WittKieffer is honored to partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (St. Jude), located in Memphis, Tennessee, on the search for their next Senior Vice President, Campus Operations (SVP). This is an extraordinary opportunity at one of the most respected healthcare and research institutions in the U.S and the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. This exciting opportunity is available due to the planned retirement of José Fernandez, who has been instrumental in modernizing and developing the current infrastructure for campus operations.
The next SVP will be responsible for leading a dynamic function during a time when St. Jude is in the middle of its largest strategic investment in its nearly six decades. Their six-year strategic plan from FY22 to FY27 is a $12.9 billion dollar commitment, adding 2,300 employees and $2.3 billion in new construction that the SVP will oversee. More recent projects include the construction of a new 16-story tower dedicated to advancing research, the creation of a “Family Commons” area within the hospital for patient families to relax, and the development of a new housing facility called “Domino Village” with 140 units for patients and their families.
Additionally, the SVP will be responsible for the staff, patient, and family experience with the physical environment, including plant operations and maintenance, culinary services, grounds, transportation, and environmental services. They will represent St. Jude in community activities and with city, county, state, and federal agencies on all matters pertaining to campus planning and design. Creating accurate financial budgets and ensuring that construction and other projects are completed on time and within budget is essential. The SVP will manage energy savings efforts and sustainability initiatives, oversee the correct application of planning policies, procedures, and governmental regulations, and ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines, standards, regulations, policies, and procedures.
The successful leader will possess extensive experience in leading facilities management teams and overseeing capital improvement projects, as well as managing large-scale construction projects within a major hospital, healthcare system, or academic health system, including college campuses. They should demonstrate the ability to navigate a complex pediatric academic health system by fostering strong partnerships and communicating effectively with internal and external partners. In terms of education and training, the candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree in architecture, Engineering, or a similar field of study. A master’s degree is strongly preferred. Experience is also crucial, with a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities maintenance, campus planning, design, and construction, or a similar field.
Nominate a colleague, express interest, or apply for this position today using the buttons below. If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Kyle Wiederhold, April Allen or Angela Raphael, preferably via email at [email protected].