St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Director of Facilities Operations

Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Business Administration, Construction Management, or related field required.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in facilities maintenance, engineering, operations, or facilities management.
  • Demonstrated success leading multiple functional areas within facilities operations.
  • Proven experience managing budgets, resources, capital projects, and operational performance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee all Facilities Operations and Maintenance functions across campus.
  • Develop and implement operational strategies and best practices that enhance service delivery and efficiency.
  • Direct departmental planning, resource allocation, and budget management to meet organizational goals.
  • Identify and implement innovative solutions to increase operational performance and customer satisfaction.
  • Monitor operational metrics to drive continuous improvement and informed decision-making.

Benefits

  • Exceptional benefits package offered.
  • Commitment to employee development and professional growth.
  • Opportunities for innovation and improvement in facilities management practices.
  • Supportive culture promoting collaboration and team engagement.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a collaborative and strategic facilities leader to oversee the operations and maintenance of a complex campus environment. In this role, you will lead teams responsible for maintenance, utilities, landscape, administration, energy management, and customer service while establishing best practices that ensure exceptional facility performance. You'll drive operational excellence through effective planning, financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and a strong commitment to safety. Working closely with leaders across the organization, you'll help create a reliable, efficient, and customer-focused environment that supports the mission and long-term success of St. Jude.

Strategic & Operational Leadership
  • Lead and oversee all Facilities Operations and Maintenance functions across campus.
  • Develop and implement operational strategies, standards, and best practices that enhance service delivery, efficiency, and effectiveness.
  • Direct departmental planning, resource allocation, and budget management to ensure achievement of organizational goals.
  • Identify and implement innovative solutions, technologies, and process improvements to increase operational performance and customer satisfaction.
  • Monitor operational metrics and performance indicators to drive continuous improvement and informed decision-making.

Facilities Maintenance & Infrastructure Management
  • Oversee maintenance programs for buildings, utilities, and support infrastructure.
  • Ensure facilities are maintained to the highest standards of safety, reliability, functionality, and appearance.
  • Lead complex maintenance and infrastructure projects from planning through execution, ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and at expected quality levels.
  • Monitor energy and utility utilization and lead initiatives focused on sustainability, conservation, and cost reduction.


Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and institutional regulations and standards, including OSHA, Tennessee OSHA, DNV, AAALAC, and other governing requirements.
  • Establish, maintain, and continuously improve safety programs, policies, procedures, and training programs.
  • Coordinate and support emergency preparedness activities and response protocols with institutional partners.
  • Ensure maintenance documentation, inspections, and regulatory reporting are completed accurately and timely.

Leadership & Talent Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of facilities professionals.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, collaboration, inclusion, and professional growth.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and support employee development initiatives.
  • Promote teamwork and strong working relationships across departments and stakeholder groups.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management
  • Build strong partnerships with institutional leaders, customers, and cross-functional teams to understand and support organizational needs.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor on facilities operations, maintenance strategies, and infrastructure planning.
  • Manage vendor selection, contract negotiations, performance expectations, and service delivery outcomes.
  • Effectively communicate operational priorities, project updates, risks, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Business Administration, Construction Management, or a related field required.
  • Master's degree preferred.

Experience
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in facilities maintenance, engineering, operations, or facilities management.
  • Demonstrated success leading multiple functional areas within facilities operations.
  • Proven experience managing budgets, resources, capital projects, and operational performance.
  • Experience influencing and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership.
  • Prior supervisory and people leadership experience required.
  • Experience utilizing Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Certifications
  • Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM)
  • APPA Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP)
  • Other relevant facilities, engineering, or operations certifications may be considered.


The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
  • Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
  • Expertise in facilities operations, maintenance management, utilities, and infrastructure systems.
  • Knowledge of regulatory compliance, accreditation requirements, and workplace safety standards.
  • Excellent strategic planning, budgeting, and operational management skills.
  • Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management abilities.
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to drive accountability, operational excellence, and a customer-focused culture.
  • Proven ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
  • Experience leveraging data and performance metrics to improve service delivery and outcomes.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and organizational excellence.


Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $138,320 - $262,080 per year for the role of Director of Facilities Operations.

Explore our exceptional benefits!

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children's catastrophic diseases, particularly leukemia and other cancers. The hospital was founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas and is located in Memphis, Tennessee. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. The hospital has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world. St. Jude is known for its groundbreaking research and treatment of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Learn more about St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Size
4,500 employees
Industry
Founded
1962

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Director of Facilities Operations jobs: