Facility Operations & Systems Manager

OVERVIEW:

The Facility Operations & Systems Manager is a member of the Master Campus Planning Team, responsible for coordinating, implementing, and supporting mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and facility infrastructure work across The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis campus. The manager provides oversight of daily facility operations, preventive maintenance planning, contractor-led infrastructure repairs, and execution of renewal and deferred maintenance projects. The incumbent plays an active role in the Museum’s capital renewal and infrastructure reinvestment strategy while ensuring that critical building systems—including HVAC, electrical distribution, plumbing, and fire suppression systems—operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. The manager plays a hands-on role utilizing strong project management skills, leading work in the field, managing vendors and service contracts, supporting in-house maintenance staff, and directly contributing to resolving facility system needs.

The Children’s Museum is building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences. We believe that collaboration and open dialogue among people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives best support our vision and mission.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. In cooperation with the Director of Master Campus Planning and Construction and colleagues, assists with planning and provides technical oversight for installation, repair, renewal, and replacement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems identified for campus updates. Ensures projects meet operational requirements, performance expectations, sustainability goals, and code compliance from planning through completion.

2. Develops and manages preventive maintenance and predictive failure programs to support identification of building infrastructure needs and inform Capital and Renewal planning. Works with contractors and vendors to obtain accurate technical information, scope input, and cost estimates to support budget development, forecasting, and prioritization of deferred maintenance needs.

3. Manages facility service contracts and vendor relationships supporting HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, life safety systems, elevators, and related building infrastructure. Ensures contracted work meets Museum standards, performance expectations, environmental requirements, and all applicable codes and safety policies. Oversees procurement coordination, vendor performance tracking, service documentation, and compliance reporting.

4. Provides proactive supervision, mentorship, and coordination for in-house maintenance staff and external contractors. Supports scheduling, work planning, resource leveling, accountability, and professional development across facility teams. Fosters a culture of safety, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

5. Supports daily facility operations and building maintenance needs by assisting with troubleshooting, coordinating repair activities, and responding to infrastructure system challenges. Maintains operational continuity and ensures systems remain mission-ready to support the visitor experience and Museum programming.

6. Defines and supports strategic priorities related to campus infrastructure renewal, capital planning, and construction project delivery methods. Works in collaboration with leadership to support the development of consistent project standards, contract documentation, and institutional practices that strengthen long-term campus asset stewardship.

7. Understands and utilizes the application of appropriate building codes, regulatory standards, and institutional policies in the execution of facility projects. Ensures Museum practices align with safety requirements, operational standards, and long-term facility resilience goals.

8. Encourages teamwork, unity of purpose, and effective communication among internal stakeholders, contractors, consultants, and business partners. Supports strong working relationships based on transparency, collaboration, empowerment, and mutual support.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Associate degree in facilities, engineering technology, construction management, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

2. Three (3) years of experience supporting mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, or general facility infrastructure work in a facility of comparable size and complexity. Experience working in a museum, university, healthcare, or similarly complex institutional environment, preferred.

3. One (1) year of experience coordinating maintenance personnel, contractors, project scheduling, or general facility work plans.

4. Demonstrated broad understanding of HVAC systems, boilers, chillers, electrical distribution, plumbing infrastructure, and fire suppression/life safety systems. Industry-related technical certifications or trade background in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire protection systems, desirable.

5. OSHA 10 certification (or ability to obtain within one year). OSHA 30 preferred.

6. Strong attention to detail and ability to perform a variety of tasks ranging from field involvement to documentation, planning, and coordination.

7. Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with staff, contractors, leadership, and diverse community stakeholders.

8. Fire suppression or life safety systems project or maintenance experience strongly preferred.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be able to perform extensive work in indoor environments, to perceive space, to read documents and diagrams, and to view a computer monitor.

2. Must be able to communicate in planning and execution of projects verbally and through written communication. Team and group dialog required for communication of plans and concepts.

3. Must be able to safely use equipment and materials, sit, stand, kneel and crawl.

4. Must be able to lift objects up to 50 pounds of weight. Must tolerate dust in the environment and capacity to work in hot and cold working conditions.

5. Required ability to traverse the physical plant and visit and work at multiple locations. Must possess the ability to negotiate local travel via conventional transportation.