Position Description:
The Esplanade Association (EA) seeks an experienced, hands-on Facilities Manager to launch and lead daily operations for the Smith Family Pavilion at Charlesbank, EA’s new year-round public campus serving millions of Esplanade visitors. This role will keep the pavilion and campus safe, welcoming, clean, and high-performing—from restrooms, community rooms, lobby, café, offices, and operations spaces to the trash room, pathways that need to be cleared of snow, irrigated lawns that require special care, HVAC, utility and security systems, and maintenance services. Working closely with Visitor Services and Park Operations, the Facilities Manager will coordinate vendors, solve operational challenges, improve systems, and ensure Charlesbank is ready every day for public use, programs, rentals, and the unexpected.
About the Esplanade Association (www.esplanade.org):
Founded in 2001, the Esplanade Association (EA) is the community-supported non-profit dedicated to expanding the care of and for the historic Charles River Esplanade through projects, programs and plantings that amplify the park experience for over 4 million visitors annually. The Esplanade is downtown Boston’s 64-acre state park maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). This cultural landmark is revered for its natural and cultivated beauty, history, riverfront access, miles of popular running and biking trails, and dynamic programs with numerous organizations. EA’s
contributions include funding and implementing the following enhancements, revitalizations and activations: over 150 free educational, recreational and cultural programs offered annually; nearly 200 new trees planted through the Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.); repair or reconstruction of beloved amenities including Lotta Fountain, Community Boating docks and Centennial Fountain; both temporary and long-term public art commissions; playground maintenance and accessible design, including the
Gronk Playground in 2025; plans underway to introduce a new building and two-acre landscape improvement at
Charlesbank that will equitably welcome many neighborhoods to a year-round destination in the park; and much more. It's an exciting time to join our community-engaged non-profit as it grows in scale, visibility, and impact.
Responsibilities:
Start up and Manage Ongoing Operations (55%)
- For the Charlesbank campus and Smith Family Pavilion, oversee all HVAC, MEP and Security/Alarm systems from pre-opening of the new building at completion of construction, including start-up and commissioning, walkthrough and instruction on use of systems through inspection approvals.
- For general ongoing operations, establish and track building management and safety protocols, as well as operations and maintenance (O&M) manuals, attic stock storage, warranties, and all close out paperwork, with guidance from the Director of Visitor Services.
- Establish SOPs and supervise all facilities and custodial operations with EA staff and contracted vendors. Prioritize, direct, and assign work to be performed and ensure timely completion. Regularly assess work quality and ideas for improvement and efficiency. Regularly evaluate contracted services to ensure they meet the demands of the busy pavilion.
- Select and manage a CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) and all community submitted service requests.
- Oversee the preventative maintenance program and all completed work orders and work requests. Identify local suppliers for quick access to necessary parts and tools that are not already onsite.
- Manage budget and schedule all contracted trades, vendors, and staff providing carpentry, paint, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), Life Safety/Fire Alarm, Fire Protection, Energy Management System, waste disposal, custodial, and all other services provided to CBK including required annual inspections.
- Conduct daily tours of the building to identify and note any deficiencies and schedule appropriate service for corrective maintenance.
- Submit Regular reports to the Operations Committee: budgets, monitor and track solar usage, utilities, meter readings and reports to recommend efficiencies and improvement, and systems to track and meet sustainability goals (# of bags of trash vs recycling etc.) with Sustainability Coordinator.
- Track and contribute to improvements for ADA universal access goals.
- Oversee well-managed storage and general supplies inventory (restroom, trash, frequently used parts, etc.)
- Oversee shared use spaces between Programs, Park Operations and the Cafe/Catering operator for event or program set ups and services, including back-of-house spaces: the workshop, garage, storage and operations yard.
- Collaborate with and support the Director of Visitor Services on all projects
Rental/Reservations/Programs and Projects (25%)
- Work closely with the Events & Reservation Manager to monitor site condition before and after all event rentals for necessary reports or repairs.
- Monitor wear and tear on daily use equipment and fixtures.
- Support EA staff in all events and programs as the lead team-member to enforce building capacities and fire codes.
Safety & Security (10%)
- Responsible as main point of contact for the alarm system responses, annual testing, required reports for EA staff and campus partners.
- Maintain positive and productive relationships with points of contact at local emergency services. Champion emergency protocols and preparations.
- Communicate promptly with senior staff about urgent building systems issues, especially in relation to required closures. Offer recommendations for adjusted services based on weather, building systems, local emergency alerts, etc.
- Be attentive and responsive to safety and access pinch points, especially in public areas of campus, including ADA access requirements.
- Be prepared to complete required CPR training, if not already certified.
Other (10%)
- Other functions as needed for Visitor Services department relating to the CBK campus
- Contribute to a welcoming, visitor-focused culture that promotes public use of park space including CBK campus
- All other duties assigned by the Director of Visitor Services
Qualifications:
- Degree in Facilities Engineering or related field preferred; 5+ years of progressively responsible facilities or trades management experience may substitute.
- Flexible schedule required, including emergency response outside business hours and on-site presence during building or weather emergencies.
- Strong management, organization, communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and multitasking skills; able to work independently as a self-starter.
- Able to lift 75–100 pounds.
- Basic knowledge of A/V equipment, computers, and projector operations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; familiarity with building automation systems and CMMS preferred.
- Ability to analyze data and create useful reports.
- Hospital facilities experience a plus.
- Familiarity with Boston’s Esplanade and passion for parks, recreation, open space, and climate resilience a plus.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills a plus.
Logistics:
- Work hours are on average 40 hours per week, currently Monday through Friday, 9a-5p. Starting December 2026, work hours will be on average 40 hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday, 11am - 7pm. Work will also require flexibility/availability on mornings, evenings, and weekends for deadlines, meetings, and tasks assigned.
- Must be able to work on-site, full-time; the position is not remote.
- Work will require being in both indoor and outdoor settings across seasons.
- Work will require applicant to bend, reach, carry, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties.
- Applicants are subject to Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) check, however, we believe in rehabilitation and will provide any applicant with the opportunity to address past work and life experiences.
Compensation:
- EA offers a competitive salary for the Boston non-profit and parks sector. Performance and compensation are reviewed regularly, and management provides all employees with transparent benchmarks and paths for professional development and promotion within the organization. Per recent market research, the annual salary range for this position will be $70,000-80,000, commensurate with prior experience and demonstrated skills. The advertised pay scale is not a guarantee of a specific wage; however, it represents the maximum compensation we can offer. The compensation provided to a candidate may depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications.
Benefits:
- 15 vacation, 12 sick & 2 personal days per year (after 2 years of service, vacation days increase to 17)
- 11 holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, MLK Day, and Presidents Day off and the 6 remaining as floating holidays depending on holiday worked, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day and Veterans Day.
- Health and dental insurance, 80% of monthly premium paid by EA
- Health savings account with $2,500 EA contribution for those enrolled in EA health plan
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Clothing allowance
- Commuter benefits, pre-tax deduction up to $300/month
- Paid professional development opportunities
Application Process:
- Include 1-page cover letter that answers this question: “How would you start your day to ensure the Smith Family Pavilion and Charlesbank Campus is ready for whatever is happening there?”
- Resume should include at least 2 references for roles within the past 3 years.
- Each file name should include the applicant’s last name.
The Esplanade Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and greatly encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key and valued component of our work to promote a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive experience on the Esplanade through an organization that is itself diverse and inclusive.
Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to non-profit administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest and what you hope to bring to this role.
