Fire & Life Safety Manager
Job Description
Job Title: Facilities Manager, Fire & Life Safety
Department: Facilities Management
About The New York Academy of Medicine:
The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in population health. Throughout its 178-year history, NYAM has championed bold changes to the systems that perpetuate health inequities and keep all communities from achieving a healthier and longer life (HealthSpan). Focusing on societal, environmental, and institutional factors that influence health, the NYAM team collaborates with partners in academia, government, community-based organizations, and others to promote policies, programs, and community needs that contribute to health for all. Today, this work includes innovative research that distinctively values community input for maximum impact. Combined with NYAM’s trusted programming and historic library, and with the support of 1,800 accomplished Fellows and Members, NYAM’s impact as a population health leader continues.
Responsibilities
Position Summary/Overview:
The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is seeking an experienced and highly responsible Facilities Manager of Fire & Life Safety to manage and oversee all fire and life safety operations for its six-story historic building, located on Museum Mile. Reporting to the Director of Facilities, this position plays a key role in protecting the safety of staff, visitors, tenants, and property, ensuring full compliance with FDNY regulations and NYC Fire code. This role oversees day-to-day fire and life safety operations, coordinates emergency response protocols, manages safety systems testing and drills, and supports preventative maintenance in collaboration with building staff and external vendors.
This position will serve as the designated Fire and Life Safety Director for the facility as required by the FDNY and will ensure proper FLSD coverage for building operating hours, as well as events which may require some evenings or weekends.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintain all required FLSD certifications and ensure backup staff are trained and credentialed.
- Provide fire and life safety training to NYAM staff, including emergency procedures and evacuation protocols.
- Act as the primary on-site authority in the event of fire alarm activations, evacuations, shelter-in-place, drills, and other emergency procedures.
- Conduct and document fire drills, emergency preparedness training, and safety briefings and maintain necessary records and documentation.
- Monitor and operate fire alarm and life safety systems; respond immediately to all emergencies.
- Conduct daily building inspections to ensure fire safety compliance (including exits, egress routes, and equipment checks).
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date fire safety logs, reports, and required FDNY documentation.
- Maintain and execute the building’s Fire Safety Plan and Emergency Action Plan (EAP); update documents as required.
- Coordinate with FDNY, building management, and outside responders during emergencies or inspections.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal safety regulations and codes. Maintain knowledge of the latest codes and regulations.
- Provide preventive maintenance to ensure a code-compliant and safe environment, including:
- Oversee regular inspections, testing, and maintenance of all fire protection systems (alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, standpipes, emergency lighting, etc.)
- Collaborate and train maintenance staff, events staff and work with security personnel to ensure a safe environment
- Other maintenance functions as needed
Job Requirements
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS:
- Valid FDNY Fire Life Safety Director Certificate of Fitness (F-89) required.
- Additional FDNY Certificate of Fitness requirements:
- S13 (Citywide Standpipe System)
- S12 (Citywide Sprinkler System)
- F01 (Fire Guard for Impairment)
- F03 (Indoor Place of Assembly Safety Personnel)
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in building operations, emergency preparedness, or safety roles in a commercial, institutional, or cultural setting.
- Comprehensive knowledge of NYC Fire Code, EAP/Safety Plan regulations, Public Assembly areas, FDNY regulations, fire alarm systems, and local safety requirements.
- Proven ability to lead in emergency situations with clear communication and decision-making.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; additional certifications in emergency management or fire safety preferred.
- Proficiency with security/fire command center systems and basic computer applications.
- Must be able to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies, including use of stairwells and fire command centers.
- Strong communication, leadership, and incident management skills; ability to keep calm and confident under pressure; excellent situational awareness; strong organizational skills for recordkeeping; commitment to safety, accessibility, teamwork.
- A genuine appreciation for older, historic buildings.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use emergency stairs, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and may be required to list and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This position is based in New York City. While staff work in a hybrid environment, this position requires full-time on-site presence. Due to this role, the position may require evenings or weekends as well as on-site presence during emergencies. NYAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. NYAM is an affirmative action employer. As an organization whose primary focus is health equity, NYAM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to EVSRecruitment@nyam.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Salary range: The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $68,000 annually.
