Overview
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. NYPL’s neighborhood libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—many of which date to Andrew Carnegie’s visionary philanthropy at the turn of the 20th century—are being transformed into true centers of educational innovation and service, and vital community hubs that provide far more than just free books and materials.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) is part of The New York Public Library (NYPL), which consists of four major research libraries and 88 branch libraries located in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The newly renovated, state-of-the-art, LEED Silver certified, 180,000 square-foot facility, is NYPL’s largest and busiest circulating library, with more than 1.7 million visits a year.
The Facilities department is tasked with keeping all NYPL locations safe, clean, comfortable and welcoming for our patrons and staff. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library Building Manager provides direction to a team of 24 staff members and coordinates the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the facility.
We are looking for someone we can count on to:
Own:
- All maintenance and cleaning operations at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, including building audits to ensure compliance with NYPL standards.
- The supervision of Facilities staff through scheduling, assigning duties, and inspecting work to ensure high-quality results and timely completion of special projects.
- The management of emergency responses to weather events and system failures, coordinating snow removal, grounds work, and other site-specific tasks.
Grow:
- Staff skills and knowledge in cleaning methods, techniques, and the proper use of chemicals and machinery.
- Inventory management and cost controls to effectively oversee the resources and supplies required to operate the facility.
Learn:
- How the Facilities Department collaborates with other divisions and departments.
- Ways to improve critical work functions and increase operational efficiency.
- Broaden your knowledge of building operations, including mechanical systems and life-safety systems.
Improve:
-
The ability of NYPL to provide patrons and staff a safe and welcoming environment.
Some expectations for this role are that within:
1 month, this person will:
- Understand NYPL’s organization and physical layout.
- Learn the Facilities Operations team’s goals, and its relationship with other departments and key contacts.
- Conduct daily building inspections.
3 months, this person will:
- Serve as a primary point of contact for all building related matters.
- Participate in event planning meetings and develop logistical plans.
- Oversee implementation of schedules for daily and periodic services.
6 months and beyond, this person will:
- Train direct reports, including Coordinators, Supervisors, LCs, ALC’s, JLC’s and Porters on proper techniques and procedures for Cleaning Operations and floor maintenance.
- Oversee the preventive maintenance program for the facility.
- Perform inspections and assessments independently.
Responsibilities:
- Manage the daily operations, maintenance, and cleanliness of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library to ensure a safe, functional, and welcoming environment
- Conduct routine building inspections, identify deficiencies, and coordinate corrective actions
- Oversee preventive maintenance programs, ensuring building systems—including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety are serviced and functioning properly
- Coordinate and monitor work performed by contractors and vendors, ensuring compliance with NYPL standards and contractual requirements
- Manage building-related requests, service tickets, and space-use needs; prioritize tasks and ensure timely resolution
- Support event operations by developing logistical plans, coordinating setup needs, and ensuring adequate facilities staffing
- Maintain building inventory, equipment, supplies, and materials; ensure cost-effective procurement and proper storage
- Prepare and monitor schedules for maintenance and custodial staff to meet operational needs
- Implement and enforce safety protocols and compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and NYPL policies
- Lead emergency response efforts, including weather events, system failures, and other incidents requiring immediate action
- Collaborate with other NYPL divisions and departments to support shared initiatives, capital projects, and operational improvements
Required Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field required or 4+ years of related experience
- Valid Driver’s License
Required Experience
- 4+ years of experience in a facilities role, maintaining building inventory, implementing and administering preventive maintenance programs, and preparing work schedules for maintenance staff
- Experience with the monitoring and coordination of building renovations
- Experience with directly supervising staff
Required Skills
- Thorough knowledge of established practices and procedures for operating building equipment, including the ability to resolve mechanical equipment problems
- Strong computer skills
- Ability to read blueprints and a working knowledge of building monitoring systems
- Demonstrated knowledge of industry standard cleaning methods and procedures, materials safety handling, and experience ordering and maintaining supplies and equipment
- Ability to respond quickly and tactfully to emergency situations
- Must be able to communicate efficiently with staff, management at all levels, and outside vendors /contractors
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
- Oversee a team of 24 staff members
- Interviewing, hiring, training, and performance management of staff
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
- Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
- Be Resourceful in solving problems
- Be Curious in all aspects of your work
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
- Office setting
- Public library setting
- Outdoors
Physical Duties
- Moving bins
- Moving book trucks
- Operating side by side, floor buffing machine and carpet extractor
- Lifting and/or moving items up to 40 lbs. required
- May require travel within NYC
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
Union/Non Union
FLSA Status
Schedule
- 40 hours per week
- Monday to Friday from 9:00am - 6:00pm
- Evenings and weekends as necessary
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.
