Job Description

Facilities Manager

Canyon seeks a full-time Facilities Manager to oversee the operation and maintenance of Canyon's Lower East Side venue.

Who We Are

Canyon is a new media art institution opening on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in fall 2026. Spanning approximately 40,000 square feet, the venue encompasses exhibition galleries, a 120-seat performance space, an 800-person event hall, a restaurant, bar, mezzanine café, and theater. Canyon presents two major exhibitions per year alongside a year-round program of live events, performances, screenings, and community programming.

Position Overview

The Facilities Manager is responsible for the day-to-day and long-term care of Canyon's building and systems. The role oversees all aspects of facilities operations - building systems, maintenance, and custodial - across a hybrid team of in-house staff and contracted vendors. The Facilities Manager reports to the Chief Operating Officer and works closely with curatorial, production, and operations staff to ensure that Canyon's physical environment supports the unique demands of presenting time-based media art and live performance.

As the first staff member in this role, the Facilities Manager will be integral in helping to build out systems, vendor relationships, training programs, and operating procedures for a newly opened venue. Because Canyon is a public-facing institution, the Facilities Manager and their team will play a defining role in shaping visitors' experience. The ideal candidate understands that facilities in a cultural setting are as much about hospitality and public engagement as they are about safety and infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operation, maintenance, and repair of Canyon's building, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting, and life-safety systems
• Develop and manage preventive maintenance schedules, capital repair plans, and long-term facilities budgets
• Manage relationships with contractors and vendors, including janitorial, mechanical, and specialized trades
• Coordinate with curatorial and production staff on exhibition installations and performance setups, with particular attention to the environmental and technical requirements of time-based media (climate, light, sound, projection) and live events
• Ensure compliance with all applicable city, state, and federal regulations, including DOB, FDNY, DEP, and ADA requirements
• Collaborate with the Security Manager on access control, keying, and camera and alarm system upkeep
• Maintain inventory of tools, equipment, supplies, and consumables; reorder as needed and track usage

Cleaning & Custodial

• Recruit, onboard, and supervise a small team of in-house custodial staff
• Oversee routine custodial operations across all public, back-of-house, and mechanical spaces
• Develop and maintain a schedule for periodic deep cleans of the full facility, coordinating with in-house and contracted janitorial staff
• Maintain cleaning logs and ensure standards are consistently upheld
• Conduct regular walkthroughs to identify issues and ensure spaces meet cleanliness and presentation standards before public hours

• Develop and maintain an integrated pest management program, including routine inspections and documented response protocols

Safety & Compliance

• Working with the Security Manager, implement, and manage Emergency Action Plans for fire and life safety; lead regular Canyon-wide emergency drills and training
• Maintain incident documentation and produce regular reports on facilities operations for senior leadership
• Ensure ADA compliance is maintained throughout the building, including upkeep of accessible features such as lifts, door operators, and signage
• Support exhibitions, performances, and special events by ensuring adequate facilities staffing and physical conditions

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in facilities management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity
• Demonstrated experience managing both in-house staff and contracted vendors, including hiring, performance management, and scheduling
• Working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems, and the ability to manage specialized contractors
• Familiarity with NYC building codes and regulatory agencies (DOB, FDNY, DEP)
• Experience developing and overseeing custodial programs, including routine and deep-clean scheduling
• Familiarity with integrated pest management practices and vendor coordination
• Strong project management, budgeting, and vendor management skills
• Comfort with basic facilities management, record keeping, and reporting; experience with CMMS or facilities management software (e.g., UpKeep, Corrigo, or similar) a plus
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on-call response
• Ability to stand for extended periods, navigate stairs, and lift up to 25 lbs
• Sound judgment and discretion in all interactions with visitors, staff, and artists

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Experience in a museum, performing arts venue, or other cultural institution
• Experience supporting live performance or event production
• FDNY Fire & Life Safety Director certification (F-89, F-07) and related Certificates of Fitness, or willingness to obtain
• Experience opening or commissioning a new building or venue
• Genuine interest in contemporary art, performance, or time-based media - staff at Canyon will regularly field patron questions about the work on view, and curiosity about digital and time-based art helps set the tone for the team
• Additional language skills

Compensation and Benefits Salary is commensurate with experience. The expected range is $100,000–$120,000.

This is a full-time salaried position. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance; a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account; a 401(k) retirement account with a matching contribution; and tuition reimbursement. We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To Apply

Please upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references in the 'Resume' section of the job application portal.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. All background checks will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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