Facilities Manager

Lower East Side Tenement Museum•New York, NY

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Tenement Museum seeks a Facilities Manager who is deeply committed to preserving historic spaces while ensuring they are safe, welcoming, and functional for the public, staff, and tenants. This role is responsible for facilities management across four buildings on our Orchard Street campus, including the iconic 97 Orchard Street tenement. The Facilities Manager plays a vital role in supporting the Museum’s mission by stewarding historic infrastructure, maintaining operational excellence, and responding thoughtfully to the needs of a living, working campus.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience in a facilities or maintenance supervisory role, preferably in a mission-driven, cultural, or historic environment
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience
Working knowledge of building systems; experience with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems strongly preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an approachable and collaborative style
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with staff, tenants, vendors, and partners
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Hands-on, service-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and care

Nice To Haves

F95 Fire Guard License preferred (or willingness to obtain)
Bilingual skills a plus; Spanish or Chinese preferred

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily in-house repairs and maintenance at the 97 Orchard Street historic site and adjacent office buildings, balancing preservation standards with modern operational needs
Conduct regular inspections of all four properties to proactively identify maintenance issues and ensure a safe, accessible environment for visitors and staff
Partner with the Operations leadership team to review maintenance priorities, preventive maintenance plans, and service contracts
Support the selection, supervision, and coordination of external contractors; serve as the on-site liaison during vendor work
Manage construction, repair, and improvement projects as needed, with sensitivity to the Museum’s historic context
Oversee fire safety across all buildings, including administration of the Fire Guard program for staff who interact with the public
Schedule and track required inspections and servicing of building systems (HVAC, elevators, boilers, sprinklers, and fire safety equipment), maintaining all compliance documentation and registrations
Ensure security procedures and emergency preparedness plans are implemented consistently across the campus
Approve payroll for maintenance associates and provide day-to-day operational oversight
Serve as the primary on-call contact for after-hours facilities emergencies
Collaborate with the Property Management company to ensure responsive and respectful handling of tenant maintenance concerns
Act as the on-site contact during vendor work in tenant apartments, helping maintain trust and continuity across the shared campus