Building Administrator Position Description

Building Administrator, Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA

Position Description:

The Building Administrator serves as the overall coordinator of facilities management for a historic church in downtown Richmond, Virginia.  Responsibilities include maintenance and improvements for buildings and grounds, office technology, onsite rental properties and the supervision of custodial staff.  This is a 32-hour per week position offering medical, retirement and paid leave benefits.

Second Presbyterian Church (established 1845) consists of four buildings (the six-story Virginia Building, the three-story Hawes Building, the three-story chapel, and the two-story church) that have been integrated over the years into one physical space.  The church has undergone many comprehensive and partial restorations and renovations with the latest major initiative completed in 2020.

Position Accountabilities:

·       Observe and inspect the condition of the church’s physical plant (interior and exterior) and all related systems and equipment.

·       Prioritize needed repairs and improvements; determine the best solution for corrective or restorative action (by Building Administrator, volunteers, or professional tradespeople), and manage those tasks to completion.  

·       Prepare monthly reporting of pending, on-going, proposed and completed projects for the Property Council.

·       Secure the services of professional contractors when needed, which may include preparing scope documents, reviewing contractor proposals, and making contract award recommendations to Property Council; coordinate access to buildings and supervise services provided.

·       Coordinate the custodial activities of the Sextons.

·       Coordinate church volunteers willing to help with inspections and repairs.

·       Serve as point-of-contact for commercial tenants (approx. six) for leases and building maintenance issues.

·       Support Property Council projects as needed during periods of renovation.

Organizational Relationship:

This position reports to the Pastor with a close working relationship and additional accountabilities to the Property Council Chair.

Position Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

·       Associates degree in a related field or 5+ years relevant work experience; Bachelors’ degree in the engineering field preferred

·       Experience in facilities maintenance or property management; historic buildings preferred

·       Practical (hands-on) experience in home or building maintenance/improvement 

·       Experience in engaging professional tradespeople; including vetting, negotiating services and evaluating contracts

Knowledge and Skills Required:

·       General knowledge of building codes and construction, especially as related to historic buildings

·       Mechanical aptitude related to buildings, and building systems

·       Working knowledge of project management – preparing a scope of work, soliciting contractor proposals, evaluating options, reviewing submitted proposals, awarding contracts, monitoring implementation, dealing with scope changes, and dealing with contractual nonperformance

·       Working knowledge of general liability and property insurance

·       Working knowledge of regulations relating to properties located in historic districts

·       Working knowledge of plumbing and electrical systems

·       Working knowledge of HVAC and HVAC control system operations

·       Working knowledge of roofing and drainage systems

·       Working knowledge of building security systems and fire safety systems

·       Working knowledge of office technology - computers, internet and telephones

·       Working knowledge of leasing property

·       Handyman skills to handle simple repairs as needed

·       Proficiency with MS Word and Excel 

Attributes and Competencies:

·       Excellent people skills necessary to effectively engage with clergy staff, volunteers, congregants, contractors and suppliers.

·       Effective supervisory skills to manage church sextons in positive work environment.

·       Strong communication and humility in working with others.

·       Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently, establish priorities and timelines, and complete assignments according to schedules and plans.

·       Strong organizational skills in creating and maintaining efficient storage of data, building materials, parts, tools and equipment.

·       Openness to accept and support change, as well as leading others to creating shared, positive outcomes.