Vice President of Building Operations and Facilities

Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan•New York, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan seeks a strategic and hands-on Vice President of Building Operations and Facilities to lead the stewardship, performance, planning, and continuous improvement of the organization's physical environment and core facilities-related operational functions. This senior leader will oversee the physical plant and multiple operational departments-including Facilities and Building Operations, Audiovisual (AV), and Space Rentals-ensuring the JCC consistently delivers best-in-class standards for functionality, design, safety, and hospitality. They hold a lead role in capital planning and in physical asset management. Sitting at the intersection of operational excellence and customer experience, the Vice President of Building Operations and Facilities will bring deep expertise in capital projects, real estate, and facilities management within complex, high-traffic environments, along with a problem-solving mindset and a demonstrated ability to translate strategy into execution and results. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a positive, can-do orientation, strong change-management skills, and the energy to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven setting. The Vice President of Building Operations and Facilities ensures that the JCC's physical environment and operational systems reflect the excellence, warmth, and professionalism that define our community. Through strong leadership and a hospitality mindset, this role is central to creating spaces where members, guests, and staff feel welcomed, supported, and inspired every day.

Requirements

10+ years of senior operations leadership experience in a complex, customer-facing environment (e.g., community centers, cultural institutions, hospitality, higher education, or commercial real estate).
Significant experience overseeing facilities and physical plant operations, including capital planning and vendor management.
Background in real estate or property management strongly preferred.
Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and driving operational change with measurable results.
Experience overseeing technical and service-oriented functions such as facilities, AV, IT, or event operations.
Positive, solutions-oriented mindset with strong ownership
Customer-centric approach and commitment to service excellence
Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
Consultative, data-informed problem solver
High energy and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
Strong communicator and collaborative leader

Nice To Haves

Background in real estate or property management strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for building operations and core building-related operational departments.
Drive building master planning for the JCC's vertical campus to align physical infrastructure and design with the JCC's programmatic goals and growth.
Partner with senior leadership on capital planning, risk management, and long-term asset stewardship.
Develop and implement strategies, policies, and performance metrics aligned with institutional priorities of excellence and hospitality.
Analyze space utilization and develop solutions to optimize square footage, ensuring facilities meet the evolving needs of community members and staff.
Oversee building operations, engineering, and facilities management to ensure the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and functionality.
Lead capital improvement planning and physical asset lifecycle management.
In partnership with the CFO, lead the development, forecasting, and management of annual and multi-year capital expenditure budgets, ensuring maximum ROI on capital investments.
Direct major capital projects from conceptualization through completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to organizational standards.
Serve as the primary organizational liaison to the outsourced maintenance team, ensuring accountability, performance, and service quality.
Negotiate and manage high-level contracts with contractors, vendors, and service providers to ensure cost-efficient high-quality deliverables.
Develop and oversee comprehensive safety, security, and emergency response strategies and policy, in partnership with the JCC's Director of Security.
Ensure facilities comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
Spearhead sustainability initiatives to reduce the building's environmental impact and operational costs
Champion a culture of hospitality, responsiveness, and proactive problem-solving across operational teams.
Ensure operational systems and physical spaces enhance the member and guest experience.
Identify operational inefficiencies and lead process improvement initiatives.
Serve as an internal consultant and thought partner on cross-functional operational challenges.
Drive innovation that improves service delivery, cost effectiveness, and organizational agility.