HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FOUNDATION OF ILLINOIS, INC
Associate Director of Building Operations
THE COMPANY
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (IHMEC) honors Survivors and victims of the Holocaust by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference. The Museum activates this mission through world-class exhibitions, public programming, and educational initiatives to equip audiences with knowledge, skills, and courage to take a stand for humanity. Today, IHMEC is the third largest Holocaust museum in the world and second largest in the country, impacting hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, law enforcement and community members annually. As a world leader in connecting the history and lessons of the Holocaust, we inspire visitors to become Upstanders, who speak out for what’s right – turning powerful lessons of history into positive actions today.
Revenues are derived from major special events, corporate and individual giving, visitor receipts, gift shop revenues, and major grant fundraising – foundation, family, and government.
THE POSITION
Position Title: Associate Director of Building Operations
Location: Skokie, IL and Chicago, IL
Reports To: Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations
The Associate Director of Building Operations plans, organizes, supervises, controls, and repairs the engineering and maintenance functions which are necessary in maintaining the physical structures, HVAC, mechanical, electrical systems, utility systems, and grounds of the Museum locations.
Currently, there are two Museum locations:
1) the Skokie Main Campus (65,000 square feet) with a major renovation nearing completion - this location also includes an adjacent office condo for staff; and
2) the Downtown Satellite leased location (50,000 square feet) that is currently scheduled to remain open through December 2026 and may become a longer-term site. The position is also responsible for all life safety functions, including but not limited to, fire systems, water quality, and compliance with Local, State, and Federal regulations.
The position will manage a team of four full-time direct reports: one Building Engineer and three Facilities Technicians. The successful candidate must be able to work efficiently and effectively in a very fast-paced and multi-faceted environment. This individual will bring poise and diplomacy to their interactions with colleagues, board members, donors, visitors, and all other members of the IHMEC community, as well as the landlord of our Downtown Satellite location in Chicago. The position offers a competitive salary and a positive work environment.
SPECIFIC KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Associate Director of Building Operations key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and implement an annual facilities plan including, but not limited to, capital improvements (short and long term) and maintenance plans (short and long term);
- As needed based upon timing, act as liaison with the Owner’s Representative and General Contractor on the Skokie renovation project;
- Develop and update a Master Schedule of all critical building assets that includes useful life and periodic maintenance schedules.
- Maintain and oversee central plant operation including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps, mechanical rooms (HVAC) equipment and systems and ensure that exact temperature and humidity standards are monitored and maintained;
- Responsible for preventative maintenance, general maintenance and repair of all museum facilities and grounds, including maintain service and vendor records and supervise vendors for contracted work and supplies;
- Negotiate contracts with vendors (in conjunction with the Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations);
- Communicate with Building Committee Board members on a periodic basis, including attendance at Building Committee meetings;
- Oversee event preparation, set-up, and breakdown for all Museum events
- Act as the primary contact for facilities-related emergencies;
- Participate in ongoing training and education to stay abreast of facilities management/plant operation trends;
- Properly manage, train, and mentor direct reports to ensure staff retention, and hire new staff as needed;
- Ensure that facility staff consistently provide positive and prompt response to requests from departments;
- Utilize building knowledge to preserve the aesthetics of our Stanley Tigerman designed Museum;
- Manage the Facilities Department including the hiring and training of the team.
- Ensure their weekly work schedule includes time spent onsite at both locations.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by SVP of Finance & Operations or the CEO.
THE PERSON
Education | Experience
- College degree and/or certification of a technical related field of study
- Minimum of eight years’ related work experience, including a minimum of two years of supervisory experience managing direct reports;
- Extensive knowledge of and experience with maintenance of physical property including land, building and equipment. Including but not limited to HVAC systems, electrical systems and plumbing systems.
Knowledge | Skills | Abilities
- Familiarity with computerized building automation systems and basic engineering functions;
- Prior experience with building safety and compliance with Local, State, and Federal regulations;
- Ability to be detail-orientated;
- Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and function effectively in a team environment;
- Prior experience with project management and budgetary skills (including experience with competitive bidding and blueprint reading);
- Ability to communicate in a professional, courteous, and effective manner verbally and in writing, as well as in other forms of media as appropriate;
- Prior experience with standard office computer software like Microsoft Outlook.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed (on call 24/7 as the primary contact for facility related emergencies).
OTHER INFORMATION
Salary and Benefits
- Salary range is $100,000 to $130,000. Salary for the position will be based on qualifications and experience.
- Generous benefits, including medical/vision/dental coverage, paid time off, and retirement plan contributions, among other industry-leading benefits.
Committed to Diversity
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Physical Requirements
May need to climb up and down stairs; to bend, stoop, and lift or move materials and retrieve files; to pull/push, lift, and carry up to 25 pounds; spend considerable time on feet; and to reach both above and below shoulder height.
Learn More
Visit our website, engage in virtual experiences, and learn more at ilholocaustmuseum.org.
TO APPLY
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume.