Come join a dynamic and thriving Reform Jewish community as our Facilities Manager. At Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties, nestled in beautiful Ridgefield, Connecticut, you will be the facilities, maintenance, and custodial lead, managing and caretaking for our 100 year old building, with all the character and quirks that come with that age.
Job Title: Facilities Manager
Reports To: Executive Director
Employment Status: Full-Time
Work Schedule & Environment: This is a full-time, on-site position with a five days-per-week schedule and a minimum expectation of 40 hours per week. Work beyond standard hours on evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays may be required to fulfill the responsibilities of the role and support the needs of the congregation. Remote work is not a standard component of this position and is subject to supervisor pre-approval.
Role Description
The Facilities Manager is responsible for the daily care, condition, and safe operation of Congregation Shir Shalom’s building and grounds, a 25,000 square foot property more than a century old. This is a hands-on working management role. The Facilities Manager personally performs routine maintenance and repairs, provides direct custodial coverage up to two days per week, supervises the congregation’s full-time Custodian, and serves as the congregation’s primary point of contact for building trades and service vendors. Working under the direction of the Executive Director, the Facilities Manager ensures that the building is clean, safe, well maintained, and ready for worship, education, lifecycle events, and community use. The role partners closely with the Office Manager & Event Coordinator on work orders, room setups, and event readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Building Maintenance & Repair
● Perform routine repairs and upkeep throughout the property, including lighting and lamp replacement, minor plumbing such as clogged drains and fixtures, running toilets and leaking faucets, door hardware, locks and hinges, ceiling tiles, patching and painting, and repair of furniture and fixtures
● Conduct regular walkthroughs and inspections of the building, grounds, and mechanical spaces; identify deterioration, water intrusion, or safety hazards early and address them before they become emergencies
● Maintain and monitor building systems within scope, including filter changes, boiler and HVAC performance, sump pumps, gutters and drains, and freeze protection during winter months
● Maintain a work order log and preventive maintenance calendar; track completion, recurring issues, and deferred maintenance needs
● Respond to facility issues reported by staff, clergy, and building users, triaging by urgency and communicating status and expected resolution
● Coordinate seasonal grounds care, exterior upkeep, and snow and ice response to ensure safe access to the building
● Maintain tools, equipment, and supply inventory in safe and serviceable condition
Custodial & Sanitation
● Perform direct custodial work approximately two days per week, covering areas not handled by the Custodian and providing coverage during absences, peak periods, holidays, and events
● Clean and disinfect restrooms, kitchens, high-touch surfaces, classrooms, offices, sanctuary, and common areas to established standards
● Handle floor care, trash and recycling removal, and periodic deep-cleaning projects
● Prepare and reset spaces for services, programs, meetings, and rentals in coordination with the Office Manager & Event Coordinator
● Establish and maintain cleanliness standards across the property and ensure they are consistently met
● Order and manage custodial and paper supplies within budget, pursuing volume pricing where possible
Supervision & Staff Management
● Directly supervise the congregation’s full-time Custodian, who works a five-day schedule
● Set daily and weekly work assignments, communicate quality standards, and inspect completed work
● Train staff on equipment operation, chemical handling, safety procedures, and cleaning protocols
● Manage scheduling, timekeeping approval, and coverage planning; coordinate time-off requests to maintain continuity
● Provide ongoing feedback and participate in performance reviews in partnership with the Executive Director
● Foster a respectful, service-oriented working relationship with staff, clergy, volunteers, and congregants
Vendor & Contractor Management
● Serve as the primary point of contact for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire and life safety, pest control, landscaping, and snow removal vendors
● Schedule and oversee all routine and preventive service visits; verify that contracted work is completed to specification before approving invoices
● Coordinate emergency service calls, including after hours, and manage vendors on site through resolution
● Solicit and compare bids for repairs and capital projects; make recommendations to the Executive Director
● Maintain organized records of contracts, service agreements, warranties, certificates of insurance, permits, and inspection reports
● Track and flag expiring agreements and required recurring inspections, including fire alarm, sprinkler, extinguishers, boiler, and backflow testing
● Support facilities budget planning by providing cost estimates and identifying upcoming repair and capital needs
● Escort and monitor contractors on site, ensuring work areas are secured and building security is maintained
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
● Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, climb ladders and stairs, work from heights, kneel, bend, reach overhead, and remain on one’s feet for extended periods
● Ability to work in mechanical rooms, attics, basements, and crawl spaces, and to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
● Regular exposure to cleaning chemicals, dust, and varying temperatures; use of personal protective equipment as required
● Participation in an on-call rotation for building emergencies such as alarms, water intrusion, and loss of heat or power
● Availability for early or extended hours during weather events and major congregational programs
Minimum Requirements
● Demonstrated working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems sufficient to diagnose problems, perform basic repairs, and evaluate contractor work and pricing
● Willingness to perform hands-on custodial and cleaning work as a regular and expected part of the role
● Experience directing the work of others, whether as a supervisor, lead, or crew chief
● Strong judgment and the ability to prioritize independently, work without close supervision, and distinguish routine issues from emergencies
● Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and warmly with staff, clergy, volunteers, congregants, and vendors
● Comfort with basic technology, including email, work order or ticketing systems, spreadsheets, and building system controls
● Reliability, discretion, and a service-oriented approach to a building in constant community use
● Ability to pass a background check
Preferred Requirements
● Experience maintaining an older or historic structure, including familiarity with the systems, materials, and code considerations common to pre-war buildings
● Experience in a synagogue, church, school, community center, or other nonprofit facility with heavy public use and event activity
● Familiarity with lead and asbestos awareness requirements applicable to older buildings
● Experience managing vendor contracts, service agreements, and competitive bidding
● Familiarity with Jewish holidays, lifecycle events, and synagogue programming
● Experience with work order or computerized maintenance management systems
Education and Experience
● High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or trade school training preferred
● 5+ years of hands-on building maintenance, facilities, or building superintendent experience; experience with a single institutional property of comparable size preferred
● Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license required. Trade licensure (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), boiler operator certification, or OSHA 10 / OSHA 30 preferred.
Legal Disclaimer
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Congregation Shir Shalom reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as needed. Congregation Shir Shalom is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. Employment with Congregation Shir Shalom is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience working in a synagogue or faith-based orginization?
Experience:
- Building Maintenance, Facilities, or Building Superintendent: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Ridgefield, CT 06877 (Required)
Work Location: In person
