Director, Maintenance Operations - Housing bei Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago

Director, Maintenance Operations - Housing 

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives, nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.   

Job Summary

This role leads strategic maintenance planning, capital improvements, and regulatory compliance for HUD-funded housing properties, while overseeing staff performance, crisis response, and vendor management. It also manages budgets and procurement, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with agency goals.

• Lead the development and execution of long-term maintenance strategies, including space utilization planning and capital improvement initiatives. Set operational goals for HUD-funded buildings and recommend structural upgrades to meet evolving regulatory and agency requirements.

• Directly and indirectly supervises the work of staff by providing guidance, training, and support to ensure high performance and adherence to safety standards. Conducting performance evaluations, providing feedback to team members. Managing work schedules, addressing and resolving conflicts within the team, and participating in and making recruitment decisions. 

• Ensure adherence to HUD, agency, and regulatory standards across all properties. Lead crisis response planning and escalation protocols to maintain operational continuity. Develop detailed reports, track capital project progress, and provide insights to support executive-level decision-making.

• Manage vendor relationships for major maintenance and capital projects, ensuring quality, timeliness, and compliance with contract terms. Provide strategic direction on vendor selection, performance evaluation, and service delivery standards.

• Oversee maintenance budgets and collaborate closely with procurement teams to evaluate and recommend large-scale purchases. Analyze contractor bids, negotiate contracts, and ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational priorities.

• Other duties as assigned

• Exhibit alignment with the team's clear goals that are mission-focused, grounded in Catholic Charities history, and tied to action. 

• Contribute to a joy-filled culture built upon respect and inclusion, team pride, and community spirit. 

• Collaborate effectively to support excellent process, accountability, and constructive conflict. 

• Demonstrate a commitment to growth through learning, forgiveness, and reflection.

• Courageous Compassion: Welcome and serve all with an open heart, empathic listening, and a commitment to radical hospitality. 

• Solidarity: Embrace shared humanity by celebrating and giving voice to our differences and choosing the path of collaboration and inclusion. 

• Faith-filled Hope and Joy: Uplift each other in times of darkness and celebrate together in times of light, leaning in with humility, humor, and hope. 

• Meaningful and Measurable Impact: Meet human need with love, balance immediate action with lasting change, and act with accountability through dialogue, analyses, and reflection

Minimum Experience: 

3 years in building facilities and 3 years supervisory experience

Preferred Experience: 

5+ years in building facilities and 5+ years supervisory experience

Knowledge of HUD regulations and compliance requirements

Ability to manage budgets and control costs effectively

Additional Experience Requirements:

Proven experience in maintenance operations within a housing services context

Experience in budget development and cost controls

Strong leadership and supervisory skills required

Excellent problem-solving and crisis management abilities

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Minimum Education: 

High School

Preferred Education: 

Bachelor's Degree