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...