Facilities Manager

Namaste Charter School Inc•Chicago, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Facilities Manager ensures a safe, clean, healthy, welcoming, and fully functional learning environment. The role oversees building operations, maintenance, repairs, cleanliness, safety, grounds, and facility systems in support of daily instruction and school events. Working collaboratively with the Operations Team, custodial personnel, external vendors, and school leadership, the Facilities Manager proactively addresses facility needs, maintains high standards, and prepares the school for daily operations and emergencies while supporting Namaste’s mission of helping every child thrive. The role also supports seasonal projects, event preparation, school-year readiness, and improvements that promote student wellness, environmental sustainability, and effective use of school space.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least three years of experience in facilities maintenance, building operations, custodial supervision, property maintenance, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve routine building maintenance issues.
Working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, lighting, doors, locks, and general repairs.
Ability to conduct building inspections, prioritize work orders, and maintain accurate maintenance records.
Strong organizational, time-management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and follow through on assigned responsibilities.
Ability to safely use basic hand tools, maintenance equipment, and applicable personal protective equipment.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with school personnel, vendors, contractors, and external partners.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including standing, walking, climbing stairs, lifting and moving supplies or equipment, and performing routine maintenance tasks, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, inclusive, and student-centered school environment.
Ability to follow school policies regarding student safety, confidentiality, professional conduct, and building access.
Availability to respond to urgent facilities needs and occasional work outside regular school hours, including evenings, weekends, school breaks, or summer periods, as reasonably required.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of experience in facilities management.
Experience working in an environment serving children.
Experience coordinating custodial staff, contractors, preventive maintenance schedules, and building inspections.
Familiarity with Chicago building requirements, CPS facilities procedures, fire safety requirements, and applicable Illinois regulations.
Experience managing work orders, maintenance logs, facilities inventories, and vendor service agreements.
Experience monitoring facilities budgets, obtaining vendor estimates, and coordinating purchasing.
Relevant technical training, vocational education, or certifications in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, building maintenance, or facilities management.
First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain it, if required for assigned responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the school building, grounds, classrooms, offices, restrooms, common areas, gymnasium, playgrounds, and other designated spaces.
Conduct routine building inspections to identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, cleanliness concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
Perform appropriate basic repairs and maintenance, such as minor plumbing, painting, furniture repairs, door hardware repairs, and general building upkeep.
Monitor HVAC, lighting, electrical, plumbing, and other building systems; coordinate specialized repairs with qualified contractors.
Maintain an organized process for receiving, prioritizing, tracking, and closing maintenance requests.
Ensure classrooms and shared spaces are ready for instruction and school activities.
Coordinate preventive maintenance and maintain inventories of facilities supplies, tools, equipment, and materials.
Maintain a safe physical environment and conduct safety inspections; promptly address hazards and immediately report urgent safety concerns to school leadership, securing affected areas as appropriate.
Support compliance with applicable CPS, ISBE, Chicago building and fire code, health, sanitation, and other regulatory requirements.
Coordinate required inspections, testing, maintenance, and documentation for fire safety, emergency systems, building systems, and regulated equipment.
Keep emergency exits, hallways, stairwells, fire extinguishers, and evacuation routes accessible and unobstructed.
Maintain records of inspections, maintenance, incidents, repairs, and compliance documentation; coordinate building access, keys, alarms, and security systems with approved providers and leadership.
Oversee or coordinate custodial services, cleaning schedules, walkthroughs, sanitation, waste disposal, recycling, spill response, supply storage, deep cleaning, and urgent cleaning needs.
Coordinate vendors, contractors, maintenance providers, and service companies; request estimates, schedule service, monitor completion, and report outstanding issues.
Verify vendor work for quality, timeliness, safety, and cost; maintain vendor records, agreements, warranties, inspection reports, and maintenance documents.
Ensure vendors follow sign-in procedures, building access protocols, and safety requirements; communicate recurring issues and recommend long-term solutions.
Prepare spaces for school meetings, family activities, professional development, celebrations, wellness events, athletics, and other functions; coordinate setup, breakdown, and restoration of spaces.
Monitor facilities expenditures and assist with budget planning, purchasing, quotes, repair recommendations, and equipment purchases.
Maintain inventory and supply levels; submit purchase requests, invoices, receipts, and supporting documentation under school procedures.
Communicate anticipated major repairs, replacement needs, and capital improvement priorities to school leadership.
Provide consistent updates to the Operations Team and school leadership on building conditions, work orders, urgent needs, repair status, and project timelines.
Collaborate with school staff to understand and resolve facilities concerns professionally; escalate issues requiring funding, specialized expertise, approval, or immediate intervention.
Assist with seasonal projects, summer maintenance, classroom transitions, school-year preparation, snow removal, landscaping, playground upkeep, and other weather-related needs as applicable.
Recommend improvements supporting student wellness, environmental sustainability, and effective use of school space.
Perform other facilities-related duties as assigned by school leadership.