Associate Director of University Centers - REVISED REVIEW DATE

Posting Details

Position Information

Recruitment Number

1301

Number of Vacancies

1

Working Title

Associate Director of University Centers - REVISED REVIEW DATE

Classification Title

Student Union Assoc Dir (Inst)

Proposed Salary to be Offered

Commensurate with experience, beginning at $68,000

Appointment Percentage (Budget)

100

Position Summary

The Associate Director of University Centers is a full-time professional staff position which is part of the Office of University Centers within the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ( UWL ). In conjunction with the Director of University Centers, the Associate Director is responsible for the daily business and financial management of the University Centers department, assists with the oversight of the daily operations of the Student Union & Whitney Center, serves as the primary administrator for the University Dining Program and the Dining Plan/ID Card program. The Associate Director will serve as a member of the University Centers central leadership team and will provide guidance on the long-term strategic plans for the areas of oversight.

Please find below the elements of the job description for which this position will be responsible:

Responsible for the business and finance operations of University Centers.

• Provide leadership, direction, and supervision of the general business functions of University Centers, including staff and office oversight of accounting/cash management, accounts payable and receivable, technology, and equipment.
• Oversee the hiring, training, professional development, evaluation, and daily operational oversight of professional and student staff members in the areas of oversight.
• Provide oversight of the Union Information Center/Event Tickets and Eagle ID/Dining Plan Office.
• Assist with the oversight of day-to-day operations of the Student Union and Whitney Dining Center.
• Develop and uphold policies that guide the overall business management and operations of University Centers.
• Serve as department liaison with campus partners including (but not limited to): Business Services, University Budget, Information Technology, Cashier’s Office, Financial Aid, Facilities Management, Planning and Construction, Residence Life, and Recreational Sports.

Responsible for the oversight of budget development and contractual management of University Centers

• In collaboration with the Director, assist in the development and administration of outside vendor contracts including dining services. This includes working with UW System Procurement from the beginning of the RFB / RFP process through the contract implementation and execution.
• Oversee the development of the University Centers annual budget and 10-year project budget plan, including University Centers Segregated Student Fees, University Dining, and revenue-generating budgets.
• Determine the annual pricing for student dining plans in collaboration with UW System and University Administration.
• Advise University Administration on any additional proposed expenses and the impact they will have on current and future annual budgets.
• Work closely with the University Budget Office to meet deadlines and comply with university policies.

Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the University Dining Program.

• Serves as a primary liaison with the contracted dining services provider.
• Supervise and coordinate the marketing, sale, sign-up and opening of meal plans, Dining Dollars and Campus Cash to student and the university community.
• Supervision of the contract financial aspects of the program including student billing, submission and payment of weekly board bill, Dining Dollars verifications, and alcohol reconciliation.
• Ensure that quality standards are being met, in accordance with the contract, in all residential, retail, and catering operations.
• Development of policy regarding the campus dining program.
• Field and respond to all customer inquiries related to the University Dining Program.
• Conduct assessment of customer service through surveys, focus groups, and tabletop discussions. Develop plans to address customer feedback and implement necessary changes to the program.
• Supervise and maintain University facilities and equipment used by the food contractor.
• Prepare specifications and requisitions for equipment.
• Supervise the conference and summer camp meal plan/Early Arrival/Dining Dollars program.
• Maintain a liaison relationship with the WIAA State Track meet.

Coordinate the University ID/card access program.

• Develop procedures for taking student, faculty, staff and specialty ID cards.
• Develop policies and procedures for replacing lost ID cards.
• Maintain inventory on ID equipment and supplies.
• Coordinate with campus entities card access privileges.

Serve as a member of the University Centers leadership team.

• In collaboration with other University Centers leadership team members, create and maintain an inclusive environment free of bias while leading and communicating in ways that champion equity, diversity and inclusivity and meet the needs of an active and diverse student body and campus community.
• Establish a positive collaborative working relationship with university departments, students, auxiliary partners, and community agencies.
• Assist with the coordination of training and development for student, graduate assistant, and full-time staff members.
• Assist in the establishment of the unit’s direction and policies with specific emphasis on the areas of engagement, leadership development, and student activities.
• Contribute to the development of the annual report, development of strategic goals, and the assessment of established goals.
• Ensure the unit’s philosophy and direction permeates the programs and services of the unit.

Other duties as assigned by the Director of University Centers.

• Serves as advisor to the Segregated University Fee Allocation Committee ( SUFAC ).
• Attend University functions of general importance to the student body or the University.
• Serve on Student Affairs and University committees as needed.
• Participate in regional and national Student Union and/or Auxiliary Services Professional Associations.

