Sr Director of Operations

Prestigious Roman Catholic Church located in Paterson, NJ is seeking a Senior Director of Operations to serve as a key member of the leadership team and be responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the organization, including facilities, security, capital projects, maintenance, transportation, auxiliary services, sustainability initiatives, and campus operations. This leader will ensure that all operational functions support the organization's mission while providing a safe, efficient, and exceptional environment for students, employees, families, visitors, and community stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a strategic and hands-on leader with demonstrated success managing complex facilities, operational budgets, capital improvement projects, vendor relationships, and multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for all operational functions.
• Develop and execute long-term operational plans aligned with organizational priorities.
• Create and monitor performance metrics and service standards.
• Lead initiatives focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and cost optimization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership regarding facilities, safety, risk management, and infrastructure planning.

Facilities Management

• Direct all facilities operations, maintenance, custodial services, grounds, transportation, and asset management functions.
• Ensure all buildings, grounds, and equipment are maintained to the highest standards.
• Develop preventive and predictive maintenance programs that maximize asset life and reduce downtime.
• Establish capital replacement and deferred maintenance strategies.

Capital Projects & Construction Management

• Lead the planning, budgeting, design, and execution of renovation, expansion, and capital improvement projects.
• Manage architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and vendors throughout project lifecycles.
• Oversee scheduling, budgeting, quality control, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

Safety, Security & Risk Management

• Champion a culture of safety across the organization.
• Develop and continuously improve emergency preparedness, crisis response, business continuity, and security programs.
• Manage relationships with local law enforcement, emergency responders, regulatory agencies, and insurance providers.
• Oversee risk assessments, safety audits, and compliance programs.

Financial & Budget Management

• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Oversee service contracts, procurement activities, vendor negotiations, and contract administration.
• Participate in long-range financial planning.

Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship

• Lead sustainability initiatives focused on energy management, resource conservation, waste reduction, and environmental compliance.
• Evaluate and implement energy-saving technologies and operational improvements.
• Track sustainability goals and performance metrics.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing teams.
• Establish clear goals and accountability measures.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and a service-oriented culture.
• Support professional development and succession planning initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success managing facilities, capital projects, maintenance operations, and vendor relationships.
• Experience managing multimillion-dollar operating and capital budgets.
• Strong project management and strategic planning capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred

• Master's degree.
• Experience in educational, healthcare, nonprofit, hospitality, or multi-site environments.
• Professional certifications such as:
• Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
• Facility Management Professional (FMP)
• LEED Accredited Professional
• OSHA 30