University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · 15 hours ago
Senior Associate Director for Facilities & Operations - Illini Union
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Senior Associate Director for Facilities & Operations at the Illini Union. This role provides leadership for facility management and operations, ensuring vibrant, inclusive spaces that support community building and student success.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Provide leadership and strategic direction for Illini Union Facilities and Operations (building maintenance and facility management, Event Services, Multimedia, and day/night/weekend operations) and oversee similar responsibilities for other student affairs departments/buildings as agreed upon through formal Memorandums of Understanding. Responsible for development, implementation and enforcement of all applicable campus and Illini Union policies related to areas of oversight (Facilities, Operations, Maintenance)
Ensure that all Illini Union facilities are maintained in a manner which provides clean, safe, and well-maintained environments; conducts ongoing valuations of the conditions of all Illini Union buildings and facilities by conducting audits of the facilities to document current conditions and compliance with life safety and building codes, advise the director of the statuses and make recommendations for corrective action of unsafe, inaccessible conditions of the buildings and facilities
Acts as designated official for the Illini Union main building ensuring all applicable university policies, State of Illinois laws and regulations, and Federal statutes are followed by all guests and visitors
Serve as member of the Illini Union Senior Leadership Team, ensuring all Illini Union operated spaces are student-focused, vibrant centers for student life, where a sense of community is cultivated and serve as welcoming places for students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors
Develop and implement planning and response protocols for potentially controversial and high-profile events, spontaneous activism, train staff on de-escalation and other response mechanisms from a socially just perspective, and ensure a high level of coordination with key campus partners including Dean of Students, Student Success, Inclusion, and Belonging, Student Engagement, Public Safety, Public Affairs, and Administration & Operations, among others. Ensure principles of freedom of expression and content neutrality are maintained in managing time, place, and manner
Advocate for and represent various stakeholders within the Illini Union at the University and System level for larger and more complex construction projects
Communicates on a regular and timely basis with colleagues in other IU departments, collaborates with partner across campus in professional manner
Reports concerns and updates to the executive director in a timely manner
Oversee space analysis and make recommendations on appropriate space usage changes in collaboration with Illini Union Board
Lead Illini Union sustainability initiatives and planning in coordination with Illini Union Board, Student Engagement-Student Sustainability Committee, and other campus partners
Develop, implement, and evaluate facility policies and procedures for all aspects of the Illini Union operations and facilities departments. Work with University Counsel, Contracts, and other campus partners to interpret or define facilities use policies
Supervise the management of Facilities and Operations funds by working with the executive director and business affairs in planning, developing, and reviewing annual departmental and facility budgets; oversee the management of departmental budgets and fiscal strategies, provide monthly variance reports for each department
Develop short and long-range plans and budgets for maintenance, capital projects, repairs, and renovations in collaboration with relevant departments for multiple facilities by analyzing data from periodic facilities audits, understanding the impact of repairs and/or renovations on existing mechanical, electrical, structural, and related systems, and recommending appropriate priorities for repair and renovations
Provide strategic leadership on facility needs, operational considerations, AV, safety, security and emergency planning for all Illini Union operated facilities
Responsible for ensuring all contracted agreements, memorandum of understanding, and divisions of responsibilities are upheld
Ensure daily building operations, including opening/closing procedures, building hours, staff coverage, safety/security, and general building upkeep. Assist at night and on weekends and holidays in providing on-call and emergency support
Supervise all aspects of Building Operations, Facilities, Maintenance, and Capital Projects. Work with the executive director to develop short- and long-range goals and objectives that are consistent with and supportive of the institutional mission of the Illini Union, campus, and Student Affairs. Review unit plans for facilities maintenance, custodial services, and Operations departments and evaluate progress toward established goals. Oversee similar responsibilities for other student affairs departments/buildings as agreed upon through formal Memorandums of Understanding
Provide executive-level leadership, supervision, and coaching to professional staff and student employees, modeling inclusive leadership, continuous learning, and professional growth. Design and support professional development plans that build staff capacity in areas such as leadership, change management, financial stewardship, and contemporary facilities and maintenance strategies (including capital projects, renovations and repairs, modern operational practices, etc.)
Assure and maintain an environment that meets the needs of the campus community and is physically accessible to all by being familiar with standards, regulations, and laws related to accessibility, bringing discrepancies to the attention of the executive director, providing recommendations for solutions and coordinating with related departments as necessary
Promote a client-oriented service environment and conduct regular assessments
Cultivate a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds
Perform other duties and additional responsibilities as assigned to help further the mission of the Illini Union
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field
A minimum of five (5) years of progressive work experience in student union/center or higher education field
A minimum of five (5) years in construction management
Demonstrated experience in personnel management including working with collective bargaining units' staff, and extensive leadership ability are required
Critical leadership abilities include motivational skills, collaboration, team focus, ensuring empowerment with responsibility, and effective communication
Demonstrated successful experience with development and management of capital project budgets, maintenance and repair budgets, and fiscal responsibility of sustainability initiatives in a complex facility
Demonstrated experience as a collaborative leader and team player who prioritizes organizational goals over individual recognition
Demonstrated successful experience in developing and implementing emergency preparedness plans and procedures
Able to work independently, make sound decisions aligned with university policies and values, and remain calm and professional under pressure and in stressful situations
Detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work a flexible schedule with weekends, evenings, and other hours as required
Preferred
Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field
Experience with meetings, events, and conference management
Experience with large-scale facilities improvement and capital renewal initiatives
A strong understanding of the community building role of the university union/centers; demonstrated leadership that is student focused
Demonstrated experience managing public spaces and competing needs as it relates to politics, activism, freedom of speech, and protests
Awareness of current needs, trends, and legal implications in higher education environments
Understanding of and comfortable with technology, social media, and emerging technologies
Certifications within respective facilities management programs and/or services
Benefits
Health
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid time Off
Tuition waivers for employees and dependents
Company
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is dedicated to building upon its tradition of excellence in education, research, public engagement and economic development.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Recent News
2024-05-10
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
2023-10-25
StartuptoEnterprise
2022-05-14
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