Maintenance Director

Position Summary:

All Souls Church Unitarian is a liberal, justice-seeking religious community in the heart of Washington, DC, dedicated to building a multigenerational and pluralistic congregation. As our 100-year-old, 4-story building ages and our congregation grows, we require an expert to help lower burgeoning building expenses through their invaluable in-house skills—particularly in the most expensive trades: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.

We are seeking a highly skilled Industrial HVAC & Facilities Manager with 10+ years of experience in industrial/commercial HVAC systems, specifically managing large, custom circulator pumps, control boxes, complex wiring, and multiple heating and cooling zones across a large facility. Ideally, this person will be HVAC-certified and capable of maintaining our fairly new HVAC system without relying on expensive outside contractors.

This role requires hands-on expertise in HVAC maintenance and troubleshooting, while also overseeing electrical, plumbing, and general facility needs. The selected candidate will play a crucial role in preventing costly external repairs, optimizing building performance, and coordinating both contractors and volunteers to maintain and improve our historic facility. They will also oversee permits, track facility needs, and provide strategic recommendations to the Executive Director, Building Committee, and, at times, the Board of Trustees to ensure the church remains a safe, efficient, and welcoming space for all.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Industrial/Commercial HVAC Maintenance (~ 5-20 hours)

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair the church’s industrial/commercial HVAC system, including:
• Large, custom circulator pumps, control boxes, and complex wiring
• Multiple heating and cooling zones serving different sections of the building
• Boilers, chillers, air handlers, radiators, blower fans, and duct systems
• Building automation systems (BAS) for climate control
• Variable air volume (VAV) systems, dampers, and exhaust systems
• Electrical wiring and control systems for HVAC operation
• Perform regular maintenance and repairs in-house to avoid the high costs of external contractors
• Diagnose HVAC and refrigeration system failures, including electrical, mechanical, and gas-related issues
• Conduct seasonal maintenance and recommend energy-efficient upgrades
• Ensure compliance with EPA, OSHA, and ASHRAE standards for HVAC system safety and environmental impact

Facilities, Permits & Project Management (~ 5-20 hours)

• Apply for and manage permits for renovation and construction projects in compliance with DC building codes and safety regulations
• Oversee large-scale building projects, including renovations, HVAC upgrades, and facility improvements
• Track all contractors, issues, and maintenance needs using a Kanban project management board
• Update the Executive Director regularly on building status, upcoming needs, and ongoing maintenance projects
• Coordinate and gather quotes from outside contractors for work exceeding in-house capabilities
• Provide strategic recommendations to the Executive Director, Building Committee, and, at times, the Board of Trustees to ensure informed decision-making on facility investments and improvements
• Ensure all permits remain up to date and renew when necessary

Electrical & Plumbing and Other Maintenance (~ 5-10 hours)

• Handle electrical repairs and installations, including:
• Lighting systems, outlets, panels, and wiring repairs
• Troubleshooting power distribution issues and ensuring code compliance
• Oversee plumbing repairs and maintenance, such as:
• Fixing leaks, maintaining restrooms, kitchens, and drainage systems
• Repairing and replacing water heaters, pumps, and pipes
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system failures, performing repairs in-house whenever possible to reduce costs
• Perform other maintenance, such as flooring and finishes improvements

Volunteer & Contractor Coordination (~ 5-10 hours)

• Extensively coordinate volunteers for building improvement projects, especially engaging the church’s volunteer carpentry team on scheduled workdays
• Supervise and train volunteers on basic facility maintenance and safety procedures.
• Oversee external contractors and vendors, ensuring high-quality work and verifying all repairs before approving final payments
• Plan and implement a comprehensive preventative maintenance program
  • Work with lay leaders to create and regularly update a prioritized list of projects needing attention
  • Align projects to the budget available
  • Creates and maintains inventory of all building systems
  • Creates and maintains a digital manual and preventative maintenance system
  • Creates and maintains a ticketing system
  • Perform daily and weekly walkthroughs of the facility to proactively identify issues

Emergency & Safety Management (~ 5 hours)

• Serve as the first responder for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing emergencies
• Ensure compliance with fire codes, building codes, and workplace safety regulations
• Maintain emergency power systems, fire suppression equipment, and security systems
• Train staff and volunteers on basic building safety and emergency response protocols

Other Administrative Support (~ 5 hours)

• Supervise cleaning vendor, and as needed complete necessary cleaning duties
• Support with some event setup as needed
• Serves on building committee(s) and staffs maintenance and gardening committees
• Attends meetings as assigned which may be outside normal business hours
• Desk and event coverage as needed
• Creates an annual work plan in collaboration with the Executive Team
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of experience in industrial/commercial HVAC, including large circulator pumps, complex wiring, and multi-zone climate systems
• HVAC/R Technician Certification (EPA 608 Universal) required
• Licensed or certified industrial HVAC specialist (preferred)
• Licensed electrician or plumber (preferred)
• Experience with commercial boilers, chillers, and complex mechanical systems
• Strong knowledge of building automation, energy management, and industrial HVAC controls
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and blueprints
• Experience managing large-scale maintenance projects in historic or commercial buildings
• Familiarity with OSHA, NFPA, DC building permits, and safety regulations
• Experience coordinating volunteers and working with a community-based organization
• Experience using project management tools (Kanban, Trello, Asana, or similar)
• Availability for on-call emergencies and off-hours work as needed.

Desired Skills and Qualities:

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to build rapport with members
• Proficiency in database management and data analysis
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Passion for ministry and a commitment to serving the church community
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities
• Knowledge of church administration and best practices
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Traci Hughes at executivedirector@allsouls.ws by May 14, 2025.

About All Souls Church, Unitarian

All Souls is a progressive religious community in the heart of DC, at the intersection of Mt. Pleasant, Adams Morgan, and Columbia Heights. We walk diverse paths to find meaning and purpose, but are united by our belief in the worth and dignity of all, and the obligation to express our faith through acts of justice and compassion. Join us as we create a diverse, spirit-growing, justice-seeking community that’s true to our name, All Souls!

Learn more on our website: https://all-souls.org/about-us/