Associate Director, Facilities & Event Operations-University Student Centers

PAY GRADE: 31E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The University Student Centers (USC) cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, community in which students learn and thrive at the University of Delaware.  As part of the Division of Student Life, the Trabant University Center and the Perkins Student Center serve as the social and educational epicenters for the campus, providing vibrant and intentionally planned engagement opportunities that support USCs’ learning outcomes, but also those of the Division of Student Life and the overall educational aims of UD, as articulated by the General Education purposes and objectives. The USC team affords every student a path to contribute to the campus community and heighten their sense of belonging through on-campus employment opportunities, nationally recognized leadership development programs, over 400 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and dynamic and engaging campus events and traditions. The unique cross-functional nature of the department, which includes facilities, events, student organizations, and leadership programs, necessitates that each professional staff member pursues cross-unit collaborations and partnerships, as well as assumes some cross-functional duties and roles, such opening/closing the facility based on event coverage; rotating evening-duty, serving as an advisor to RSOs, and providing programmatic support for department and divisional events.  Collectively and through collaboration, USC team members play a critical role in actualizing the Division of Student Life mission and vision.

Under the general direction of the Sr Assoc Director, the Associate Director for Facilities & Event Operations is responsible for the management of the two USC facilities, Perkins Student Center and Trabant University Center, totaling 261,000 square feet, 12,000+ annual reservations, welcoming more than 2.7 million visitors, and operating 7 days / week and 17 hours each weekday. The centers hosts university administrators, government officials, faculty, staff, students, and alumni and corporate representatives for more than 7100 annual events.  In addition to the University Student Center offices, several university departments are also located within, including Aramark retail food vendors, Orientation & Transition Programs, Veteran & Military Connected Student Services, PNC Bank, Lerner Hospitality & Business Management/Vita Nova Restaurant, Package Center, Fraternity and Sorority Leadership & Learning, the Center for Intercultural Engagement, and Student Diversity & Inclusion.

The Associate Director develops strategic, collaborative partnerships with other university departments in Student Life, Facilities, Real Estate, Auxiliary Services (FREAS), Public Safety, Risk Management, Purchasing / Accounting / Business, Aramark Dining Services, Environmental Health and Safety, Conference Services, Media Services, Information Technology, and Registrar’s Office in the delivery of excellent services and programs.   The position also coordinates with faculty from Sports Management, Arts and Sciences, and Computer Science majors and minors as they relate to the Esports Arena.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, direct and implement policies, procedures and systems to ensure the efficient, safe and profitable operation and management of the University Student Centers. This includes coordinating emergency procedures and practices for facility offices and patrons and conducting emergency/evacuation drills.
• Establish performance standards, training, and supervision for six professional staff and ensure each staff member is well prepared to provide excellent customer experience to the campus community.  This position also establishes performance standards for 70+ student staff and develops a training curriculum to ensure that student staff develop leadership skills and competencies for post-graduate success. 
• Serve on the Senior Leadership Team of the University Student Centers, assuming key roles in department decision-making through a participative leadership approach in meeting the mission and goals of the department.
• As part of the cross-functional nature of this department, the Associate Director not only handles the event and facility-related matters associated with USC, but also serves as an advisor to student organizations and supports colleagues in the development and implementation of large-scale programs and events.  
• Ensure that all center-based functions and scheduled events run smoothly.  This includes set-up / room configurations, technology needs, and catering specifications.
• Design, establish, and maintain structure and appropriate staffing to effectively accomplish the goals of the unit; recruit, employ, train, supervise, and evaluate professional and student staff.  Develop and provide opportunities for staff to eng