Position Type

Staff/Administrative

Pay Basis

Annual

FLSA

Exempt

Contingent Upon Funding

No

Is this position eligible for employment sponsorship, (H1B or PERM)?

No

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, or related field from a regionally accredited institution is required.
• Five (5) or more years of full-time experience working with business/financial processes (including accounts payable and accounts receivable), contracts, and/or daily operations of a large/complex organization/department.
• Five (5) or more years of experience supervising full-time professional, graduate assistant, and/or student staff members.
• Experience working with budget analysis, development, implementation, and reporting.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask while exhibiting good judgement and poise in a fast-paced environment.
• Possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and the willingness to work and communicate in a highly collaborative environment.
• Possess a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
• Available to work night, weekend, and occasional holiday hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience preparing, reviewing, negotiating, and executing contracts.
• Experience overseeing the business aspects of a comprehensive dining program (residential, retail, and catering.
• Experience working with point of sale and/or campus card management system (such as CBORD ).
• Experience developing and executing a comprehensive business plan.
• Experience working in a higher education setting, preferably at a public institution.
• Understanding of the importance of collaboration within the unit and the university.
• Ability to problem solve and readily adapt to change.
• Ability to use and adapt to current technology and new technology and software.
• Ability to interact effectively with faculty, staff, student, and external groups.

Physical Demands

Reasonable Accommodations
UWL provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact hrinfo@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8013. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

All position descriptions are required to provide physical demands and working condition/environment and may not be published in the job announcement. For information on the physical demands and/or working conditions/environment for this position, please contact Human Resources at hrinfo@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8013.

Working conditions and environment

• On occasion, this person must be able to work extended hours.
• Some night and weekend hours are required.
• Travel for professional development is possible.

Miscellaneous Information

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR POTENTIAL BENEFITS
You may potentially be eligible for benefits that could add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:

• excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• paid holidays and sick days.
• sick leave may be converted at retirement to pay for health insurance post-work at UWL .
• after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
• benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

Learn more at: https://www.uwlax.edu/globalassets/offices-services/human-resources/benefits-info/2022-quick-guide-faasli.pdf

Benefit eligibility is determined at point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

Information about UWL and the Surrounding Region
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW–La Crosse) provides a challenging, dynamic, and diverse learning environment in which the entire university community is fully engaged in supporting student success. Grounded in the liberal arts, UW-La Crosse fosters curiosity and life-long learning through collaboration, innovation, and the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge. Acknowledging and respecting the contributions of all, UW-La Crosse is a regional academic and cultural center that prepares students to take their place in a constantly changing world community.

For more than a decade UW-La Crosse has been named one of Kiplinger’s 100 Best Values in Public Universities and has appeared prominently on theU.S. News & World Reportlist of “America’s Best Colleges” for more than 15 years, and is ranked #4 on its list of the Best Regional Public Universities in the Midwest.

With a student population of roughly 10,500, the university offers 91 undergraduate programs, 21 graduate programs, and 2 doctoral programs through the following three colleges, the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, the College of Business Administration, and the College of Science and Health, as well as the School of Education. There are over 600 full-time faculty and instructional academic staff, 75 percent of whom hold terminal degrees. UW-La Crosse boasts a retention rate (freshmen returning as sophomores) of 84 percent, graduation rate (degree within six years) of 70 percent, and is among only 12 institutions cited nationally by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for its success in linking campus culture and university leadership to outstanding graduation rates.

UW-La Crosse’s strategic plan Sustaining Excellence continues to move our community forward through its four pillars: increasing community engagement, achieving excellence through equity and diversity, investing in our people, and advancing transformational education. More information about the ongoing work of Sustaining Excellence is available at www.uwlax.edu/info/strategic-plan .
The UW-La Crosse campus is in southwestern Wisconsin, nestled in a residential area of the City of La Crosse and positioned as part of a larger metro area with a population close to 140,000. The area, known as the 7 Rivers Region, is famous for its exceptional natural beauty which includes the Mississippi River on one side, majestic bluffs on the other, and views of rolling farmland and forested valleys in between. Abundant water, woodlands and varying terrain provide ample opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. Only a couple of hours from Minneapolis or Madison, La Crosse enjoys the affordability and charm of small town living with larger city benefits. Three colleges, two world-class medical institutions, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, a restored nineteenth century downtown business district, and a number of galleries and art centers have made La Crosse a regional center for culture, entertainment, medical care, shopping, sports and recreation. More information about the La Crosse metro area can be found here: Choose La Crosse .
Learn more about UW-La Crosse here: https://www.uwlax.edu/human-resources/services/talent-acquisition-and-employment/finalist-welcome/

AA/EO Statement
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. We strongly encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans to apply. UWL, in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.
DEI Statement
UW-La Crosse’s diversity and inclusion efforts are guided by our adherence to Inclusive Excellence. We define Inclusive Excellence as “… our active, intentional and ongoing commitment to bridge differences with understanding and respect so all can thrive." The goals of Inclusive Excellence are to increase the retention of diverse faculty, staff and students while encouraging a campus climate that is inviting and welcoming to all. UW-La Crosse strives to promote acceptance of all facets of diversity from racial/ethnic diversity to diversity of thought and experience. UW-La Crosse ranks 6th nationally among the Top LGBTQ -Friendly Colleges for 2018-19 by AffordableCollegesOnline.org ( ACO ).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://www.uwlax.edu/police/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.

Redbook Position

Yes

Division/College

Student Affairs Division

Description of College / Department / Program / Division / Unit

The Division of Student Affairs’ role is to enhance and support students learning experience here at UWL . We work closely with faculty, staff, community members, alumni and most importantly, students to provide quality programs and services which promote learning, leadership, involvement, service and the celebration of diversity. The Division includes a number of departments: Admissions and Recruitment, Campus Child Center, Counseling and Testing, Student Health Center, Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports, Residence Life, Student Life, University Centers, and the Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students office. The staff of the Division is truly student-centered and concerned about the holistic development of the student.

University Centers serves the community by providing a welcoming environment that facilitates learning opportunities, embraces diversity, and enriches the campus experience. University Centers provides operational oversight to the Student Union, the Whitney Dining Center, the Center for Organizations, Vision, and Engagement (the COVE ) and the Leadership and Involvement Center ( LIC ). University Centers also provides a wide variety of services, spaces, and amenities including the Information Center, Eagle ID Program, Dining Plans, Campus Food Pantry, and more.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Detail Information

Posting Date

12/21/2022

Continuous Recruitment

Yes

Continuous Recruitment First Review Date

03/10/2023

Close Date

Special Instructions

Application deadlines
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION : Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Position Contact Name

Kyle Burke, Director of University Centers

Position Contact Email

hrinfo@uwlax.edu
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identities of finalists must be revealed upon request. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).
   • I wish for my name to remain confidential until the university is no longer able to do so.
   • I waive my right to keep my name confidential through the application process.
2. * Are you currently employed by or have you been employed by a UW System institution or a State of Wisconsin agency during the last seven (7) years? Please answer yes or no. If yes, provide the institution or agency name, your supervisor and contact information, including phone number and email address.
   • Yes
   • No
3. * After you retire from a Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) employer, you may return to work with a WRS employer as a rehired annuitant, provided certain requirements are met. There are no restrictions on what type of position a rehired annuitant can hold. Under the WRS, there is no limit to how much you may earn as a rehired annuitant. (Learn more: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/life-events/empcha/ra/). Are you currently collecting an annuity from the Wisconsin Retirement System, (WRS)?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Are you an alum of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship for employment at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse? (UW-L and UW System institutions pay for some or all of the sponsorship costs. Some candidates may require an H1B or another form of employment sponsorship to work in the US. This question is asked so that if you are the successful candidate, Human Resources can work with your work unit to begin the process of obtaining this visa).
   • Yes, I will require sponsorship prior to employment.
   • Yes, I will require sponsorship for continued employment if hired.
   • No, I do not require sponsorship and am eligible to work in the US.
7. * Were you ever found to have engaged in any sexual violence or sexual harassment in a previous work assignment? (Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
   • Yes
   • No
8. * Are you currently under investigation or have ever left employment during an active investigation in which you were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment? (Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
   • Yes
   • No
9. * Please provide your most recent employer, supervisor name and contact information, including phone number and email address. (Pursuant to UW System Administrative Policy 1275, UW System requires reference checks related to sexual harassment and sexual violence to be conducted at a minimum with a final candidate’s most recent employer and with all previous UW System institution and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven years. UW-L will notify you prior to contacting your supervisor).
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
10. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
    • Chronicle of Higher Education Web Site
    • Discipline-Specific Publication/Web Site
    • HERC Web Site
    • HigherEdJobs.com Web Site
    • Job Center of Wisconsin Web Site
    • Minority Publication/Web Site
    • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Social Media (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
    • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Web Site
    • La Crosse Tribune
    • Personal Referral
    • LinkedIn
    • Indeed
    • WinonaDailyNews.com, LaCrosseTribune.com, ChippewaHerald.com, Journaltimes.com, Kenoshanews.com, Madison.com
    • Department of Workforce Development (WISC)
    • Other

Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. Reference Contact Information

Optional Documents