Facilities Operations Manager

The International Center of Photography (ICP) is the world’s leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. Through our exhibitions, education, public programs, and community outreach, we offer an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image. Since our founding in 1974, we have presented more than 700 exhibitions and offered thousands of classes. Our integrated center on the Lower East Side unites our school and museum in one space, serving as a cultural anchor of Essex Crossing. Position Summary The Facilities Operations Manager supports the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and safety of ICP’s building at 79 Essex Street. This role is responsible for independently troubleshooting building systems, supporting preventative maintenance programs, maintaining life safety equipment and compliance, and helping ensure efficient facility operations across museum, school, administrative offices, and event spaces. This position requires a highly skilled facilities professional with hands‑on experience supporting commercial building systems in a fast‑paced environment. The Facilities Operations Manager serves as a key operational resource during assigned shifts, responds to building and maintenance issues using sound independent judgment, and assists with vendor coordination, contractor oversight, facilities documentation, emergency response, and operational planning. This is not an entry‑level position. Candidates should bring strong technical expertise, sound operational judgment, demonstrated experience supporting commercial facilities and mechanical systems, and the ability to effectively prioritize operational needs in a public‑facing institutional environment. Key Responsibilities & Competencies Facilities Operations & Maintenance Perform routine and preventative maintenance across museum, school, administrative offices, and public spaces. Independently troubleshoot and repair basic plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and mechanical issues. Support commercial HVAC system maintenance including filter changes, strainer cleanings, inspections, and routine monitoring. Maintain daily logs of temperature, humidity, fire panel activity, and mechanical system readings. Conduct routine inspections of facilities and mechanical rooms to proactively identify operational or maintenance concerns. Assist in managing preventative maintenance schedules and tracking completion of facilities‑related work orders. Maintain documentation related to inspections, building systems, vendor activity, and operational procedures. Coordinate vendor access, service scheduling, and follow‑up for facilities‑related work and repairs. Serve as a key operational resource during assigned shifts and support response to maintenance and building issues using appropriate independent judgment. Support special events including setup, operational logistics, breakdown, and facilities coordination as needed. Maintain facility grounds including sidewalk cleaning, trash handling, and general exterior upkeep. Recommend operational improvements related to building systems, maintenance practices, and facility efficiency. Security, Safety & Compliance Support building safety operations and compliance with life safety systems and related procedures. Perform monthly inspections of fire extinguishers and maintain required documentation. Perform monthly inspections of First Aid cabinets, AEDs, and Eye Wash Stations. Assist in maintaining compliance related to FDNY inspections, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and related testing requirements. Participate in fire drills, emergency preparedness activities, and incident response procedures. Provide operational support and guidance to Security personnel related to facilities procedures and emergency response protocols. Provide operational support and guidance to Housekeeping personnel related to facilities procedures and cleaning protocols. Respond to building emergencies during assigned shifts and assist with after‑hours response as needed. Ensure adherence to workplace safety standards and elevate operational concerns appropriately. Sponsorships & External Partnerships Support development and fulfillment of corporate sponsorship opportunities and event partnerships. Maintain strong relationships with sponsors, vendors, and external stakeholders. Ensure sponsor benefits and recognition are executed accurately and professionally. Space Rentals & Operational Coordination. Support planning and execution of select space rental events in coordination with Facilities, Visitor Experience, and external clients. Help maintain and improve rentals workflows, operational standards, and cross‑department coordination practices. Identify opportunities to improve event systems, planning processes, and operational efficiencies. Additional Responsibilities Attend Facilities team meetings and operational planning discussions as required, including All Staff meetings either in person or remotely. Support operational coverage for evening and weekend programs or events as scheduled. Collaborate cross‑functionally with Security, Janitorial, Events, IT/AV, and Operations teams to support institutional needs. Assist with onboarding or training related to facilities operations procedures as needed. Core Competencies Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve commercial building systems issues. Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on experience with tools and facilities systems. Working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and general building maintenance practices. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing operational needs, and respond calmly to urgent situations. Strong attention to detail in maintaining logs, inspections, preventative maintenance, and compliance documentation. Clear and professional communication with staff, vendors, contractors, and visitors. Ability to work collaboratively across Facilities, Janitorial, Security, Events, and Operations teams. Sound judgment in maintaining safety standards and responding to operational issues appropriately. Requirements Education & Experience Qualifications Trade school certification, technical training, or equivalent hands‑on experience in facilities maintenance preferred. 5+ years of experience supporting commercial facilities, building operations, or institutional maintenance environments. Experience working in a museum, school, cultural institution, or similar public‑facing environment preferred. Demonstrated experience independently troubleshooting building systems and responding to facilities emergencies. Experience coordinating vendors, contractors, inspections, and facilities‑related compliance activities. Required Certifications FDNY Certificate of Fitness S12 (Citywide Sprinkler System) FDNY Certificate of Fitness S13 (Citywide Standpipe System) FDNY Certificate of Fitness S95 (Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems) Working Conditions & Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds with assistance or appropriate equipment. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb ladders, use hands and arms, and move throughout the facility. The employee may occasionally work in mechanical rooms, outdoor areas, or during emergency response situations. Compensation and Benefits Compensation Range: $71K–$74K annually, commensurate with experience. ICP offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: Medical, dental, and vision coverage (with employer contributions and HRA support) Employer‑paid life insurance, short‑and‐long‑term disability, and Employee Assistance Program. 403(b) retirement plan with employer match up to 5% after one year. Flexible spending accounts and pre‑tax commuter benefits. Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, personal days, holidays, floating holidays, and a birthday day off. Free or discounted museum admission, staff discounts, and access to perks programs. Professional development opportunities, including tuition‑free ICP courses and discounted education programs for employees and dependents. The International Center of Photography is committed to equal opportunity employment. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are values integral to offering an open forum for dialogue around photography and visual culture that is open to all. #J-18808-Ljbffr