COO Jobs in Kirkland, WA

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Located just outside of Seattle, WA, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) was founded in 1949, and is the only public institute of technology in the state of Washington. LWTech offers 12 bachelor's degrees, 42 associate degrees, and 70 professional certificates in 41 areas of study, including STEM-focused programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.LWTech serves the Eastside and is located within the city of Kirkland, which is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. Kirkland is home to companies such as GoDaddy, Google, Astronics and EvergreenHealth, and the college is within minutes from Microsoft and Nintendo.
Learn more about LWTech's Mission, Vision, Values, and Core Themes

LWTech is committed to increasing its cultural diversity with an emphasis on equity and inclusion among its staff and faculty. We serve a student population of 6,500 that come from a variety of backgrounds. We strongly value diversity and are working to improve access and successful educational outcomes for all students. We are actively seeking applicants that will help to balance our employee workforce to align with our students and community. Questions regarding the College's commitment to diversity and our campus culture may be directed to Human Resources. For more information on our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Council, please click on the link.

Summary of Responsibilities
The Director of Facilities & Operations oversees physical plant operations, capital projects, and facility support services. This role manages custodial, maintenance, receiving, and grounds functions to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming campus environment that reflects the College’s mission and high standards. This exempt contracted administrative position reports to the Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer.

Priority Review of Applicants will begin on July 2, 2026

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Capital Project Management

Provide planning and construction management for all capital projects and major maintenance projects:

• Under the direction of the CIIO,develop recommendations for the College's biennial capital budget program by utilizing data derived from the facility condition survey that identify and prioritize repairs and renovations consistent with the campus master plan and in support of the college strategic plan;

• Provide guidance and technical support during the preparation of major capital project request report PRR;

• Assist departments with Minor Program and RMI project funding requests and provide guidance to the Facilities Planning Council during the annual capital project tracking and prioritization process;

• Develop technical specifications for capital projects and provide directions to campus architects and consultants during pre-design and design;

• Supervise campus architects,consultants and DES project manager in the preparation of bid documents and project specifications ensuring the needs of the college are being met;

• Evaluate bid results and provide recommendation for awarding base bid and bid alternates to Vice President of Administrative Services;

• Represent the college's interests with City of Kirkland and King County officials in acquisition of permits for construction projects;

• Develop schedules and budget tracking tools to monitor progress of capital projects focusing on completion of all projects within the biennium funded;

• Observe construction progress,interpret plans and specifications,and recommend changing orders throughout the construction process;

• Ensure that the O&M manuals,as-built drawings and warranty documents are delivered by consultants and contractors.

Facilities Management

Coordinate the delivery of essential facility services in a logical and effective manner which best meets the mission of the department and the needs of the college community:

• Monitor annual facilities operating budget and report regularly to the CIIO;

• Establish and administer policies and procedures that promote a strong service-orientation to students, faculty, staff and community groups;

• Conduct site inspections providing supervision and guidance to staff on operational and personnel issues;

• Ensure compliance with federal and state health,life safety and accessibility requirements and building codes;

• Partner with Campus Public Safety(CPS) and participate in tactical training scheduled by CPS in support of the emergency management plan;

• Organize and archive all college building records including as-built,system plans,facilities condition surveys, etc.;

• Promote sustainable practices,recycling,utility conservation and maintain an active energy management program;

• Prepare regular status updates and progress reports for the CIIO;

• Contribute to the overall success of the facilities department by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervision

Oversee hiring, supervision and evaluation of facilities department staff to include:

• Establish department mission, core values and standards.Administer a thorough department orientation for new hires and job-specific employee training as appropriate for each job classification;

• Provide professional development and train personnel to departmental standards,assigning work appropriate to employees' capabilities, and evaluate performance annually;

• Provide effective supervision as necessary to maximize performance by appropriately delegating tasks and by providing employees with clear and effective guidance on work priorities and workplace issues;

• Represent the Facilities Department on the Labor Management Council and maintain a working knowledge of, and adhere to policies, laws, and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements regarding employee working conditions,overtime rules,leave policies,payroll procedures, etc.;

• Effectively manage employee relations within the department and consult with Human Resources on performance and workplace related issues.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred

• Five years progressively responsible experience in facilities management or related field with demonstrated leadership and supervision experience

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;use of tact,discretion and courtesy in communications; ability to work effectively with diverse populations

• Strong organization and planning skills;ability to read and interpret plans,blueprints, schematics, etc.

• Preferred licenses include commercial electrician,3rdgradeboilerengineer,refrigeration engineer, and low voltage telecommunications

• Experience with public works projects within the state of Washington preferred.

• Excellent knowledge and experience with Microsoft applications

• Due to the diversity of the college population,we encourage applicants who are multilingual to apply

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION