Building Operations Manager

About Weeksville Heritage Center

Weeksville Heritage Center (WHC) is a historic site and cultural center in Central Brooklyn that uses education, arts, and a social justice lens to preserve, document and inspire engagement with the history of Weeksville, one of the largest free Black communities in pre-Civil War America, and the Historic Hunterfly Road Houses. Founded in 1838, Weeksville was the second largest of approximately 100 independent African-American communities established before the Civil War.

When a group of community activists rediscovered three remaining original homes 1968, they purchased, rehabilitated, and restored the Hunterfly Road Houses, re-opening their doors as the Weeksville Heritage Center in 1973. In 2014, WHC opened its new Cultural Arts and Education Center and campus, including a visual arts gallery, performance space, resource center, and administrative offices. WHC is now poised for a bright new era, with the resources and vision in place to fully activate our history and expand our education, preservation, and public programming.

Recently announced as New York City’s newest Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) member, the first since 1998, WHC is one of New York City’s cultural treasures, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the story of the 19th century African-American community of Weeksville, a nationally significant, exceptionally well-documented and rare extant example of an independent African-American community organized by Black entrepreneurs and land investors to promote economic, social, and political rights.

The Opportunity

The Building Operations Manager will oversee and perform repairs and maintenance of the WHC main building, and the landmarked historic houses. They will be responsible for ensuring that facilities are clean, safe and machinery, equipment and codes are in compliance with all required regulations and standards. More specifically, this position will manage and oversee the maintenance of fire, plumbing, electrical and security systems in the administrative building/offices and the historic homes. 

 Primary Responsibilities

  • Manages and coordinates the maintenance/custodial staff including scheduling, time off requests, performance management, and coaching/mentoring.
  • Collaborates with the Operations Director on the facilities budget including submission of purchase orders for expenses and repairs.
  • Reports all needed repairs immediately and works collaboratively with Operations Director to identify solutions.
  • Maintains the supply and equipment inventory and maintenance logs.  
  • Oversees and performs daily custodial and maintenance duties including routine inspection of the facility, equipment and grounds, and historic homes. 
  • Ensures that all bathroom facilities are clean and sanitized, floors washed and supplies restocked as needed on a daily basis.
  • Ensures that all ground surfaces and floors of WHC are power washed and cleaned regularly.
  • Cleans and picks up trash inside the building, on the grounds, around the site’s perimeter exterior, and parking lot on a daily basis. 
  • Ensures all carpeted areas in the main building of WHC are washed and cleaned regularly.
  • Coordinates with contractors and vendors as needed in collaboration with the Operations Director.
  • Performs or coordinates electrical, carpentry, plumbing and restorative repairs as needed. 
  • Oversees and executes seasonal snow removal. 
  • Supervises facility usage in relation to  events and space rentals alongside the Operations Manager and Operations Director.
  • Coordinates opening/closing during WHC business hours and for scheduled rentals/events.
  • Serves as liaison for capital projects along with the Operations Director.
  • Performs other duties as required.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent, or comparable professional experience.  
  • Minimum 3 years experience in facility management; working in the nonprofit sector in a social justice, arts, or cultural organization preferred.
  • Diverse, working knowledge of fire alarm systems heating, cooling, electrical and/or plumbing and related compliance standards and regulations.
  • Demonstrated success in leading, managing and motivating a team.
  • Proficient computer skills, especially using Google Workspace, timekeeping and leave management and other online systems.
  • Ability to function in a fast paced environment requiring a great deal of flexibility and excellent judgment. 
  • Must have or acquire all required certificates and permits within the first 6 months of employment. 
  • Detail-oriented with excellent communication, organizational, interpersonal, and writing skills.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, being on call at various times to respond to various tasks under emergency and seasonal conditions.
  • Willingness to collaborate with a clear and ability to communicate clearly with all colleagues. 

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time exempt position with a salary range of $64,000 – $70,000 annually. Weeksville Heritage Center offers a benefits package that is competitive with the market, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a retirement plan that employees can contribute to after the eligibility period, and paid vacation, paid sick leave, and personal days with the option for a hybrid work schedule.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter to: inquiries@weeksvillesociety.org. Please include Building Operations Manager in the subject line and include where you found this job posting in the body of your email. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in the position.

Weeksville Heritage Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates for employment are considered without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.