Director of Operations, NYC

Position Overview

The Director of Operations for Vanderbilt University – New York City (VU–NYC) provides strategic leadership, operational design, and execution oversight for the systems and services that enable a high-performing urban campus environment.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Executive Director of Operations & Engagement, this role is responsible for translating institutional priorities into integrated, scalable operational models that support campus services, infrastructure, and administrative functions. The Director serves as a key connector between Vanderbilt’s Nashville campus and the NYC location, ensuring alignment, consistency, and operational excellence across all systems and service delivery.

As both a systems architect and hands-on operator, the Director leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational frameworks that support student experience, campus functionality, and organizational effectiveness. This includes oversight of core service areas, vendor partnerships, and cross-functional initiatives that require strong execution, adaptability, and real-time problem solving.

The Director of Operations operates within a complex, highly visible urban environment and must effectively navigate regulatory requirements, external partnerships, and institutional expectations. This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, operational rigor, and relationship leadership to support a growing campus while maintaining alignment with Vanderbilt University’s standards, policies, and long-term vision.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Operational Strategy & Systems Design

• Develop and implement the operational infrastructure required to support a high-performing urban campus.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear workflows, service models, and execution plans.
• Design scalable systems across campus services, ensuring alignment with Vanderbilt-wide policies and platforms.
• Establish operating procedures, service standards, and performance expectations across all areas of responsibility.
• Partner with Nashville counterparts to ensure seamless cross-campus integration of systems, policies, and reporting structures. 

Campus Services & Student Experience Operations

• Oversee the planning, launch, and ongoing management of core campus services, including dining and food service programs, mail and package operations, printing and document services, retail solutions, and ID/card and access systems 
• Ensure services are high-quality, cost-effective, and aligned with student and faculty expectations. 
• Build integrated service models that support residential, academic, and co-curricular experiences – this includes room assignments, turnover, and access/keys
• Lead vendor selection, RFP processes, and contract management with a focus on innovation and scalability.
• Continuously assess and improve service delivery using data, feedback, and benchmarking.

Execution, Project Management & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as the operational lead for implementation of new services, systems, and campus initiatives.
• Manage multiple concurrent workstreams, ensuring timelines, budgets, and outcomes are met.
• Develop dashboards, tracking tools, and reporting frameworks to monitor performance and drive decision-making. 
• Identify operational gaps and proactively design solutions that improve efficiency and user experience.
• Support phased campus growth by building systems that can evolve alongside expansion.

Infrastructure, Facilities Coordination & Capital Support

• Partner with facilities, construction, and external vendors to ensure operational readiness of campus spaces.
• Provide operational input into space planning, infrastructure decisions, and service integration.
• Coordinate with project teams to align building systems (access, logistics, service delivery) with operational needs.
• Support procurement, vendor coordination, and operational planning tied to capital projects. 

 Cross-Campus Integration

• Act as a key liaison between VU–NYC and Vanderbilt’s Nashville campus, ensuring alignment on: policies and compliance, financial processes, technology platforms, student service standards, space utilization
• Implement structures and communication rhythms that ensure transparency and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and relevant NYC regulatory frameworks.

Vendor, Financial & Contract Management

• Oversee vendor relationships across operational service lines.
• Develop and manage budgets for campus services and operational initiatives.
• Ensure contracts are structured to deliver high-quality outcomes, flexibility, and fiscal responsibility.
• Track financial performance and identify opportunities for cost optimization and revenue generation.

Special Events & Venue Management

• Support the planning, coordination, and execution of special events and campus convenings, ensuring a high-quality experience aligned with Vanderbilt’s standards and brand.
• Partner with the Director of Special Events and Venue Management to manage campus spaces as a strategic asset and revenue-generating opportunities.
• Assist and provide support in coordinating event logistics, including space scheduling, vendor coordination, staffing, and operational readiness, to ensure seamless delivery across a wide range of events.
• Ensure alignment between events, campus operations, and public safety to support safe, efficient, and well-executed gatherings.
• Contribute to the development of policies, systems, and processes that support scalable and repeatable event operations as campus activity grows.
• Support efforts to position the campus as a premier convening space in New York City. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including academic Affairs, student Life, housing, public safety, finance and procurement, special events and venue management, and the General Theological Seminary
• Coordinate with external partners, service providers, and local stakeholders as needed.
• Support a culture of collaboration, responsiveness, and service excellence across the NYC campus.

Team Leadership & Culture Building

• Support a small but high-performing operations team.
• Foster a culture of ownership, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Balance leadership with execution—stepping in directly to deliver services and solve issues and advance projects when needed.
• Model Vanderbilt’s values through professionalism, accountability, and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or related field) is preferred.
• 8–10+ years of experience in operations, campus services, facilities, or organizational management
• Experience in higher education, urban campus environments, or complex institutions is preferred
• Demonstrated success building and managing operational systems from the ground up
• Strong project management and execution skills across multiple workstreams
• Experience managing vendors, contracts, and budgets
• Ability to operate effectively in both strategic and hands-on capacities
• Strong communication and relationship management skills across diverse stakeholders

Preferred Attributes

• Systems thinker who can design and implement scalable operational models
• Highly organized executor who thrives in ambiguity and fast-paced environments
• Collaborative leader who builds trust across teams and functions
• Data-informed decision maker with strong analytical instincts
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on building something new and impactful

Salary Range: $139,000 - $160,000

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