University of Chicago

Compensation

Full Description

Department FFIE Chicago Forum Senior Staff About the Department The University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression builds on UChicago’s historic commitment and practices to provide a focal point for understanding and applying free expression, in academia and in the broader culture, in the United States and abroad. The Chicago Forum's mission is to promote the understanding, practice, and advancement of free and open discourse, in collaboration with faculty and the broader university community. Job Summary The University of Chicago’s Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression seeks a proactive and energetic Facility and Operations Manager who is responsible for the overall operational management of the Forum in Hyde Park in a highly visible position. In addition to daily operations management, this role supports the planning and execution of maintenance, renovations, and facilities-related capital projects, ensuring alignment with the Forum and University’s long- and short-term facility goals. This role also manages access and security, coordinates building and space maintenance, oversees purchasing and paying of invoices, and ensures a safe, functional, and productive environment for all occupants. This role requires a high level of problem-solving skills, initiative and attention to detail. This is an on-campus position with no hybrid or remote work option during the academic year. Also, the role may occasionally require evening or weekend assistance for events and in support of Forum programming but also may offer a more flexible schedule during the summer session at the discretion of the Directors. More information about the Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression can be found at this link: https://thechicagoforum.uchicago.edu Responsibilities Oversee daily building operations to ensure an overall safe, clean, and functional environment, including maintaining supplies and inventories throughout building. Responsible for following opening and closing procedures. Maintain full understanding of all activities taking place in the building each day. Cover the lobby desk and serve as first point of contact to answer doorbell and greet and direct guests. Support daily happenings. Receive packages and deliveries. Manage keys. Fulfill request for room set-ups, space configuration, catering orders and technical and AV support for events ensuring all activities run smoothly, adapting to last-minute changes as needed. Oversees information technology and audio-visual equipment ensuring necessary operating and information systems and resources are in place. Coordinates facility inspections, identifies and addresses deficiencies that may impact safety, health, or code compliance. Support or lead facility improvement projects in collaboration with contractors or University Facilities staff. Maintains up-to-date building information, including space utilization, equipment records, and access control data. Schedule and coordinate all building maintenance, repairs, and operations communicating logistics with team to prevent disruptions. Assist in implementing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with University and regulatory standards. Coordinate for services building strong relationships with Facilities Services, IT Services, AV Services, Cleaning Services, Shared Services, and Safety and Security and other campus resources. Administer and manage the building's access control system. This includes issuing, updating, and revoking access cards or keys for employees, contractors, and other authorized personnel. Oversee the building's security protocols, including maintaining the protest protocol, monitoring security footage and coordinating with security staff. Serve as first point of contact for unplanned visitors. Procure all necessary equipment, furniture, and supplies for the building's operation and inventories. This includes seeking quotes, comparing bids, and issuing purchase orders. Manage the full accounts payable cycle for expenses, from invoice receipt to payment. This includes reviewing invoices for accuracy, coding expenses to the correct accounts, and ensuring timely payment to vendors. Monitor and track operating and building expenditures to ensure adherence to budget. Prepares and manages annual budget projections, monitors expenditures, and reconciles forecasts against actuals. Anticipate future needs, identify opportunities for operational improvement, and present solutions that enhance service delivery, building safety, and event experiences. Leads the coordination of maintenance of facilities, grounds and/or equipment. Receives requests for facilities services from unit employees and coordinates delivery of appropriate services. Utilizes specialized skills and on-the-job experience to conduct inspections of buildings, equipment and/or surrounding grounds for deficiencies and potential safety, health, or code problems. Prepares written reports summarizing findings and recommends solutions. Typically coordinates package receipt and delivery; coordinates movement of equipment and materials, including ensuring proper and timely set up of employees in new office space; maintains building security, including maintaining building keys; and maintains information on building blue prints, space utilization data and equipment. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree). Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred. Experience: 7+ years transferable experience in academic facility or building management. Demonstrated experience with expense management, budget tracking, and proficiency with financial software for processing invoices and managing expenses. Knowledge of maintenance procedures and safety regulations. Technical Skills or Knowledge: Experience with Oracle, CBORD, other systems desirable but not required. Preferred Competencies Superior communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; proven ability to anticipate needs, take initiative, and work independently in fast-paced settings. Knowledge of the University of Chicago’s values, policies, and culture—especially its commitment to free expression—is highly desirable. Analytical and budgetary skills for managing facility operations and capital planning. Working Conditions Ability to perform physical tasks such as moving furniture and equipment, with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Application Documents Resume (required) References (3)(required) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Facilities Management Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Hourly FLSA Status Non-Exempt Pay Range $33.65 - $40.86 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook. Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/