A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and a resume as one PDF file (due to system limitations).
 

The Facilities Operations Manager at Bentley Historical Library oversees operations, maintenance, space management, security, and project support across three library sites. As the primary contact for facilities issues, this role coordinates maintenance, safety, and custodial activities with University departments, contractors, and vendors.

The Facilities Operations Manager exercises independent judgment to resolve routine and complex facility problems, escalating major issues to the Associate Director for Budget and Administration as needed. Core duties include managing building systems, access controls, emergency preparedness, safety training, and staff onboarding and offboarding, as well as coordinating space relocations, event setups, inventories, property disposition, and supporting renovation projects.

This position requires frequent travel between locations, safe lifting of up to 50 pounds, and flexible work hours to meet operational needs. Supports and accommodations are available if needed. Duties are performed in offices, library spaces, and occasional mechanical or construction environments, with the need to be able to go up and down ladders or stairs. 
 

About the Bentley Historical Library

The Bentley Historical Library, a vital part of the University of Michigan, is dedicated to collecting and promoting the study of the histories of the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan. Open to the public without fee, the Library welcomes researchers of all backgrounds. With over 11,000 research collections, including the papers of Michigan governors, records of student and faculty life, and the complete historical archive of Michigan's intercollegiate athletics, the Bentley provides a rich resource for historical research. The Library features a state-of-the-art conservation lab where expert archivists and conservators teach and preserve materials such as books, maps, and architectural drawings. Additionally, the historic Detroit Observatory on the University's central campus is a division of the Library, further enhancing its resources and outreach.
For more information, please visit our website: bentley.umich.edu

About the Administrative Services Team

The Administrative Services Team (AST) at Bentley Historical Library is led by the Associate Director for Budget and Administration. Our dedicated team specializes in overseeing budget, finance, human resources, general operations, and facilities management. The AST collaborates closely with all teams within the Bentley, ensuring seamless integration of administrative functions and effective support for the library's mission. Through strategic management and cross-departmental coordination, the AST plays a crucial role in sustaining the library's operational excellence and advancing our institutional goals.

A detailed list of responsibilities is available here

• Facilities Operations: Coordinate maintenance, repairs, custodial services, and project support across Bentley locations.
• Project Management: Plan, execute, and track facility maintenance, technology upgrades, and space improvements, ensuring timely completion and communication with stakeholders.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary contact between Bentley staff, campus facilities partners, and external vendors. Communicate updates, resolve issues, and maintain strong relationships.
• Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Develop and facilitate annual and biannual safety/emergency trainings and response plans.
• Technology and Process Improvement: Utilize tools including Google Workspace, AiM CMMS, and Asana to streamline workflows and recommend solutions for better operations.
• General Operations Support: Assist with purchasing, inventory, updates to internal documentation, and support for event logistics.
   

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience in facilities operations, building management, project management, or a related area.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, manage, and complete projects or initiatives independently or as part of a team.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical and operational information to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to build trust and work effectively within teams and alongside external partners (e.g., vendors, university departments).
• Familiarity with building systems, facilities maintenance practices, and space management.
• Proficiency with productivity and workflow tools (e.g., Google Workspace, AiM CMMS, Asana) or a demonstrated ability to learn new platforms.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Openness to learning and adapting to evolving technologies and operational processes.
• Ability to safely lift and transport equipment or materials (up to 50 pounds), routinely travel between library sites, and occasional flexibility for after-hours or emergency response.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Salary Information
The general salary range for this position is $70,000 - $76,000. Candidates can expect to be paid a competitive and equitable salary. Factors used to determine salary include education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position, and internal equity within the unit. All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.

Additional Information
The mode of work for this position is in-person.

Excellent benefits are available; for details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/

 

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and will continue until the position is filled. 

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.