Associate Director, IMU Facilities and Operations

Associate Director, IMU Facilities and Operations

University of Iowa – Division of Student Life

Position Overview The Associate Director of IMU Facilities and Operations provides leadership in managing the Iowa Memorial Union’s facility operations and event support services. This role oversees maintenance, repair, and safety programs, ensures regulatory compliance, and sets strategic direction for operational efficiency. The Associate Director contributes to a welcoming environment and delivers exceptional customer service to students, university departments, and external clients.

• Manage IMU facilities operations, including staff supervision.
• Serve as Manager on Duty during building emergencies.
• Meet with clients to provide excellent customer service.
• Oversee facility and operational assets (furniture, equipment, janitorial, maintenance, pest control, OSHA, security, recycling, freight dock, telecommunications, technology, etc.).
• Collaborate with event management staff on event setup and coordination.
• Ensure emergency preparedness plans and policies (flood response, UI Critical Incident Management Plan) are in place and act as primary contact for public and UI officials.
• Perform supervisory functions: interviewing, training, performance evaluation, discipline, salary recommendations, promotions, or dismissals.
• Prepare and monitor department budgets; establish customer‑focused policies and procedures for facility and event space use.
• Participate in long‑range planning, program review, and policy development.
• Collaborate with Student Life Communications to promote event spaces and facilities.
• Make recommendations on policy and procedural changes.
• Work with clients to resolve service concerns and complaints.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience.
• 3‑5 years of event‑related experience (space planning, facility logistics, event planning, customer relations, project management).
• Ability to apply the organization’s performance management system.
• Extensive knowledge of collaborative techniques and ability to work with diverse groups.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license and compliance with University Fleet Safety Program.
• Experience with event‑management computer programs and digital display systems (e.g., Visix, Mazévo, Visio).
• Knowledge of budgeting policies and practices.
• Capacity to respond to crisis situations; availability to serve on duty during incidents at nights and weekends.
• Demonstrated experience creating a welcoming and respectful environment.
• Ability to contribute to operational (short‑term), tactical (1‑2 years), and strategic (3‑5 years) planning supporting the overall business plan.

• Master’s degree in Facility Management, Business Administration, Project or Operations Management, or related field.
• Knowledge of emergency preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery.
• Ability to apply performance management systems for staff under collective bargaining agreements.
• Understanding of IMU goals, UI Strategic Plan alignment, and UI policies.

To be considered, applicants must upload a résumé and cover letter and mark them as a “Relevant File.” Successful candidates will self‑disclose any conviction history and undergo a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to five professional references may be requested later. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

• Pay Level: 4B
• Starting Salary Minimum: $75,000
• Starting Salary Maximum: commensurate

• Organization:
  Student Life
• Contact Name:
  Ruth Appleton
• Contact Email:
  ruth-appleton

Job filled within 14 calendar days; postings may be removed earlier. For additional information, contact Ruth Appleton at ruth-appleton
.