Operations Coordinator, Center on Halsted, Chicago, IL

Operations Coordinator

Posted on: August 8, 2013
Posted by: Center on Halsted

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Be a proactive member of the operations team at Center on Halsted (COH), the largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Community Center in the Midwest. Ensure that the daily activities, events and meetings of the Center run smoothly. Identify, resolve and effectively communicate foreseeable operational problems, particularly infrastructural issues. Assist with the setup of events, including assisting with arranging furniture, checking out equipment and setting up AV systems. Respond to hostile clients and emergencies. Demonstrate cultural competency when interacting with members of the LGBTQ community. When needed, effectively converse with other staff in order to ensure that programs and services are successful. Monitor the performance of and coach the contracted cleaning company, reception, and contracted security. Promptly complete assigned daily activities and directives. Prioritize projects. As needed, complete required paperwork.

JOB DUTIES

Building Maintenance and Routine Duties:

• Inspect and maintain the overall appearance of the building and grounds; ensure that the building is clean and safe at all times; provide direction as needed to reception
• Regularly visit the public spaces in the building; address security, cleaning and maintenance issues as they arise; report any such issues in the required daily report
• Complete morning and closing checklists and other assigned projects; return completed checklist forms to the Director of Operations
• Monitor the performance of the contracted cleaning company and coach as needed
• When necessary, conduct minor fixes and repairs to damaged areas throughout building and grounds, including some relevant equipment at COH
• As needed, setup and conduct post-cleanup for scheduled venues at COH, such duties can include the following: deliver refreshments and food; setup and take-down of bars; move, arrange, and/or remove furniture; setup and take down of AV equipment; general cleaning duties; review of inventory of items used for event; inspect the space of the event for damaged areas; organize and clean areas, etc.
• Learn and then, demonstrate how to setup and use AV equipment, theatre equipment, gym equipment, and technology including ability to setup laptops, transfer computer files as well as building tasks, e.g. maintaining the gray water system; ability to work without supervision is essential; when necessary, train other staff on these tasks

Communication Duties:

• Maintain positive communications with other COH personnel and individuals and/or their respective organizations; ensure successful communication with other invested stakeholders, such as individuals/organizations that are interested in renting space at COH
• As needed, evaluate, prioritize, respond to, and follow-up with the requests of relevant stakeholders so as to (1) ensure successful customer satisfaction, and (2) ensure that all relevant policies at COH are adhered to
• Communicate relevant problems, particularly infrastructural problems, to other operational staff (such communication will include sending effective emails and by noting them on a "punch list"); as appropriate, take corrective actions to address such problems
• When necessary, communicate with the contracted cleaning company's administrative designee(s) and/or staff members, along with the operations staff at COH, in order to address and resolve any problems as they relate to the provision of successful cleaning services
• Communicate to staff and the patrons at COH relevant policies

Duties Related to Responding to Critical Incidents:

• As they occur, respond to hostile clients and/or other emergencies; at times, participate in mediation meetings with suspended individuals; coach new security staff and ensure expectations are met
• Be knowledgeable about general building systems and precautions (plumbing, fire, mechanical and electric); when necessary, execute and lead building evacuation procedures
• Ensure Center clients and patrons adhere to the Center's Code of Conduct policy

WORK WEEK

This part time position offers between 22.5 and 30 hours a week. Normally shifts are 7 ½ hours in length, either opening from 8a-3p or closing from 3p-10p but may vary depending on our needs. Flexibility is critical as we have needs for daytime, nighttime, and weekend shifts. This position is generally scheduled for 3 or 4 days weekly, contingent on needs.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Action Oriented – enjoys working hard and looks for challenges; able to act and react as necessary, even when limited information is available; not afraid to take charge of a situation;
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and commitment to the mission of Center on Halsted
• Flexible and able to multi-task; can work in ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while making sure that the objectives for the day are achieved
• Lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender sensitivity; should be able to act in a culturally competent manner when interacting with diverse clientele
• Strong written and Oral Communication skills – ability to identify and communicate problems when necessary
• Ability to lift no more than 50 pounds required; position frequently requires lifting or carrying objects that weigh up to 25 pounds
• Handyman skills strongly preferred

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not a comprehensive list of all of the possible job-related responsibilities, tasks and duties that are required of this position, and further, Center on Halsted reserves the right to change as it sees fit any and all of the employee's responsibilities, tasks and duties.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply by email with the subject Operations Coordinator. Email resume, cover letter, and salary history/salary range expectations to: HR Department, careers@centeronhalsted.org. No calls please.

In your cover letter, address the following questions:

1. Tell me about a time when you successfully dealt with feelings of stress at work.

1. What is your approach to engaging individuals that are not following the rules?

1. Please describe a time when you took a proactive approach and led a successful big or small project.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Center on Halsted hires the most qualified candidates without regard to any person's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, military discharge status or source of income.