Traveling Assistant Facilities Manager

Description

At Easterseals Chicago & Rockford Regions (ECR), we are committed to transforming the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support. As an affiliate of America’s largest nonprofit health care organization, we have proudly served the communities and families of the Chicago and Rockford regions since 1936. For more information, visit www.eastersealschicago.org.

Under the direction of the Senior Facilities Manager, the Traveling Assistant Facilities Manager, Multi-Location supports ECR locations throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs by proactively addressing maintenance and safety needs. This position provides coverage for planned and unplanned absences of student safety staff, facility maintenance staff, and day porters; assists with day-to-day facility operations; and helps maintain the physical assets of ECR properties and leased spaces. 

This role is ideal for someone who respects children and families with diverse values and cultures and is committed to improving the safety of students and employees by following safety protocols and enforcing established standards.

Casual Employment Status 

This position is classified as casual/as-needed employment. ECR makes no firm advance commitment regarding a continuing or definite pattern of work and does not guarantee any minimum number of hours, assignments, schedule, or continuing pattern of work. Work may be offered based on organizational and program needs, and the casual employee may accept or decline individual assignments when offered. Declining an offered assignment, by itself, is not a performance issue. Acceptance of an assignment does not guarantee or create an entitlement to future assignments, hours, or continued employment. 

Once an employee accepts a specific assignment, the employee is expected to complete it as agreed and within established timelines. If the employee anticipates being unable to complete an accepted assignment or meet an established deadline, the employee must notify their supervisor as soon as reasonably possible. Failure to complete an accepted assignment as agreed, including repeated or unapproved delays or failure to communicate anticipated delays, may result in reassignment of the work, reduced consideration for future assignments, or other appropriate action consistent with organizational policy. 

This position is headquartered at Easterseals Chicago Location at 1939 W 13th Street, Chicago, IL 60608, but assignments may require travel to ECR locations throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Major Functions and Accountabilities

• Support the Senior Facilities Manager with daily operations across multiple sites, maintaining safe, functional, and compliant environments for students, staff, and families. 
• Help plan, prioritize, and assign maintenance, safety, and custodial work to staff and contractors. 
• Assist with supervising and coordinating facility maintenance staff, contractors, and vendors to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with organizational standards. 
• Act as Facilities Manager when the Senior Facilities Manager or a Facility Manager is absent, providing leadership and making necessary decisions in coordination with ECR’s Vice President of Communications and Operations. 
• Monitor preventive maintenance, inspections, and work orders for timely completion and quality. 
• Participate in safety audits, emergency planning, and regulatory inspections, helping maintain compliance with ADA, OSHA, and applicable local, city, state, and federal requirements. 
• Maintain records of maintenance work, contractor performance, safety incidents, and compliance activities. 
• Coordinate vendors and contractors by scheduling services, monitoring performance, and ensuring compliance with organizational standards. 
• Support facility improvements, renovations, and space planning that meet program and operational needs. 
• Proactively communicate facility issues, risks, and recommendations to leadership, beginning with the Senior Facilities Manager. 
• Promote a respectful, service-oriented approach that supports children, families, staff, and visitors from diverse backgrounds. 
• Perform other related duties and accepted assignments as needed. 

Requirements

Education and Certification

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Trade certification, facilities-related coursework, or equivalent experience preferred. 

Experience Requirements

• 3-5 years of facility maintenance experience required. 
• Security and/or life safety experience preferred. 

Required Knowledge

• Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Teams. 
• Experience with a facilities work-order or maintenance management system. 
• Working knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and life safety systems. 

Vehicle and Transportation Requirements

• Valid driver’s license required. 
• Current auto insurance required when using a personal vehicle for work-related travel. 
• Reliable transportation required for travel between ECR locations. 

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to multitask in a high-stress environment. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and at all levels of the organization. 
• Ability to think critically and apply strong problem-solving skills. 
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn ECR systems and technology. 

ADA: Easterseals will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990. Unless exempted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, all persons hired for this position are required to possess the ability to perform the physical tasks necessary to treat clients, i.e., bending, floor-sitting, etc., as well as to have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.