Executive Director of Harre Union and Auxiliary Services

Position Overview

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration and leadership of Harre Union, which includes Union programs and services, operations, facilities management, staff supervision, scheduling, and fiscal management; and Auxiliary Services, which includes Bookstore, Dining Services, and Mail Services. The Executive Director also administers and oversees the University's conferences and events program.

 Position Responsibilities:

• Develop the overall vision and mission for Union operations and Auxiliary Services programs and services, aligning them with the University's mission and strategic plan.
• Serve as a thought leader on the Finance and Administration Leadership Team to offer new ideas, feedback from analyses, opportunities for improved efficiencies, and peer leader support.
• Manage relationships with contract partners and third-party vendors (currently with Bookstore and Dining Services) to ensure contract compliance, maximizing financial performance, marketing, and customer service. Demonstrate leadership in contract negotiation to develop terms that bring value to the University.
• Implement a comprehensive offering of Union programs and services for the campus community.
• Serve as building supervisor and administrator of the Union Building, working with Facilities Management regarding building appearance, condition, facilities, and furnishings.
• Hire, orient, and provide ongoing training, supervision, and evaluation for professional, clerical, and student staff.
• Direct and work with the Union staff to support a robust co-curricular experience for Valparaiso University students that enhances student development, fosters student engagement with the community, and promotes student learning.
• Administer the University's conferences and events program, working with various campus constituencies to provide coordinated conference services.
• Direct policy development and implementation for the Union and its programs and services.
• Develop and administer an annual budget and oversee all fiscal matters within the area of the Union.
• Supervise staff and functions related to the operations of the Union, including technology, room set-ups, scheduling, event execution, and performance.
• Supervise the overall availability and scheduling of Union and other campus meeting facilities under the Union's oversight.
• Serve as a resource person for students, faculty, and administration wishing to hold programs in, or in conjunction with, the Union. Ensure collaboration with departments across campus on various programs and events.
• Develop and implement a marketing program to increase awareness of and participation in the Union's programs and services, promote the utilization of Union and conference facilities by internal and external groups, and generate revenue from Union programs and services.
• Assess the needs of the University community regarding the Union's programs and services, and evaluate the effectiveness of the offerings provided.
• Develop a relationship with Student Life and University staff in developing and implementing programs and services that help to create the best possible overall student experience at the University.
• Support and enhance the work of the division of Finance and Administration through collaboration with other departments.
• Serve on various campus task forces and committees.
• Maintain currency of knowledge and skills to support the provision of duties and responsibilities of the Union and Auxiliary Services portfolios.

 Qualifications:

 Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5 or more years of work-related experience in college union, auxiliary services, and/or student activity work is required.
• Successful applicants will have the ability to work with individuals or groups from all backgrounds.

 Preferred:

• A Master's degree.
• Ability to develop leadership training and employee training programs.
• Knowledge and experience with conferences, programs, and event planning.
• Knowledge and experience using event and scheduling technology and using appropriate software applications.
• Ability to work in a diverse, collaborative, and team-oriented environment.
• Understanding of students, student development, and university business processes.
• Flexible leadership and interpersonal style.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends or special times as assigned.
• Willingness to work at a University committed to Christian higher education in the Lutheran tradition.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references
• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Mark Volpatti, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration
Valparaiso, Indiana