Job Description:

Who We Are 

Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University has a long and distinguished history in Christian higher education. Located just minutes from downtown Seattle, SPU seeks to be a premier Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community. 

What We Need

SPU Facilities is seeking a collaborative, service-oriented Custodial Manager to lead the University’s custodial program and help maintain clean, welcoming, and well-supported campus spaces.

This position provides day-to-day leadership for four staff custodians and up to 25 student, seasonal, and temporary employees. The Custodial Manager also oversees contracted custodial services and works closely with the Facilities service desk, maintenance staff, campus partners, and service providers to coordinate work, respond to changing needs, and ensure consistent service quality.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys developing employees, improving service delivery, solving operational problems, and building positive working relationships across a diverse campus community.

The Custodial Manager supports Seattle Pacific University's mission by contributing to a Christ-centered learning and working community committed to academic excellence, service, and engagement with the world. In this role, the employee brings their skills, gifts, and professional expertise to work that matters—serving students, colleagues, and the broader University community in ways that reflect SPU's values and purpose. To that end, all University employees are required to be aligned with and supportive of SPU's Statement of Faith and its derivative policies and lifestyle expectations. 

What You’ll Do

• Lead and develop a diverse custodial team. Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff custodians and student, seasonal, and temporary employees. Establish clear expectations, provide coaching, and foster a respectful and supportive workplace.
• Oversee contracted custodial services. Coordinate quality-control inspections, maintain regular communication with service providers, and address service concerns in a timely and constructive manner.
• Coordinate campus service requests. Partner with service desk staff and the Maintenance Manager to review, prioritize, and sequence custodial, maintenance, and event-support requests.
• Build strong campus relationships. Communicate with faculty, staff, students, and other campus partners about service needs, facility operations, schedules, and potential impacts.
• Monitor quality and improve operations. Use the University’s computerized maintenance management system to coordinate work, follow service requests, and support consistent performance.
• Manage supplies and equipment. Review and approve custodial and event-support supply and equipment requests while promoting safe, effective, efficient, and environmentally responsible practices.
• Respond when campus needs change. Provide occasional evening or weekend support.
• Support the University’s mission. Contribute to a service-focused department committed to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, diversity, reconciliation, and belonging.

What You Bring

We welcome candidates who have developed their leadership skills through different combinations of education and experience. A competitive candidate will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• One of the following: At least three years of experience in custodial or maintenance management, including client-facing work and oversight of contracted services; or At least one year of supervisory experience plus at least three years of experience in custodial or maintenance operations.
• Experience interviewing, hiring, training, and supporting employees.
• Strong customer-service and relationship-building skills.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication.
• The ability to organize competing priorities, respond to deadlines, and make sound decisions in a fast-moving service environment.
• The ability to address concerns and resolve conflict respectfully and constructively.
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Familiarity with custodial tools, equipment, chemicals, and operating practices.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license and a driving record that meets University requirements.
• The ability to drive University service vehicles, including small pickup trucks and box trucks with lift gates.
• The ability to occasionally adjust working hours to address evening, weekend, emergency, or campus program needs.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and affirmation of SPU's Statement of Faith; enthusiasm for supporting the University's Christian mission; and willingness to uphold the policies and lifestyle expectations of SPU's Christian community. 

Preferred Qualifications

The following experience would be helpful but is not required:

• Five years of management experience in custodial operations, maintenance, facilities, hospitality, or another service-oriented field.
• Experience communicating or working with employees who have limited English proficiency.
• Forklift certification or the ability to obtain it.
• Ability to safely wear a tight-fitting respirator when required.

Work Environment and Schedule

This is an in-person position located on Seattle Pacific's main campus, working Monday-Friday first shift business hours. This position combines office-based coordination with regular movement throughout campus facilities. The work includes walking, standing, climbing stairs, inspecting custodial work, and occasional use or handling of custodial equipment and cleaning products. Occasional evening, weekend, and flexible scheduling is required to support campus programs and operational needs. Facilities employees are designated as essential staff and may be required to work when the University closes because of inclement weather or an emergency.

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $29.20 - $29.75 per hour, compensation commensurate with experience. 

• Status: Full-time, non- exempt 

• Department: Facility & Project Management 

• Location: Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 

Benefits: SPU offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families. Benefits currently include healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, health savings account contributions for eligible employees, tuition benefits for employees and qualified dependents, and other programs that support employee well-being and professional success. Benefit plans and eligibility are subject to change and will be provided at the time of hire. 

Additional Information:

How to Apply 

Please complete the online application through Workday and be prepared to submit: 

• Resume 

• Cover Letter 

We look forward to hearing how your unique talents and expereince can contribute to the mission of SPU!