Property Operations to ensure the seamless functioning and continuous improvement of our property serving multiple program offerings. This senior-level role oversees maintenance, property management (Pali's 15 staff houses in the area) and asset management (vehicles, equipment, and facilities) to support our programs. Reporting to the SVP, the Director will lead multiple departments, driving operational excellence, safety, and exceptional experience for campers, staff, and visitors. This role splits its time 50 / 50 in the field and in the office, with a heavy expectation of strategic leadership to grow and optimize the departments under property operations. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of leading a large complex facility and is experienced in multi-department leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Facility Maintenance and Repairs
• Have the eye and ability see and have fixed issues before other departments report them.
• Oversee all property maintenance, including buildings, grounds, and infrastructure, ensuring timely repairs and preventative maintenance to minimize program disruptions.
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules to ensure facilities are fully operational for summer camp, weekend retreats, and outdoor education programs.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for specialized repairs, ensuring cost-effective and timely solutions.
• Manage preventative management plans for assets and general preparedness for each program.
• Oversee cost reduction in repairs, ensuring the most efficient repair options possible, balancing the trade-offs of in-house versus contracted work.
• Oversee the administration of our CMMS, providing reporting on maintenance performance and offering regular opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee utility consumption, ensuring energy efficiency and cost savings operational tactics are in place.
• Construction and Capital Projects
• Develop detailed project management plans on an annual, informing key stakeholders of critical dates and operational adjustments.
• Manage construction projects, renovations, and facility upgrades, ensuring alignment with program needs and organizational goals.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to meet project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Oversee permitting and compliance with local building codes and regulations for all construction activities.
• Conduct regular in-house / outsource analysis for projects to determine the best cost-savings / quality delivery optimization.
• Support finance in soliciting, evaluating, and managing capital expenditure requests related to property operations.
• Develop and sustain relationships with county officials to ensure support during permitting or issue resolution processes.
• Asset Management
• Manage the camp's vehicle fleet, equipment, and material other assets, implementing maintenance schedules and tracking usage for cost-effective lifecycle management.
• Develop and maintain an asset inventory, ensuring proper documentation and condition assessments to support long-term planning.
• Optimize asset utilization to meet the operational needs of all three program offerings.
• Determine long-term planning around major assets (earth-moving equipment, vehicles, etc.).
• Oversee property development plans, including long-term planning of additional structures and infrastructure.
• Property Management
• Serve as landlord for the staff living in our 15 houses in the area.
• Oversee repairs, utility consumption, upgrades and improvements, and other items related to house management.
• Oversee the administration of housing agreements, cleaning, turn schedules, room assignments, and more in partnership with the program team each season.
• Team Leadership and Development
• Supervise and mentor maintenance, housekeeping, and support staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate team members to build a high-performing, cohesive department capable of meeting diverse program demands.
• Implement staff scheduling to ensure adequate coverage during peak seasons and program transitions.
• Budget and Operational Efficiency
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, optimizing resource allocation to balance cost control with operational needs.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve turnaround times across all departments.
• Track and report on key performance metrics to ensure operational goals are met and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Develop partnership with key suppliers to ensure long-term guarantees of industry best pricing.
• Safety, Compliance, and Emergency Response
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including safety standards, environmental codes, and industry best practices (e.g., American Camp Association standards).
• Develop and maintain emergency maintenance and response plans to address facility or equipment issues, ensuring program continuity.
• Conduct and / or oversee regular safety audits and training to maintain a safe environment for staff, campers, and visitors.
• Strategic Planning and Collaboration
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align property operations with the camp's strategic goals, supporting program growth and innovation.
• Provide input and decisions on long-term facility planning, including infrastructure investments and program-specific facility enhancements.
• Act as a key liaison between property operations and program directors to ensure facilities meet the unique needs of each program offering.

Ideal Candidate

Salary and Benefits

Must pass a background check & drug test after an offer of employment has been accepted. We utilize an online background and / or LiveScan fingerprinting is required.