Director - Facilities and Construction

Archdiocese of St. Louis•Webster Groves, MO

About The Position

The Archdiocese of St. Louis strives to teach and share our faith, serve others, and foster unity throughout the St. Louis area. Once a part of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's campus, the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO is today the headquarters and curia (governing body) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Job SummaryThe Director of Facilities & Construction provides disciplined, mission-aligned leadership for all construction, capital improvement, environmental compliance, and facilities standards across the Archdiocese of St. Louis. This role exists to ensure that parish, school, and Archdiocesan facilities are safe, sustainable, financially responsible, and aligned with the long-term mission of the Church. Working in close coordination with the Executive Director of Real Estate Strategy, this leader brings structure, professionalism, and stewardship to every phase of design, construction, renovation, environmental compliance, and ongoing facilities management. Facilities decisions shape ministry for generations. This leader must balance cost discipline with pastoral sensitivity, operational rigor with long-term demographic and economic realities.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in construction management, engineering, architecture, or owners’ representation in institutional or commercial settings.
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
Deep knowledge of construction contracts, specifications, budgeting, and negotiations.
Strong understanding of building codes and regulatory requirements.
Experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
A disciplined executor who brings clarity and order to complex projects.
Calm under pressure and steady in conflict resolution.
A patient communicator able to work with pastors, donors, architects, contractors, and parish volunteers.
Highly organized with strong attention to documentation and compliance.
Able to exercise prudent and independent judgment.
Comfortable operating within the hierarchical structure of the Church while fostering collaboration.
Deeply committed to responsible stewardship of Church resources.

Nice To Haves

Professional licensure strongly preferred.
Familiarity with multi-site or institutional environments preferred.
Active practicing Catholic in good standing preferred.

Responsibilities

Meet with pastors, business managers, facilities personnel, and Curia leadership to understand current challenges and expectations.
Review all active construction projects, major contracts, and environmental compliance matters.
Assess existing facilities policies, vendor relationships, and capital planning practices.
Evaluate current documentation, approval processes, and risk exposure.
Identify immediate safety, regulatory, or budgetary concerns that require prompt attention.
Develop a summary assessment outlining strengths, gaps, and recommended next steps.
Serve as the Archdiocese’s owners’ representative on major construction and renovation projects.
Oversee project execution from feasibility through closeout.
Review and approve design proposals, construction documents, budgets, and schedules.
Monitor and approve change orders and payment applications.
Attend key construction meetings and provide disciplined project oversight.
Resolve disputes between contractors, architects, parishes, and vendors when necessary.
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with established standards.
Serve as the designated responsible person for environmental compliance matters including asbestos, lead abatement, mold remediation, and related environmental risks.
Ensure compliance with AHERA and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Coordinate third-party environmental monitoring as required.
Assist parishes and agencies in obtaining qualified bids for environmental remediation.
Ensure environmental risks are addressed promptly and responsibly to minimize disruption to ministry.
Develop and maintain consistent construction and facilities policies across the Archdiocese.
Establish and maintain approved vendor, architect, engineer, and contractor lists.
Evaluate contractor performance and maintain a qualified vendor pool.
Collaborate with the Supply Chain and Contracts Management Office to standardize contracting practices.
Build localized facilities support models to serve parishes regionally.
Assist pastors and business managers in evaluating capital improvement needs and long-term maintenance planning.
Partner with Finance to develop multi-year capital improvement plans.
Provide cost estimates, feasibility analysis, and risk assessments.
Assist parishes and schools in developing realistic program budgets.
Align construction decisions with funding capacity and long-term sustainability.
Incorporate demographic, enrollment, and economic data into planning models.
Collaborate closely with Real Estate Strategy on property transitions, consolidations, acquisitions, and repurposing.
Support the Diocesan Building and Properties Commission as required.
Engage with universities, civic leaders, and analysts to ensure long-term viability of capital investments.