Position Title: Facilities Manager (Updated 5/8/2026)
Department: Memorial Union
Advertised Pay: Lower $50,000’s
Campus Location: Washburn University
Application
Deadline: Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can
be assured of full consideration if submitted by May 21, 2026.
Position Summary: The Facilities Manager oversees
daily operations, ensuring facilities are safe, functional, and ready for various events by managing maintenance, staff, vendors, inventory,
budgets, and client needs, handling everything from minor repairs and cleaning to coordinating event setups and ensuring compliance with
health and safety standards. Maintains equipment, including but not limited to cleaning, audiovisual, furniture, and mechanical systems,
while serving as the central point of contact for smooth event execution and long-term, efficient, and cost-effective facility operations
and improvements.
About Washburn University: Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public
institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for
first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are
first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve
their educational goals.
Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating
a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout
Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance.
Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership,
achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according
to Great Colleges to Work For® program.
Essential Functions:
- Manages the day-to-day custodial operations and
maintenance of the facilities managed by the Memorial Union. - Plan, direct, schedule, and supervise all event and facility setup,
tear-down, and clean-up for activities that take place in the facilities to ensure all is in order before and after events. -
Inspect facilities regularly to identify needed repairs, maintenance, and cleanliness issues. Work with Facilities Services to schedule
repairs using the computerized work order system and direct staff to maintain cleanliness standards for buildings’ appearance, utility, and
safety. - Make recommendations to the Director for innovations, changes, and procurement of new/replacement equipment, furniture,
and decorations to initiate facility updates. Work with students, staff, and customers to generate and implement ideas that improve the
quality of cleanliness and customer service provided. - Inspect custodial closets to ensure appropriate quantities of supplies and
materials are on hand and stored properly. Order replacement materials through the website program to ensure custodial staff have the
resources they need to complete assigned tasks. - Inventory and inspect custodial equipment to ensure the equipment is in good
condition and correctly stored. Evaluate new and/or different products to identify more cost-effective and efficient materials, gathering
input from others if available. Ensure Biohazard and Safety Data Sheets (SOS) reference books or logs are up to date and available. - Supervise, support, and manage assigned staff to maximize employee performance and facilitate professional growth. Recruit, hire,
train, schedule, and evaluate staff performance and effectiveness. - Provide appropriate feedback and professional development
opportunities. Discuss corrective actions to improve staff performance with the Director. Support the Director’s established performance
standards and train workers to perform their duties accordingly. Complete reviews for custodial staff and student employees according to
University policies and procedures. Work with the Director to initiate recruitment as positions become vacant. Recommend hire, discipline,
and other personnel-related actions to the Director to address and resolve personnel issues. - Work to maintain a healthy work
environment by promoting teamwork and collaboration. Actively promotes a professional workplace of mutual respect and collegiality for all
members of the institution, and works to build positive, cooperative relationships with all staff, encouraging them to work toward
individual and departmental goals. - Plan, organize, schedule, and direct the work of custodians and student employees assigned to
supervise. Monitor work in progress to ensure the timely and appropriate completion of room setups, custodial, and other assigned tasks.
Observe staff’s work to ensure University and building policies/procedures are followed and that safety measures are observed. -
Optimize the use of facility space and custodial staff for all events. - Supporting AV setup when specialized staff are not
available. - Responsible for providing effective communication to the campus community and guests of the University regularly to
address and resolve issues related to building usage or related matters. - Identify and develop, demonstrate, or procure training
(one-on-one or group) for custodial staff and student employees to: - Help staff perform cleaning duties and room-set-ups
effectively, efficiently, and safely with emphasis on appropriate techniques for lifting and moving to prevent injury. - Proper use
of chemicals and equipment to ensure standards for cleanliness and safety are met, and Department and University policies/procedures, for
cleaning methods and practices are followed. - Correct performance of new duties or modified methods, to ensure all tasks are
completed according to standards for appearance and safety. - Positive customer service approach and interaction.
-
Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.
Non-Essential Functions:
-
Assisting with general office duties (filing, data entry, answering phones). - Preparing routine reports that are not
time-sensitive. - Maintaining internal documentation templates.
- Taking photos or videos of event setups for training
documentation. - Coordinating audio/visual options with clients and University Scheduling.
- Assisting other departments
during non-peak times. - Participating in committees or internal initiatives.
Required
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience in facilities/event management or custodial work
with at least two years of custodial experience. - Ability to use computer software, including Microsoft products.
-
Ability to interpret room diagrams, direct room setups based on diagrams, or the ability to learn this skill within 30 days of hire. - Ability to connect audiovisual event setup.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license
with an acceptable driving record by Washburn’s standards.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to use
correct lifting/moving techniques, to reach/lift equipment above shoulders repetitively, and maneuver materials/equipment weighing as much
as 60 pounds without assistance. - Capacity to work from ladders and hydraulic lift platforms as high as 30 feet.
-
Willingness to work an adjusted schedule as required during weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Preferred
Qualifications:
- One year of experience supervising custodial staff.
- Experience with conference/hotel venue
setups and tear-downs. - Experience in troubleshooting and resolving issues with audiovisual, computer and telecommunications
equipment. - Work experience in higher education.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Exempt, Full-time, Mon-Fri
Background check and driving history are required.
EEO Statement
Washburn is
dedicated to providing a student-centered and teaching focused academic environment and a curriculum that engages the diversity of human
experience across the globe. We seek candidates who are committed to Washburn’s efforts to create a climate that fosters the growth and
development of a diverse student body, and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in
higher education. Application materials should clearly articulate how the candidate will contribute to the University’s commitment to
diversity and inclusion through their teaching, research, and/or service.
Washburn University is an EOE. Washburn University provides
equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin,
ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.
