Director of Student Centers

Department

CSL AVP Student Life

About the Department

The Student Centers, Ida Noyes Hall, and the Reynolds Club at the University of Chicago are essential in supporting Campus and Student Life (CSL) by fostering a welcoming, engaged campus community for all who study, live, and work here. CSL strives to serve as stewards of spaces, venues, and services that cultivate community and contribute to the vibrancy of campus, and the Student Centers plays a central role in that commitment.

Job Summary

The Director of Student Centers is responsible for the strategic vision and overall management of the facilities and operations of the Centers and other key campus spaces, including the Quads and select classrooms in the evenings. The Director supports diverse programs and activities, services, and facilities that strongly support student learning and engagement. Additionally, the position is responsible for a comprehensive student employee program designed to enhance student leadership and learning. The Director also maintains key relationships with both building tenants and campus partners that utilize these iconic spaces.

There are currently fourteen (14) staff in the Centers, inclusive of both operations and event teams. The Director reports to the Associate Vice President for Student Life.

Responsibilities

• Directs the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Student Centers at the University of Chicago. Leads and supervises staff to manage and operate buildings and adjacent outdoor spaces. Establishes and administers policies and procedures related to operations.D
• Manages activities associated with building maintenance, custodial services, security, and facility reservations.
• Builds and maintains relationships with campus partners essential to the operations in the various facilities. Manages relationships with all tenants in Student Centers such as Career Advancement, UChicago Dining, S.T.A.G.E., and Spiritual Life. Serves as a liaison between campus partners responsible for major campus events.
• Develops and implements long-range renovation and equipment replacement plans. Provides strategic direction for operations and revenue generation.
• Assesses the effectiveness of the Student Centers and oversees the budget for the Student Centers.
• Manages managers and professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
• Recommends and manages the execution of operating practices and procedures for effectiveness and efficiency, recommending changes as needed.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Seven to ten years in a full-time professional position in a university student center or student union.
• A demonstrated ability to lead and direct a medium size complex organization which provides programs and services that are essential to the campus community.
• Direct supervisory experience of multiple staff.
• Significant experience in capital project management, maintenance and/or renovation programs.
• Risk and crisis management, with a strong commitment to safety.
• Managing multiple facilities in an urban setting.
• Creating and maintaining a comprehensive student employment development program.
• Extensive experience in leadership, innovation, employee development, strategic planning, and student learning within higher education.

Preferred Competencies

• Possesses a sound understanding of the values and philosophy of the student union/center.
• Understands legacy and historical spaces and the uniqueness that each present.
• Has experience maintaining and promoting inclusive spaces for all users.
• Ensures quality service to all users, especially student organizations and key campus partners.
• Effectively manages relationships with building tenants and clients, both internal and external.
• Fosters innovative and strategic collaborations across campus and within Campus and Student Life.
• Navigates a politically complex and multilevel organization.
• Demonstrated success in working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational skills with a high attention to detail.
• Demonstrated success in working independently with minimal supervision on a variety of complex tasks.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Posting Statement

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.