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

Johns Hopkins University•Baltimore, MD

21d•$85,500 - $149,800•Hybrid

About The Position

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).

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.