Senior Operations Director - School of Medicine

OverviewTufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) is a nationally recognized academic institution committed to excellence in medical education, research, clinical care, and public service. The School fosters a collaborative, student-centered environment grounded in equity, innovation, and lifelong learning.The Office of the Dean provides strategic and operational leadership for the School, overseeing academic departments, research and teaching enterprises, student services, and campus facilities. The Office is responsible for financial and strategic planning, resource allocation, faculty recruitment, and partnerships with clinical affiliates, supporting the effective management of a complex and dynamic academic medical environment.This is a primarily on-site role, with an expectation of four days per week on campus and one remote day.Please review the Application Instructions in this posting for guidance on required cover letter content.What You'll DoReporting to the Executive Associate Dean, the Senior Operations Director leads facilities operations, space planning, and compliance efforts for Tufts University School of Medicine. In this highly visible role, you will ensure the effective use of physical space in support of the School’s research, academic, and administrative priorities while partnering across departments to drive operational excellence.Key Responsibilities:Space Planning & StrategyOversee and maintain the School’s space inventory database, a critical tool for institutional planning and cost analysisManage all office, laboratory, and research space assignments across the SchoolPartner with Basic Science Chairs and senior leadership to track and analyze space utilization and research productivity metricsRecommend and implement changes to ensure alignment with institutional space use guidelinesConduct analyses and provide insights to support strategic decision-making and long-term planningCompliance & Research SupportCollaborate with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, faculty, and research teams to ensure compliance with chemical and hazardous materials regulationsDevelop and implement improvements to storage, safety infrastructure, and inventory tracking processesSupport a culture of safety and compliance across laboratory and research environmentsFacilities Management & OperationsServe as the primary liaison to Planning, Design & Construction and Facilities teamsLead the planning, prioritization, and execution of small- to mid-sized capital and facilities projectsEnsure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with University standardsOversee building access processes, including development and management of access protocols and special requestsProject Management & ExecutionIndependently manage smaller-scale renovations, reconfigurations, and installationsScope projects, develop implementation plans, and coordinate timelines with internal stakeholders and external vendorsPartner with IT, teldata, furniture vendors, and other service providers to support project deliveryAct as a central point of contact for facilities-related initiatives across the SchoolOperational LeadershipPartner with leadership on capital planning and budgeting for facilities-related needsSupport operational priorities and special projects as requested by the Dean’s OfficeWhat We're Looking ForWe are seeking a strategic, detail-oriented operations leader with deep experience in facilities management and space planning within complex organizational environments.Application Instructions:Please submit a resume and cover letter (2 pages maximum) for consideration. In your cover letter, please address the following:Describe your experience managing space planning and facilities operations in a complex environment (e.g., academic medical center, research institution, or similar).Highlight any experience supporting laboratory or scientific space, including how you have analyzed space utilization, partnered with faculty or leadership, and implemented changes or improvements.We encourage concise, focused responses that highlight relevant experience and impact.Basic Requirements:Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:Bachelor’s degree10+ years of progressively responsible administrative experienceSignificant experience with space planning and space utilization management in complex environmentsDemonstrated success managing facilities operations and projects, including laboratory/scientific space experience or equivalent experience in complex environmentsStrong organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-oriented approachAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and database managementExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders, including faculty, researchers, and senior leadershipPreferred Qualifications:Experience in a higher education environmentExperience in a medical school, healthcare, or research settingExperience with Archibus or similar space/facilities management systems (IWMS)Pay RangeMinimum $155,100.00, Midpoint $193,900.00, Maximum $232,600.00Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.