Director of Facilities

Lead the Team That Keeps the Florida State Fairgrounds Running

The Florida State Fair Authority, proudly recognized as one of Tampa Bay's Top Workplaces, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Director of Facilities to lead the maintenance, facilities, electrical, grounds, and construction operations of our 330-acre fairgrounds.

This is more than a leadership role—it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of Florida's premier event venues. We're looking for a leader who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves, work alongside their team, and drive operational excellence through strong planning, preventive maintenance, safety, and continuous improvement.

If you're passionate about developing high-performing teams, managing critical infrastructure, overseeing capital projects, and ensuring our facilities are safe, efficient, and event-ready year-round, we'd love to hear from you. Join an organization where your expertise will help create exceptional experiences for millions of guests while supporting a culture built on teamwork, innovation, and service.

SUMMARY

Manage activities for FSFA related to facilities and operations, such as the assignment of work orders, properly managing all service needs and repairs, and electrical infrastructure. Also manage the facilities and electrical teams and provide guidance, support and training on an on-going basis. This is a hands-on position and the candidate is expected to work alongside their teams in the field. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Supervise and evaluate activities within maintenance, electrical, grounds landscape, and construction of fairgrounds, including a critical infrastructure focus and management of supervisors, leads and contractors.
2. Increase revenue by strengthening core processes for all proposals and working with purchasing manager on ordering of materials and safety equipment for the department.
3. Positively impact and embrace a culture of safety by maintaining a safe work environment in compliance with federal, state and local regulations. Safeguard the public by ensuring a safe event facility. Develop greater awareness of and propose safety requirements and goals to be carried out. 
4. Facilitate proper training for staff on maintaining grounds and facilities at an optimal and cost-efficient level.
5. Learn and oversee all facility life safety systems and ensure yearly compliance with all inspections of equipment.
6. Build greater awareness for proper and safe operation as well as regulatory compliance by monitoring utility infrastructure. Work with outside agencies to correct issues when detected.
7. Develop process and cost efficiencies by identifying areas of need for additional hiring and cross training to sustain a qualified team to meet evolving organizational needs.
8. Research and implement an online work order system for facility repairs and capital projects. 
9. Drive operational excellence for projects by accurately determining time, equipment, material and personnel requirements. Participate in analyses and prepare recommendations and reports regarding the construction and maintenance of various projects, capital development, and other technical and management issues. 
10. Establish or review plans and specifications for contract work. Consult with engineering consultants on construction projects, hire and oversee project consultants such as designers, surveyors, architects and engineers, and inspect work performed to determine compliance to standards.
11. Ensure department standards and goals are achieved through the proper maintenance of facilities and equipment and guarantee timely completion of planned preventive maintenance programs.

LEADERSHIP/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directly supervises up to five employees. Performs supervisory responsibilities by managing and allocating employee resources in accordance with company policies, applicable laws and company initiatives/goals. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training and developing employees; planning, assigning, and directing work (including scheduling); appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Acts as a change agent, and develops a high-performing team in the spirit of exceptional service to all internal and external partners.

BENEFITS: 

As a full-time employee of the Florida State Fair Authority, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive and rewarding benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance to keep you and your family healthy 
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance for added peace of mind 
• A 457(b) retirement plan with company match to help you plan for the future 
• Generous paid time off and holidays, so you can recharge and enjoy life outside of work 

Join a team that values your well-being both on and off the job!

The Florida State Fair Authority is a drug free workplace and an equal employment opportunity employer.  

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS:

Associates degree required. Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of six to eight years of experience and increasing responsibility in the facilities management or construction industry required. Minimum of two years in a management position with experience planning, organizing, reviewing and supervising the work of maintenance and construction crews; managing a multimillion-dollar budget; and creating and implementing a preventative maintenance program preferred. The following certifications are a plus: A/C Refrigeration, EPA, OSHA, Construction, Electrical, Plumbing, and Welding.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal, communication and time management skills  
• Ability to read and interpret plans and blueprints, work from sketches, and prepare plans
• Knowledge of materials, methods, practices and equipment used in maintenance and construction of facilities and building codes
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, safe work practices, and safety equipment related to the work
• Strong ability to make decisions and use independent judgment on complex issues and effectively communicate to work groups and management 
• Ability to provide strong leadership and support and to develop a team with a “can do” attitude
• Strong Math skills with the ability to deal with abstract and concrete variables
• Good computer skills with intermediate experience with MS applications
• Ability for flexible and sometimes unusually long work hours during large-scale events including the annual State Fair

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Some duties are performed in an office setting. Operates computer and standard office equipment, such as telephone and copier/printer. Must have ability to stand, sit, hear, taste/smell, use hands, walk, talk, reach with hands and arms, and have the ability to visual depth perception. Also need to have the ability to stoop, kneel, crawl and crouch, climb or balance, and lift or move more than 50 pounds. There is occasional exposure to environmental demands including wet/humid weather, working in high, precarious places, being exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme temperatures (non-weather), and risk of electrical shock. There is also work near mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and exposure to outdoor weather conditions.