Valparaiso University

 Director of Union and Student Life Operations

Position Working Title:           Director of Union and Student Life Operations

Reports to/Department:          Assistant Vice President of Student Life

Position Overview:
The 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. The Director of Union and Student Life Operations also administers and oversees the University's conferences and events program.

Divisional Mission Statement

The Student Life Division at Valparaiso University engages proactively in the holistic development of students to help them learn, grow, and strive toward their fullest potential within an inclusive and supportive community.  Focused specifically on the student experience, the members of the Student Life staff work to encourage students to be actively engaged in campus life and learning both inside and outside of the classroom.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Student Life Division is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming campus community for all. We are committed to confronting occurrences of bias and intolerance. We believe that occurrences of bias and intolerance are harmful toward both the individual and the community, and are incompatible with the values and mission of our University. As such, we work to provide opportunities to our community to understand and appreciate each other through various methods including intentional conversations, active programming, restorative reflection, and relationship-building. Our goal is to impart respect and foster a sense of community that creates, promotes, and supports an affirmative campus community. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop the overall vision and mission for the programs and services of the Harre Union in alignment with the vision for Student Life and the University's mission and strategic plan.
• 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 furnishings.
• Hire, orient, and provide on-going training, supervision and evaluation for the professional, clerical, and student staff.
• 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 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 of staff related to the operations of the Union including technology, room set-ups, scheduling, and event execution and performance.
• Supervise the overall availability and scheduling of the Union and other campus meeting facilities overseen by the Union.
• 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.
• 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 provided.
• Participate with other members of the 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 Student Life through collaboration with other departments and participating in student development work across campus.
• Serve on various campus task forces and committees.
• Fulfill additional duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice President for Student Life.

Qualifications:

Required:

• A Master's degree in Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, or related field
• 7 or more years of work-related experience in college union and student activity work is required.
• Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of student development and experience working with college students
• Ability to develop leadership training and employee training programs
• Knowledge and experience with conferences, program and event planning
• Knowledge and experience using event and scheduling technology and using software applications
• Ability to work in a collaborative and team-oriented environment
• Understanding of students, student development, and university processes and business
• Ability and experience working with diverse populations and constituents
• Flexible style and the 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

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of three (3) professional references via email to student.life@valpo.edu , attention to Carolyn Whittier, Assistant Vice President of Student Life. Review of applications will begin on July 1, 2022. To be fully considered, all application materials must be received no later than July 1, 2022.