Director of Operations

Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is a global Jewish human rights organization that confronts anti-Semitism and hate, defends the safety of Israel and Jews worldwide, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust through awareness, advocacy, justice, education, and its Museums of Tolerance. With a constituency of over 400,000 member families since its founding in 1977, the SWC has an international footprint through its Museums of Tolerance, Moriah Films, and the Digital Terrorism Hate Project.  

Headquartered in Los Angeles, it maintains operations in New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Paris, Berlin, Jerusalem, and Buenos Aires. It is an accredited Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations, UNESCO, the Organization of American States, the Latin American Parliament, and the Council of Europe and maintains relationships with the highest levels of governments throughout the world.  

In 1993, the Center opened the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles to worldwide acclaim. The Museum has served as the Center’s flagship educational arm, challenging visitors to confront bigotry and racism, and to understand the Holocaust in both historical and contemporary contexts. In addition, the Center developed Moriah Media to produce theatrical documentaries to educate global audiences. Moriah has produced 17 documentaries to date, two of which have received the Academy Award for best feature documentary, The Long Way Home and Genocide. 

About the Job:

The Director of Operations will oversee all aspects of physical operations across SWC facilities, including maintenance, security, audiovisual systems, engineering, office operations, MMOT and project management. This leadership role requires hands-on management, ensuring our properties remain safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing while supporting our mission. You will develop and execute maintenance plans, manage budgets, collaborate on construction projects, and maintain high operational standards.

About You:

You are an experienced professional with a proven track record of overseeing day-to-day operations in large facilities. You excel in managing building maintenance, security, AV systems, engineering, and project management. Your leadership is collaborative and hands-on, ensuring that teams are aligned with organizational goals. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about creating safe, efficient, and welcoming spaces for employees and visitors.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Facilities Operations and Maintenance: Ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient daily operation and maintenance of all building utility systems, including HVAC, fire/life safety systems, mechanical systems, lighting controls, elevators, plumbing, kitchen equipment, and security systems. Create and manage comprehensive plans and records for all building maintenance.
• Building Maintenance and Upkeep: Oversee the repair, maintenance, and aesthetic upkeep of all SWC properties (Pico and Roxbury), including landscaping, painting, and ensuring the upkeep of public spaces, exhibit areas, offices, and staff common areas. Provide monthly status reports detailing the state of the buildings.
• Security Management: Oversee the daily operations of security protocols for all facilities, ensuring a safe and secure environment for staff, visitors, and guests. Collaborate with security vendors and manage security personnel as needed.
• AV/Audio Operations: Manage the audiovisual systems across the facilities, ensuring that all equipment is functional and available for programs, meetings, and events. Oversee the AV team and ensure smooth operations of all related technology.
• MMOT (Mobile Museum of Tolerance) Fleet Department Operations: Manage daily fleet operations team, including budgeting, ensuring cost-effective solutions, compliance with safety regulations, and timely reporting on fleet performance and expenditures. 
• Engineering and Project Management: Lead engineering functions and coordinate project management efforts for the execution of building upgrades, new exhibits, and construction initiatives. Work closely with architects, consultants, and contractors to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to organizational standards.
• Project Coordination: Collaborate with architects, consultants, and contractors to plan, design, and execute new exhibits, tenant improvement projects, and other construction initiatives. Develop and issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to ensure competitive pricing and optimal outcomes for projects.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and support the Chief Engineer, AV Manager, Office Support team, and outsourced janitorial services, ensuring effective and efficient operations across all facility-related teams. Ensure smooth coordination between security, operations, and facilities teams.
• Emergency Preparedness: Develop, regularly review, update, and test the organization’s emergency preparedness plan to ensure staff and visitor safety, including responding to incidents involving facilities, security, or operational disruptions.
• Space and Event Management: Oversee physical changes, including staff office relocations, room setups for programs, and accommodations for special events. Coordinate resources for conferences, workshops, and organizational events, ensuring operational needs are met.
• Vendor and Partner Relations: Manage facility-related vendor relationships, including establishing and maintaining a preferred vendor list and ensuring vendor compliance with insurance requirements. Maintain regular communication with external partners, such as contractors and service providers, to ensure high service standards.
• Collaboration with Satellite Offices: Work with facilities and maintenance staff in satellite offices to ensure consistent application of maintenance and safety standards across all SWC locations.
• Environmental Standards: Coordinate with management to create and maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for employees, visitors, and guests across all properties.
• Office Operations: Oversee the general office operations, ensuring that all office supplies, equipment, and resources are available for the smooth functioning of daily activities. Manage office workflows and ensure the highest level of operational efficiency. 

Experience and Skills: 

• Security Program Management: Over 10 years of experience in facilities maintenance, including the development and management of security programs to safeguard physical and digital assets. Strong expertise in security systems, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and coordinating with internal teams and external partners to address security risks and enhance safety protocols.
• Building Management Systems: In-depth understanding of building management systems, including mechanical, HVAC, refrigeration, security, and building control management equipment. Proven experience in managing vendors and in-house staff to ensure all systems are operational, safe, and in compliance with building codes.
• AV Systems & Office Operations: Proven experience overseeing vendors and in-house staff managing AV systems and office operations, ensuring that all equipment is fully operational and evolving to meet the expanding needs of the organization.
• Certifications & Education: High school diploma, GED, or trade school diploma, along with coursework and certifications in facilities management.  Coursework and certifications in operational areas including electrical codes, building codes, HVAC repairs, and security systems is desired but not required.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders and maintain positive relationships.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to make quick, sound decisions under pressure, ensuring operational continuity.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, agile environment with a hands-on approach to ensuring that every detail is handled promptly and efficiently.
• Business Operations:  Experience in preparing and managing RFP and multi-vendor bids for services to provide thoughtful and informed recommendations for new services.   
• Work Availability: Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, ensuring smooth and continuous operations. 

Our Benefits:  

We value our people and offer a collaborative and engaging culture. As a SWC employee, you will enjoy work/life balance, generous time off and comprehensive benefits and programs.  The Simon Wiesenthal Center embraces inclusivity and values our diverse community. We are committed to building a team based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.  

Salary : $110,000 - $130,000