The Assistant Director of Buildings & Grounds supports the Director in planning, organizing, and overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and long-term care of Sunnyside’s 150-acre campus. This includes multiple residential buildings, common areas, and infrastructure systems—many of which are aging and require proactive management.

This role ensures a safe, functional, and comfortable environment for residents and staff through preventative maintenance, responsive repairs, capital improvement planning, and effective staff leadership. The Assistant Director serves as acting Director in their absence and plays a key role in aligning departmental operations with Sunnyside’s mission and SHINE values. 

 Essential Job Duties:

  Department Operations and Maintenance 

• Assist  the Director in coordinating daily operations of maintenance, groundskeeping, and safety activities across the campus. 
• Develop, implement, and monitor preventative maintenance programs for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and life safety systems. 
• Respond to emergency maintenance issues to ensure resident safety and comfort. 
• Conduct routine inspections of buildings, infrastructure, and grounds; prioritize and   coordinate necessary repairs. 
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and ensure timely completion of work orders. 
• Monitor inventory and assist with procurement of supplies, tools, and equipment. 

Capital   Planning & Facilities Management

• Assist in developing and executing long-term capital improvement plans, particularly for aging infrastructure (roofs, utilities, mechanical systems). 
• Support construction and renovation projects, including reviewing plans, monitoring progress, and ensuring quality standards. 
• Help extend the life cycle of buildings and systems through proactive maintenance strategies. 

Leadership and Staff Management

• Supervise,   train, and support maintenance, custodial, and grounds staff. 
• Assign work orders, establish schedules, and monitor productivity and performance. 
• Foster a positive team environment focused on accountability, safety, and service   excellence. 
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development opportunities for team members. 
• Serve as acting Director in the Director’s absence. 

Grounds and Campus Oversight

• Support Director in overseeing maintenance of the 150-acre campus, including roads, sidewalks, landscaping, and   exterior lighting. 
• Ensure   campus safety, accessibility, and aesthetic standards are consistently   maintained. 

Vendor and Contractor Management

• Coordinate with external vendors and contractors; obtain bids and oversee project   execution. 
• Ensure all contracted work meets quality standards, timelines, and regulatory   requirements. 

Safety, Compliance and Emergency Preparedness

• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations (OSHA, EPA, NFPA). 
• Support safety programs, accident prevention initiatives, and regulatory inspections.   
• Assist in implementing emergency procedures, including fire drills and safety walkthroughs. 

Communication and Customer Service

• Act as a liaison between the Director, staff, residents, and other departments. 
• Respond promptly and professionally to resident concerns and service requests. 
• Promote a culture of hospitality, respect, and responsiveness. 

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist in budget tracking, expense management, and financial planning for the department. 
• Support development of departmental goals, policies, and performance standards. 

Core Competencies

• Action-Oriented: Effectively manages multiple priorities and urgent issues. 
• Proactive Planning: Anticipates and addresses maintenance challenges in an aging environment. 
• Leadership: Builds strong teams and drives accountability. 
• Empathy and Service: Demonstrates patience, respect, and care for residents. 
• Problem-Solving: Applies technical expertise to troubleshoot complex issues. 

 Physical Demands and work Hazards: 

Ability to lift, carry, or push up to 100 lbs. Frequent walking, standing, bending, and climbing. Ability to access mechanical spaces, roofs, and crawls paces. Use of proper body mechanics and safety practices required. Work is performed in a combination of office, mechanical, and outdoor settings across campus. Exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, and typical facility maintenance hazards should be expected. 

Join a Team That Makes You Proud – At Sunnyside, We SHINE Together!

Culture and Work Environment: Join a team you’ll be proud of at Sunnyside Retirement Community, where every team member is encouraged to S.H.I.N.E.: Service Before Self, Hospitality with Heart, Inspiring Excellence, Nothing Less Than the Best, and Enjoy Your Journey. At Sunnyside, you’ll find flexibility, growth opportunities, and a supportive team culture. Our 150+ acre campus in the Shenandoah Valley offers a welcoming environment for both residents and staff.

Employee Benefits and Perks:

• Growth opportunities
• A safe environment
• On-site training
• An engaging atmosphere
• Health insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• 401(k) Matching
• Vision insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Pet Insurance
• Access to our Wellness Center
• And More

Qualifications: 

• Education and/or experience equivalent to an associate’s degree in engineering, facilities management, or a related field (technical training or degree preferred). 
• Minimum 5–10 years of facilities maintenance experience, with 2–5 years in a supervisory role preferred. 
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, landscaping, and building systems. 
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs or computerized maintenance management systems. 
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and customer service skills. 
• Ability to analyze problems, prioritize tasks, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment. 
• Valid Virginia driver’s license and eligibility per Sunnyside policy. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times. 
• Ability to be on-call for emergencies as needed.