Senior Director, Campus Infrastructure and Facility Operations

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org. 

• Reporting to the Senior Vice President, this leadership role at the zoo is responsible for overseeing campus development including planning, construction, and capital projects, the repair, maintenance, and cleanliness of facilities and grounds, the management of campus infrastructure, vehicle fleet, and equipment, building operating systems, engineering and other contracted service providers.
• This position is primarily on-site, with limited opportunities for remote work based on operational needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborate across departments to align campus infrastructure and facility operational goals to ensure all zoo needs are met, embracing the zoo’s tagline of “For Wildlife. For All.”
• Provide regular updates, insights, and strategic recommendations to the senior leadership team and appropriate Board committees.
• Partner with the Senior Vice President to define and achieve departmental objectives, metrics, timelines, budgets, and accountability systems.
• Lead by example to motivate a high-performing team and foster a safe, productive, and service-oriented workplace culture.
• Develop policies and procedures for preventative and seasonal maintenance, repair, housekeeping, resource planning, and asset management programs, that are efficient, economical, and high impact.
• Liaise with the Chicago Park District on infrastructure operations, maintenance, and improvements as necessary.
• Advance the zoo’s Campus Plan, including strategic oversight of design, planning, and construction initiatives.
• Manage capital projects end-to-end from RFP development and contractor selection to cost assessment, planning, and construction oversight.
• Ensure smooth coordination and communication between zoo departments and external service providers to deliver efficient, high-quality results.
• Implement and maintain an asset management plan covering mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life support, and other infrastructure systems.
• Develop and enforce a comprehensive risk management strategy for the department, ensuring policies, procedures, and training uphold the highest safety standards.
• Champion green initiatives to enhance the zoo’s sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget and operational plans in alignment with institutional priorities.
• Support the professional growth of staff through coaching, training, and opportunities for skill development.
• Demonstrate excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills that balance scope, quality, and cost—ensuring accountability and excellence from staff and contracted service providers.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success of zoo operations.

KNOWLEGDE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels.
• Proactive problem-solving and negotiation abilities with a strategic, adaptable mindset.
• Advanced knowledge of facilities operations, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, life support, and other infrastructure systems.
• Familiarity with water quality management for both mechanical and biological systems.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to communicate and be understood in business English
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint) and CMMS platforms (e.g., FMX).
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports, including schedules and budgets
• Ability to produce clear, actionable reports, schedules, and budgets.
• Experience managing complex projects from concept to completion.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently and maintain a high level of accountability and professionalism.
• Respectful and courteous demeanor with staff, guests, and external partners.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent; may be substituted by relevant levels of work experience.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of five years’ experience in facilities or construction management, preferably in a service-oriented or public-facing institution.   
• Proven expertise in facilities maintenance, project management, building systems, and construction oversight.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and during special events as required.
• Possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license with good driving record
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, and climb stairs/ladders.

OUR PROMISE

• Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming.
• We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. 
• For Wildlife.
• For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

• In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield)  as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):
• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only) A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!
• Salary: $120,000-$160,000

Salary

• $120,000-160,000/annually