Assistant Director, Vendor & Tenant Operations (USS Contract Administration)

We are seeking an Assistant Director, Vendor & Tenant Operations who will serve as the primary relationship lead for vendors and tenants in University Student Services (USS)-managed locations and for USS when the University leases external space. This role maintains an on-site presence, conducts regular walkthroughs, and coordinates with Johns Hopkins Facilities and Real Estate (JHFRE), USS Facilities, Planning & Design Office (USSFO), USS leadership, and other stakeholders to support leasing operations and vendor relationships. The Assistant Director supports both lessor-side duties (managing tenants in USS-managed space) and lessee-side duties (serving as USS’s liaison for externally leased space).

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

On-Site Presence & Tenant Engagement

• Maintain a regular on-site presence in USS-managed leased spaces, conducting walkthroughs to assess operations, service quality, and facility conditions.
• Meet directly with tenants to identify needs, gather feedback, and resolve concerns promptly and professionally.
• Coordinate with USSFO, JHFRE, and other partners to address maintenance and operational concerns.
• Translate site-visit observations and tenant feedback into actionable improvements that enhance services and inform decision-making.
  
  

Lease and Vendor/Tenant Management

• Manage USS’s non-dining retail and internal leasing portfolios to ensure agreements align with institutional priorities and requirements.
• Oversee vendor and tenant performance to ensure contractual obligations and service standards are met through on-site verification.
• Proactively address service issues and respond to tenant concerns in a timely manner.
• Partner with JHFRE on lease renewals, amendments, terminations, and closeouts.
• Coordinate space transitions with USSFO, JHFRE, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth, timely turnover and readiness.
• Support USS leasing of external or campus space by coordinating requirements and move-in readiness with JHFRE, landlords, and internal partners.
  
  

RFP Management

• Partner with senior leaders to develop and manage RFPs for vendors in USS-managed leased spaces.
• Collaborate with USS Contract Administration to define requirements and manage compliant, well-documented RFP processes.
• Work with University Procurement to ensure best practices, compliance, and appropriate documentation.
  
  

Vendor Relationship Strategy & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Strengthen vendor/tenant relationships through proactive engagement and close coordination with JHFRE and campus stakeholders.
• Recommend strategies that advance USS goals and long-term vendor performance.
• Collaborate with Procurement, USSFO, General Counsel, Finance, and others to advance initiatives that promote compliant and effective vendor partnerships.
  
  

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong organizational and coordination skills across multiple vendor relationships.
• Familiarity with leasing frameworks and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills with comfort engaging in face-to-face interactions.
• Ability to navigate complex partnerships with diplomacy and professionalism.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to translate operational insights into improvements.
• Demonstrated success building effective internal and external partnerships in vendor/tenant environments.
• Knowledge of university procurement standards and best practices.
• Background in higher education operations
• Experience managing contracts, leases, and vendor relationships to support institutional goals.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Seven years of related experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a related field.
  
  

Classified Title: Sr. Project Manager

Job Posting Title (Working Title): Assistant Director, Vendor & Tenant Operations (USS Contract Administration)

Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PF

Starting Salary Range: $85,500 - $149,800 Annually ($135,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: Mon - Fri / 08:30am - 05:00pm

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus

Department name: Student Services Finance & Administration

Personnel area: University Student Services