Position: Facilities Manager

Department: Grand Lodge Headquarters | Location: Chicago, IL

Position Description

Location: Chicago, IL – W. Diversey & N. Lakeview Ave. (Lincoln Park) (Elks Memorial & National Headquarters)

Reports to: Grand Secretary/COO

Who We Are

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country, with a proud history dating back to 1868. Today, with more than 800,000 members in nearly 1,800 communities, our mission is rooted in charity, patriotism, and community service. Each year, the Elks contribute over $70 million in cash and $590 million in goods and services to support veterans, students, youth, and individuals in need.

Our facilities here in Chicago are our national headquarters. Our dedicated staff play a vital role in carrying out our mission. From maintaining our historic Memorial building and administrative facilities to supporting our national programs, we are committed to service, stewardship, and making a lasting impact.

Why Work with Us

At the Elks, we know our employees are our greatest strength. We foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and professional growth. Team members appreciate:

  • Mission-Driven Work: Every role here, whether in facilities, finance, programs, or communications, supports a legacy of community service and “quiet good deeds.”
  • Professional Development: We invest in our people with training, mentorship, and opportunities to grow into leadership roles.
  • Supportive Environment: We make sure our employees feel valued, supported, and are part of a meaningful cause.
  • Historic Setting: Work in one of Chicago’s most beautiful and historic campuses, just steps from Lake Michigan, where history and purpose come together.

Position Purpose

We are seeking a facilities manager to oversee the preservation and maintenance of our two historically significant buildings and the associated campus. This role requires a unique combination of traditional facilities management and architectural conservation expertise to protect the historic integrity of the property while ensuring modern safety and functionality.

Our facilities manager is responsible for strategic planning for long-term preservation, developing and implementing maintenance and conservation plans, and overseeing the daily functions of the site to provide a safe and engaging staff and guest experience. The manager is responsible for compliance with Chicago building codes and will lead a small team of maintenance staff as well as manage vendor relationships.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conservation Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive plans for the conservation, preservation, and restoration of historic structures, grounds, and artifacts.
  • Maintenance Oversight: Manage and perform maintenance and repair tasks on historic building systems (e.g., HVAC, boiler, electrical, plumbing) with sensitivity to the historic materials.
  • Inspections and Assessments: Conduct regular inspections and evaluations of the buildings and grounds to identify maintenance issues, assess conditions, and document findings.
  • Project Management: Lead and coordinate capital improvement and restoration projects, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local historic preservation guidelines and building codes.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Create and maintain emergency response plans for weather events, security threats, and other incidents to ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and collections. 

Operational Management

  • Staff Supervision: Recruit, train, and manage facilities staff and contractors, ensuring work is completed safely and according to preservation standards.
  • Budgeting: Develop, administer, and track operating and capital budgets for facility needs, and monitor expenditures.
  • Vendor and Contractor Management: Research, bid, and manage external vendors for specialized preservation or maintenance work.
  • Safety and Security: Provide for the safety and security of the site, its collections, and its visitors by managing security systems, access controls, and emergency procedures.
  • Cross-departmental Collaboration: Work with curatorial, educational, and events staff to ensure that facility operations support the organization's mission and programming goals. 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree (preferred) with at least 8-10 years of progressive facilities or operations management experience, including 3+ years in leadership.
  • Experience with building restoration.
  • Strong skills in organizational leadership, planning, budgeting, and vendor negotiation.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related software.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to perform physically demanding work, including climbing, lifting, and working in various indoor and outdoor conditions.

Working Conditions

  • Combination of office work and hands-on work in and around the buildings and grounds.
  • Occasional evenings, weekends, or holiday work may be required for emergencies, events, and site coverage.
  • Exposure to seasonal weather changes and outdoor elements.

Position Details

  • Employment Type: Fulltime, Exempt
  • Compensation: $90,000
  • Work Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (M–F); some flexibility available
  • Location: Easily accessible via CTA (Brown/Purple Line, bus lines)
  • On-site Parking Available

Benefits

  • Medical, Life, AD&D Insurance
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Paid Vacation, Major Holidays Observed, Paid Sick Leave, Chicago Paid Leave
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

Join Our Team

If you are a proven facilities leader who thrives on responsibility, values teamwork, and wants your work to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. At the Elks, you’ll find not only a meaningful mission but also a community that values and invests in its people.

Please note, the Elks participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.A. A satisfactory background check is also required.

B.P.O. Elks of the U.S.A. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

No phone calls, please.