Executive Director - Illini Union

As the community center of the University, the Illini Union draws together all members of the University with approximately 16,000 visits of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. We are seeking individuals with varying backgrounds who can help create and foster communities that strive toward this vision. This includes supporting the academic mission of the University by developing environments conducive to student learning and academic success, respecting, appreciating, and advocating for our student population, and supporting the holistic development of all our students.

Provides visionary and strategic oversight, guiding day-to-day and long-term administrative functions for the Illini Union and its departments.

• Directs the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Illini Union and its departments including campus-wide Conference and Event Services, Student Development and Programming, Illini Union Bookstore, shared budget and marketing services, Illini Union Hotel. The Union currently employs approximately 175 full time employees and 500 student employees.
• Provides fiscal leadership for complex auxiliary operations, including budget development and monitoring, revenue planning, financial analysis, rate and fee structures, contract/vendor oversight, resource stewardship and long-term financial sustainability for a $33M organizational budget. Maintains generally accepted cash handling controls, and accounting and auditing procedures.
• Provides strategic leadership for long-range facilities planning, capital renewal, deferred maintenance priorities, renovation projects, technology improvements, space utilization, and physical asset stewardship in partnership with campus facilities, planning, public safety, procurement and other university stakeholders.
• Ensures compliance with university policies, state requirements, risk management standards, event safety protocols, emergency procedures, contract requirements, accessibility expectations, and applicable regulatory obligations for Illini Union facilities, services, events, vendors and auxiliary operations.
• Directs short-range, long-range, and strategic planning efforts for the organization. Monitors all purchasing decisions.
• Provides coordinated and consistent campus-wide conference operations and enhance community partnerships with organizations such as Experience Champaign-Urbana.
• Works closely with the Illini Union Board and assists the organization in building an include campus community through social, cultural, educational, and recreational programs and activities. Attends weekly Illini Union Board meetings, solicits advice on building policy matters, and meets regularly with the Board president.
• Collaborates with academic programs and campus partners to enhance services including shared services such as marketing, budget/finance, and housekeeping.
• Serves as liaison between the Illini Union and other departments such as Facilities & Services, Public Safety, Purchasing, Alumni Association, Human Resources, etc., and organizations.
• Serves on Student Affairs and University committees as required.
• Maintains relationships with external private vendors/operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education :

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Higher Education, Hospitality Management, Public Administration or other appropriate discipline.

Experience :

• Ten (10) years of progressive experience with a minimum of five (5) years in an upper-level administrative position in a comparable student affairs unit.
• Five (5) years of experience in the operation of a student union or similar organization in a higher education institution.

• Ability to lead and…