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 the programs and services of Union operations and Auxiliary Services in alignment with the vision for the University's mission and strategic
• 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) and ensure contract compliance to maximize 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 in regard to building appearance, condition, facilities, and
• Hire, orient, and provide on-going training, supervision, and evaluation for professional, clerical, and student
• Direct and work with the Union staff to support a robust co-curricular experience for Valparaiso University students which enhances student development, student engagement with the community, and student
• 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
• Develop and administer an annual budget and oversee all fiscal matters within the area of the Union.
• Supervise staff and functions of staff related to the operations of the Union including technology, room set-ups, scheduling, and event execution and
• Supervise the overall availability and scheduling of the Union and other campus meeting facilities overseen by the
• 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
• Direct and create a marketing program to build awareness of and participation in the Union's programs and services, to promote the utilization of the Union and conferences and events facilities by internal and external groups, and to realize revenue from Union programs and services.
• Assess the needs of the University community in regard to the Union's programs and services and evaluate the effectiveness of the offerings
• 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
• Support and enhance the work of the division of Finance and Administration through collaboration with other departments.
• Serve on various campus task forces and
• Maintain currency of knowledge and skills to support the provision of duties and responsibilities of the Union and Auxiliary Services portfolios.

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

Applications

Application should be submitted through Valparaiso University Human Resources website – https://jobs.silkroad.com/Valpo/Careers/jobs/1113

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue through the application period.  Priority deadline for applications is April 25, 2025. 

Applications received after that point will still be considered if the position is not filled.