What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director position at Montana State University?
The Event Services Division (ESD) of Auxiliary Services is comprised of Sports Facilities, Strand Union Building Administration (SUB), Conference and Event Services (CES), and the Bobcat Ticket Office. The department’s mission is “Produce exceptional events in outstanding facilities.” These facilities are spread across the MSU campus and the division provides service to a wide variety of clientele and take prides in excellent customer service.
The SUB is a multi-use building owned by the students of MSU which welcomes current and prospective students, staff, faculty and other campus visitors throughout the year. The SUB houses the offices of Associated Students of MSU (ASMSU), Vice President for Student Success, Dean of Students, and Admissions & New Student Services to name a few; various dining venues and the MSU Bookstore. The SUB also has several public lounge spaces and a meeting rooms/event spaces that seat 12 to 1300 people. Outside of the SUB event space, they oversee operations for the Danforth Chapel and Inspiration Hall in Norm Asbjornsen Hall.
The SUB is a multi-use building owned by the students of MSU which welcomes current and prospective students, staff, faculty and other campus visitors throughout the year. The SUB houses the offices of Associated Students of MSU (ASMSU), Vice President for Student Success, Dean of Students, and Admissions & New Student Services to name a few; various dining venues and the MSU Bookstore. The SUB also has several public lounge spaces and a meeting rooms/event spaces that seat 12 to 1300 people. Outside of the SUB event space, they oversee operations for the Danforth Chapel and Inspiration Hall in Norm Asbjornsen Hall.
Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Event Services Director, the SUB Director provides for strategic oversight and administration of the department’s financial and human resources; multi-use building operation and maintenance; business growth areas; and landlord responsibilities.
- Senior level oversight of Conference and Event Services (CES), SUB Rec Center, Ask-Us Desk, Strand Union Administration, Danforth Chapel, and Inspiration Hall to ensure operations and event management are meeting student, tenant and visitor standards.
- Maintain effective and collaborative relationships with relevant members of the university and greater community to include students, building tenants, campus offices, University Police, Safety & Risk, University Facilities Management, and guests who utilize spaces in the SUB for various meetings, conferences, and other events throughout the year.
- Collaborate with CES, Culinary Services, and the MSU Bookstore to improve and enhance their productivity in the Strand Union.
- Primary liaison with ASMSU leadership on all matters relating to building and space management.
- Encourages and gathers feedback about the operations from students, staff, tenants and visitors.
- Oversight of all building operations to include daily operations; the scheduling, set up and tear down of the meeting/event spaces; custodial activities; immediate and deferred maintenance of all building systems; short- and long-term projects of various sizes; and security efforts.
- Primary point of contact for building tenants and users.
- Ensure public lounge areas, meeting spaces, and ballrooms are kept consistent with current user needs and trending technology.
- Assist in day-to-day activities to ensure smooth operations and event space turnovers.
- Oversight and supervision of the “manager-on-duty” rotation for evening and weekend events.
- Primary point of contact for trouble shooting and directing night-time staff if issues arise.
- Responsible to successfully manage a budget of approximately $2,000,000. Includes both operational budgets and related Repair & Replacement (R&R) budgets.
- Expected to maximize revenue potential to meet intended goals of reinvestment back into building operations and assets.
- Oversee a variety of fiscal management activities including: billing, invoicing, and collecting for the meeting/event spaces areas; Auxiliary cashier operation, compliance with money handling, reconciling, and PCI policies; regular reporting and analyzing of financial data; etc.
- Negotiate and manage all revenue generating contracts including but not limited to long term leases such as the MSU Bookstore, ATM operations and advertising space contracts.
- Oversight and supervision of department’s human resources, training programs, standard operating procedures, adherence to compliance of policies and procedures across functional areas, and professional development opportunities.
- Five direct reports (hiring, training, evaluating, disciplining, payroll, etc.)
- 12 indirect reports and and estimated 50-60 students/temporary employees.
- Event Services’ primary live show booking contact responsible to maximize both existing and new relationships with local, regional, and national promoters. Direct oversight of all booking and contractual processes for the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse and Bobcat Stadium.
- Active participation in the Event Services Leadership team to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive event services program, departmental standard operating procedures, and departmental short- and long-term goals.
- Participate in campus committees, professional organizations, conferences, and training activities representing the department as required or assigned.
- Actively participates as part of the team while performing other duties in support of the division’s mission.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Management, Facilities Management/Operations, Hospitality Management or a related field plus at least 5 years of progressive facility management experience or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience successfully executing and maintaining strong business practices, program improvement, compliance management, and quality control.
- Demonstrated operational understanding of the systems necessary to successfully operate a multi-use building.
- Demonstrated experience in fiscal and/or contract management (including but not limited to: developing and assessing budgets, costs estimates, invoicing/billing, etc).
- Experience establishing and managing working relationships with tenants, outside companies, and service providers.
- Significant experience in responsible personnel management.
- Proficient computer experience utilizing a variety of software packages.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Extensive experience developing and maintaining policies and procedures relative to the management of a student union facility.
- Project management experience related to renovation and/or new construction.
- Direct experience managing large, high-profile, and complex events.
- Familiarity with the booking, negotiating, contracting, and settlement of live entertainment events.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Comprehensive knowledge of industry best practices for public building management, specifically in areas of risk management, financial management, contracting, licensee agreements, promoter relations, food and beverage service, marketing, ticketing, custodial, guest services, and building management/ maintenance.
- Effectively work with computerized facility software packages and standard business software packages.
- Skilled in conflict resolution, negotiations, and creative problem solving.
- Provide strong leadership and ability to create a culture of teamwork.
- Possess the ability and analytic skills to develop consensus and solve problems in a multiple building/tenant situation.
- Demonstrated passion for customer service.
- Knowledge of state regulations regarding purchasing, project and financial management.
- Familiarity with multimedia rights agreements.
- Excellent oral and written communications and interpersonal relation skills with both internal and external constituents at all levels.
- Knowledge of building fire code, electrical, heating, ventilating, carpentry, plumbing and pool mechanical systems.
- Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to public safety and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Represent the department and its programs in a positive, professional, and courteous manner.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. Please do not send a copy of your driver’s license at this time. (If the successful candidate possesses a valid out of state driver’s license, candidate must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days.)
- Will work evenings, weekends, long hours, consecutive days during busy periods, and occasional holidays as the school and event schedule demands.
- Will serve as a “manager-on-duty” for evening and weekend events per the rotation schedule.
- Trouble shoots emergent situations outside of regular business hours.
- Will occasionally work outside and in inclement weather.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Navigate areas in and around the SUB, Danforth Chapel and Inspiration Hall to include small spaces and stairs.
- Occasionally move and place event items of varying weight, shapes, sizes, and materials up to 30 lbs and occasionally up to 75lbs.
- Occasionally move tables, chairs and other furniture and equipment during set-ups and tear-downs.
- Occasionally have exposure to cleaning chemicals.
- Occasionally shovel snow at entrances.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on March 26, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
Please address the qualifications in your cover letter and resume.
Questions? Contact: Search Support at auxjobs@montana.edu or 406-994-6093.
Questions? Contact: Search Support at auxjobs@montana.edu or 406-994-6093.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Salary : $2,000,000
