Executive Director - Hopkins Student Center Operations

Overview

CENTERS, LLC is a professional management firm specializing in facility, operation, and program management for higher education. CENTERS' management approach is customized for each client yet retains our uniform quality. Our firm unites site staff with a centralized administrative team, each contributing to the firm's goals and client needs. The CENTERS team is innovative, entrepreneurial, trail-blazing, and ambitious for both CENTERS and our clients. Today, CENTERS provides management services for 14 clients.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director of the Hopkins Student Center (HSC) will carry out the strategic vision and provide leadership of the day-to-day operations of the Hopkins Student Center opening in 2025, responsible for ensuring operational alignment with Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Student Affairs mission, values, and goals. They will directly manage the professional staff responsible for operations and event production. The Executive Director will collaborate with peer student affairs leaders and other key campus stakeholders, especially Hopkins Dining, Johns Hopkins Facilities & Real Estate (JHFRE), and Public Safety, to ensure the HSC is grounded in a philosophy of top-tier customer service, commitment to operational excellence, and student-first perspective.  This position will be the most senior on-site CENTERS employee at Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus. JHU is recognized as America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world. JHU is opening its first-ever student center in August 2025.  The 148,000 gross square feet Hopkins Student Center (HSC) will transform the student experience by providing spaces, amenities, and opportunities for students who want to socialize, connect, create, and relax.  The building is designed to be a welcoming environment for all Hopkins students while extending an invitation to the community through events, programs, and dining opportunities.​   Essential Functions

 

Strategic Planning and Policy Development

• Carry out the strategic vision to guide the operations of the Hopkins Student Center. 
• Be the HSC spokesperson and point of contact for all high-level inquiries, navigating the political and bureaucratic processes to deliver acceptable outcomes. 
• Collaborate with Scheduling & Event Services to deliver effective industry practices, policies, and procedures including contract execution, booking confirmations, on-site support, invoicing, and post-event close-out. 
• Develop, implement, and maintain student-friendly operating policies and procedures aligned to the pluralistic operating paradigm.

 

Operational Leadership

• Within the assigned portfolio, ensure all Student Affairs facilities, programs, and services align with student needs and enhance the overall student experience.
• Lead the operating team to execute the approved operating plan and all associated playbooks/manuals for standards, policies, and procedures aimed at improving service delivery and operational efficiency within Student Affairs.
• Leverage the Vice Provost of Student Affairs and JHU leadership to proactively manage potential circumstances that may arise in this high profile, high occupancy state-of-the-art asset, serving the campus community and public.
• Primary liaison for CENTERS leadership and responsible for leading the HSC team to comply with all contractual obligations and maintain client expectations. 
• Develop the annual operating business plan to deliver client objectives and CENTERS standards following laws, guidelines, and regulations. 

Facility Management and Administration

• Collaborate with Johns Hopkins Facilities & Real Estate (JHFRE) to ensure that the HSC and Student Affairs events facilities are clean, well-maintained, and safe.
• In partnership with JHFRE, oversee capital projects and facility and equipment preventive maintenance for the HSC ensuring lifecycle management is being prioritized.
• Effectively select and manage third-party contracts to foster long-term partnerships in the best interests of Johns Hopkins.
• Serve as the primary contact for university housekeeping and third-party janitorial service; Communicate special cleaning projects, emergency needs, and facility schedules as needed.
• Liaise with JHFRE and direct the work of staff and/or 3rd party contractors on repairs/maintenance, building/equipment projects, annual inspections, certification renewals, etc.

Budget and Resource Management

• Deliver operational and financial reporting that tracks utilization by space and participant type, quantity and diversity of events, programs, and performances, YTD resource allocation by the designated chart of accounts, and other customized reporting as needed.
• Construct and manage operating and reserve budgets. Ensure internal controls are in place and followed.  
• In partnership with Leadership Engagement & Experiential Development, Hopkins Dining, and Public Safety, ensure that all programs planned by registered student organizations are successful, safe, and executed following the university facility use policy including the collection of vendor certificate of insurance, fire safety protocols, and safe food delivery where applicable. 
• Identify, recommend, schedule, and budget for capital improvements and equipment and/or facility repairs and replacement in collaboration with JHFRE.   Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
• Foster and maintain relationships with students, users, and stakeholders that support the activation of the HSC. Immerse themselves and the operation into the client community. 
• Evaluate and implement improvements for the facility and operational workflows. 
• Effectively select and manage third-party contracts to foster long-term partnerships in the best interests of Johns Hopkins.  Crisis Management and Safety
• Coordinate with Public Safety to ensure a safe and secure environment.   
• Oversee crisis management efforts related to HSC operations, ensuring emergency preparedness, safety protocols, and a swift response to unforeseen events at the Student Center and other Student Affairs event venues. 
• Responsibility for HSC crisis-related communications to the Division of Student Affairs and JHU leadership.  Staff Supervision
• Select, train, manage, and evaluate staff. Oversee, through downstream managers, multiple functional disciplines.  
• Plan department staffing levels in conjunction with Human Resources.

Qualifications

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. 
• Minimum 7 years of event management or student union experience. 
• Previous higher education experience.  
• Leadership and supervisory experience.  
• Experience with rental agreements and contracts.

Skills and Abilities  

• Proven track record of developing and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with relevant stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of standard practices and demonstrated experience in higher education operations.  
• Significant knowledge of event production, solicitation, and planning. 
• Proven ability to develop and achieve financial plans. 
• Ability to motivate and lead employees and hold them accountable.  

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work Environment

• Office and events environment
• Non-smoking environment
• Moderate to loud noise
• Maintain flexible hours for events that may occur on weekends and evenings

Physical Demands 

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 60% of the day
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. 
• Must be able to traverse throughout the arena and campus. Regularly ascending/descending building levels and occasionally ladders or stools. 
• Working in events environment at least 40% of day. 
• Must be able to lift, move and set up items weighing as much as 50 lbs. 
• Must be able to discuss, converse with, and exchange accurate information with event patrons, staff, stakeholders, etc.  

Travel

• Local, regional, national travel as required

Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.