Oneonta Auxiliary Services Executive Director - SUNY Oneonta

Oneonta Auxiliary Services. Inc. (OAS) at SUNY Oneonta is a financially self-supporting not-for-profit corporation designed to provide a variety of auxiliary services and financial assistance for the benefit of the University. OAS supports SUNY Oneonta through our commitment to exceptional customer service as we establish, operate, manage, enhance, and promote programs and auxiliary services across the university.

In direct support of the goals and mission of SUNY Oneonta, the OAS Executive Director serves as the primary liaison between the University and auxiliary services entities and contracted vendors. The incumbent is responsible for the administration and oversight of all auxiliary services and OAS activities and operations, which includes the provision of resident, retail and catered dining services; the Red Dragon Outfitters spirit store; textbooks; Dragon Dollars optional spending accounts; vending; residence hall laundry equipment; ID/Dining Cards; Check Cashing; ATMs; College Camp; in addition to coordinating the OAS Board of Directors activities. OAS also serves as the fiscal agent for the Student Association and Agency Accounts. OAS supports the University with substantial annual contributions to divisional program accounts, scholarships, space and utility reimbursements, and capital improvements to leasehold properties.

These programs and services have a significant impact on the university community. The hands-on approach combined with a creative and innovative mindset, in collaboration with Finance and Administration, University leadership, and the OAS Board of Directors, is intended to enhance the student experience and overall customer service.

Duties include but are not limited to:

The OAS Executive Director reports to the Vice President of Finance and Administration with a strong collaborative working relationship with university leadership.

Operations and leadership:

• Responsible for planning, strategic goals, project management and results of the auxiliary programs and services.
• Serves as primary point of contact and manages the contractual relationships with all auxiliary service providers, meeting regularly with each functional area director.
• Prepares requests for proposals as appropriate and acts as lead negotiator.
• Oversees/reviews performance of contracted operations. Negotiates renewal options on contracts as appropriate.
• Coordinates with campus facilities and finance for contractor and OAS funded capital projects.
• Works with the OAS Finance Committee, OAS Treasurer, OAS Controller, and the independent auditor to ensure the financial stability of OAS, providing a revenue stream that will provide program funding, a reasonable annual increase to operational costs, and reserves to ensure funding for the OAS Capital Plan.
• Assists in preparation of the annual budget for approval by the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
• Reviews and approves all major expenditures and works with the Controller to manage all financial transactions. Reviews the Annual Audit and develops comparisons to prior years.
• Ensures compliance of auxiliary programs and services with relevant University, Board of Trustees, SUNY, and state and federal regulations, laws, and education policies.
• Coordinates OAS Board meetings in collaboration with board officers, including preparing agendas and supporting documentation for regular and special meetings, and maintaining meeting minutes.
• Serves as Ex- Officio member on OAS Board committees. Supports creation and modification of board policies and documents for review of the Board of Directors.
• Recommends and implements approved policies and procedures that establish and maintain adequate control over programs and assets, ensures compliance with applicable policies, laws, and regulations, and promotes efficient, effective, customer service-oriented operations.
• Conducts all personnel matters in accordance with federal, state, and local EEO laws, regulations and agreement.
• Serves as point of contact for OAS employee human resources issues including but not limited to health benefits, life insurance programs, etc.
• Serves as OAS retirement and employee benefits liaison, managing the OAS employee retirement and benefit programs, responding to employee questions and concerns.
• Maintains the OAS Employee Handbook and updates as appropriate in collaboration with the OAS Personnel Committee.
• Engages with attorneys retained by the auxiliary regarding vendor relationships, contract review and modifications to the terms and scope of services.
• Acts as a liaison with other University departments to enable efficient and effective auxiliary services. Maintains open communication and collaborates with the Finance and Administration Division in support of auxiliary programs and services, remaining knowledgeable about the status of auxiliary finance and budget issues.
• Serves as main point of contact for all auxiliary service functions in the case of a declared emergency, coordinating with OAS contractual partners.
• Responds promptly as a key operational leader, particularly during emergencies or inclement weather conditions, to ensure continued operation of essential services such as food service.
• Executes other duties as assigned by the VP of Finance and Administration, OAS Board of Directors and/or as needed in support of SUNY Oneonta.
• Serves on key committees as requested by the university.

Salary: $158,000-$163,000 - commensurate with experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or another related field from an accredited college or university is required.
• A minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in auxiliary management, small business, and/or retail professions is required.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record as a creative visionary and critical thinker.
• Leads with sound judgement, diplomacy, professionalism, resourcefulness, transparency, and dependability.
• Established ability to relate well and communicate effectively with a variety of people (campus leadership, colleagues, direct reports, faculty and staff, students, visitors, and the general public), from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in comprehensive auxiliary operations: food services, textbooks, laundry, vending, retail operations, ID/Dining Cards, and property management.
• Administrative experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience in writing and facilitating Requests for Proposals.
• Proven track record of successful partnership management and contract negotiations.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and communicate information in both written and oral form.
• Demonstrated ability in implementing innovative and sustainable solutions in service delivery.
• Thorough experience in developing and managing operating budgets.
• Experience in a complex organizational model.
• Working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
• Excellent computer skills and general understanding of a variety of business-related computer programs/systems.

Preferred:

• MBA or advanced degree or certification in related fields.
• Experience or knowledge managing a not-for-profit organization, including board management.
• Leadership experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience working in the SUNY system.
• Knowledge of the current trends and developments in auxiliary services.
• Experience with design and construction management of new and refreshed facilities.

SUNY Oneonta enrolls about 5,500 students who pursue bachelor's or master's degrees or certificates in one of 70-plus academic programs. Known as an exemplary residential campus that values inclusion, service and sustainability, SUNY Oneonta is a nurturing community where students grow intellectually, thrive socially, and live purposefully.

The university is located in the City of Oneonta, nestled in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains about a four-hour drive from New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. With a population just shy of 14,000, Oneonta is one of the 20 Most Picturesque Small Towns in America, according to Microsoft News. The natural beauty of the region is breathtaking year-round. Each season offers outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, boating, swimming, and skiing. Employees give SUNY Oneonta high marks for work/life balance, management, and culture. The university's really.com rating is 4.4, with one recent review noting that the people are what make SUNY Oneonta so special.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the NYS Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@oer.ny.gov.

SUNY Oneonta values a diverse university community. Please visit our website on diversity at: https://suny.oneonta.edu/diversity. Moreover, the University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. "At SUNY Oneonta, we believe that diversity is an asset and a source of strength that energizes our collective growth and innovation." - President Alberto Cardelle.