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 Summary
The 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.
Job Responsibilities
First 90 Days: Listening, Assessment, and Stabilization
- 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.
The emphasis during this period is not rapid restructuring, but disciplined understanding. Sustainable improvement begins with accurate assessment and trust.
Construction & Capital Project Oversight
- 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.
Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
- 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.
Facilities Standards & Regional Support
- 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.
Capital Planning & Financial Stewardship
- 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.
Strategic Coordination
- 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.
Job 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.
- Professional licensure strongly preferred.
- Deep knowledge of construction contracts, specifications, budgeting, and negotiations.
- Strong understanding of building codes and regulatory requirements.
- Experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Familiarity with multi-site or institutional environments preferred.
- Active practicing Catholic in good standing preferred.
Leadership Profile
This role requires more than technical expertise. It requires maturity and judgment.
- 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.
Facilities shape the physical environment in which the faithful encounter Christ. This leader must approach each project not merely as construction, but as service to mission.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.
Pre-Employment Screening
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screening will include criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary for employment. Any offer would be contingent upon successful completion of any required screening.
