Conference and Guest Housing Manager - Housing and Residence Life

This position provides leadership, direction, and coordination of overnight accommodations for guest, intern, camp, and conference housing. This role works with departments across campus, as well as external stakeholders that need housing accommodation for various camps, conferences, and events. This position is responsible for the growth and development of the summer housing program to increase revenue and services provided for the department. This role oversees all aspects of business, marketing, and communications, both internal and external, for the guest housing operation. Other responsibilities of this position include the development of marketing strategies, the execution of marketing plans, and conducting marketing and operational assessments all designed to enhance the respective operations and in line with the overall goals established by the department.

Salary & Benefits:

$50,000-$60,000, commensurate with experience

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties

• Build relationships with internal and external clients to maximize revenue.

• Oversee marketing and communications strategy.

• Develop, and executes strategy for collection of Accounts Receivable.

• Implement and interpret guest policies and procedures that contribute to increased customer service, occupancy, and cost-effectiveness as well as mitigate risk to the operation.

• Work collaboratively with other areas of the Housing and Residence Life to advance department and University goals.

• Manage guest experience by, communicating policies and procedures to guests, authorizing requests for exceptions to policies when appropriate.

• Review, plan and coordinate opening/closing procedures, manuals, and communication materials for Conferences team.

• Establish, maintain, and facilitate appropriate liaison relationships within University Housing and multiple on-campus departments.

• Collaborate with Housing and Residence Life Facilities manager in Supervising Facilities and Client Services Assistant.

• Support the training of summer conference staff and student employees.

• Ensure staff equitably and consistently apply Housing and Residence Life and University policies with respect to room assignments and contract administration.

• Oversee performance appraisals and performance management of direct reports and assists with evaluation of other non-direct report staff.

• Participate in departmental leadership teams and division-wide commitments.

• Serve in after-hours duty rotation for Conference and Guest Services unit.

• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High School Diploma.

• Three or more (3+) years full time experience in Housing and Residence Life, hotel lodging, or other hospitality operations.

• Demonstrated progression of supervisory and management experience.

• Experience working with conference housing program Iris or similar.

• Demonstrated skills in strategic planning and critical thinking.

• Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, faculty, and staff at all levels in a complex and diverse environment.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to diversity and a solid understanding of and appreciation for cultural, ethnic, and individual differences.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and work effectively in an environment characterized by change.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in hospitality or related field.

• Five or more (5+) years full time experience in Housing and Residence Life, hotel lodging, or other hospitality operations.

• Experience working in a higher education setting.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment. Includes night and weekend work during camps and conferences season. Some travel may be required.

How to Apply:

Attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact brownch7@gvsu.edu.  If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at