Facilities Coordinator

About the Society

Founded in 1901, the Society of Illustrators is America's oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of illustration. Located in a historic townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side, the Society operates a museum, presents rotating exhibitions, educational programs, private events, and serves as a gathering place for artists, members, and the public.

Our historic townhouse is home to world-class exhibitions, educational programs, artist events, and private rentals throughout the year.

We are seeking a dependable, hands-on Facilities Coordinator to help maintain our historic building and support the day-to-day operations of the museum.

Position Summary

The Facilities Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the Society's historic building and ensuring it is clean, safe, organized, and welcoming for visitors, artists, members, and staff.

This is a highly active, hands-on position where cleaning and facility care are essential daily responsibilities, alongside event support, exhibition preparation, light maintenance, and general building operations. The Facilities Coordinator works closely with every department to help ensure the museum runs smoothly.

This position reports to the Operations Manager.

Responsibilities

Cleaning & Building Care

• Clean galleries, offices, restrooms, kitchen, stairwells, storage areas, and other public spaces on a daily basis
• Maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen, including washing dishes and glassware throughout the day and after events
• Remove trash and recycling and prepare materials for scheduled collection
• Restock restroom, kitchen, and janitorial supplies and monitor inventory levels, notifying the Operations Manager when supplies need to be reordered
• Vacuum, mop, dust, and maintain museum floors and public areas
• Paint and touch up gallery walls before and after exhibitions
• Prepare galleries between exhibitions to ensure they are clean and presentation-ready
• Water and maintain the museum's patio and outdoor spaces
• Monitor the cleanliness of the walk-in refrigerator and other back-of-house areas
• Ensure all cleaning equipment, tools, and supplies are used, maintained, and stored safely
• Keep storage and work areas clean, organized, and orderly

Facilities & Maintenance

• Open the museum and prepare the building for daily operations
• Perform light maintenance and repairs, including painting, changing light bulbs, furniture assembly, hanging artwork, and other basic handyman tasks
• Receive deliveries and assist with vendor and contractor access
• Monitor the building for maintenance issues and report repair needs to the Operations Manager
• Assist with routine building inspections and preventative maintenance
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for visitors, staff, artists, and members

Museum Operations & Events

• Set up and break down Sketch Night, workshops, receptions, private rentals, and special events
• Arrange tables, chairs, podiums, AV equipment, coat check, and other event furniture, ensuring all equipment is properly stored after each event
• Assist with exhibition installations and deinstallations as needed
• Move furniture, artwork, pedestals, crates, and equipment as needed
• Reset galleries and event spaces following programs and rentals
• Support staff during exhibition openings, Sketch Night, workshops, and other museum events
• Assist with securing and locking the building after evening programs and Saturday museum hours

Typical Schedule

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position.

The typical work schedule is Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, with Tuesday and Sunday as the regular days off.

• Monday begins with an early 7:00 AM start to accommodate the building's scheduled trash collection and weekly deep cleaning and is typically a shorter workday.
• The position includes a weekly Wednesday evening for Sketch Night.
• Saturday includes museum closing responsibilities.
• Additional evening hours are required during exhibition openings, private rentals, Summer Sessions, and other special events throughout the year. Paid overtime is provided in accordance with applicable law.

The exact weekly schedule will be established with the successful candidate based on the museum's operating hours, exhibition schedule, and special events.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Previous experience in facilities, custodial services, museum operations, hospitality, event production, or a related field preferred
• Strong handyman skills and the ability to perform basic maintenance and repairs
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Detail-oriented and takes pride in maintaining clean, organized, and welcoming spaces
• Dependable, punctual, self-motivated, and able to work independently while also working collaboratively as part of a small team
• Friendly and professional when interacting with staff, artists, vendors, members, and visitors
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with staff, vendors, and visitors
• Flexible schedule, including early Monday mornings, regular Wednesday evenings, and additional evening hours during the museum's busy event season
• Food Handler's Certificate is a plus (or willingness to obtain one if required)
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting and moving up to 50 pounds
• Comfortable climbing stairs and ladders and working in a five-story historic building without an elevator

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: From $42,000, commensurate with experience, plus paid overtime
• Overtime paid in accordance with applicable law
• Optional participation in the Society's health insurance plan
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave

Why Join the Society?

The Facilities Coordinator plays an essential role in the daily life of the Society. From preparing galleries for world-class exhibitions to supporting memorable public programs and private events, your work has a visible impact every day.

If you enjoy hands-on work, take pride in maintaining beautiful spaces, and want to be part of a small, collaborative team at one of New York City's premier museums, we'd love to hear from you.

The Society of Illustrators is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.

How to apply

Send cover letter and resume to jobs@societyillustrators.org.

Pay: Up to $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,000