Assistant Director of Operations - Illini Union

Illini Union

Join the Illini Union team and help shape the heart of student life at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign! We are seeking a dynamic and collaborative Assistant Director of Operations with strong leadership skills and the ability to navigate complex, high-profile situations. This includes serving as the face of the Union in the absence of senior administrators, managing sensitive issues such as student or community protests, and supporting events featuring high-profile or controversial speakers. The role requires exceptional judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build positive relationships with campus constituents while ensuring a safe, welcoming environment. If you are passionate about operational excellence, crisis management, and fostering growth for both students and staff, we invite you to apply and make a lasting impact on campus life.

*Please see below for FAQs and helpful information about this position*

Job Summary

Serves as a hands-on leader who actively works alongside the Event Services, Building Operations, and Multimedia teams to deliver safe, efficient, and student-centered services. Directly contributes to the daily work while also guiding policies, procedures, and staff development to support the Illini Union's mission as the center of student life. Acts as the Union's lead for emergency preparedness and collaborates with campus partners to maintain a secure and welcoming environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Operational & Team Leadership
  • Actively engage in daily work with Event Services, Building Operations, and Multimedia staff to ensure seamless service delivery.
  • Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures that support efficiency, consistency, and mission alignment; including enforcement of related Campus Administrative Manual and Illini Union policies and procedures.
  • Manage departmental budgets, approve employee timesheets and paid time off requests, and ensure fiscal accountability.
  • Participate in strategic planning, assessment, and improvement of services to meet Illini Union, Big Ten, and ACUI standards.
• Emergency Planning & Safety
  • Serve as the Illini Union’s primary liaison with campus Public Safety.
  • Lead and participate in emergency planning, training, and crisis response.
  • Maintain security procedures, including access control and continuity of operations.
  • Ensure compliance with campus risk management and safety protocols.
• Staff Supervision & Development
  • Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate professional and student staff.
  • Work side-by-side with staff to model best practices and foster an inclusive, accountable, and growth-oriented workplace.
  • Provide leadership and learning opportunities that support student and staff development.
• Event & Facility Management
  • Support and coordinate event logistics, scheduling, and service delivery.
  • Serve as a resource on event management systems and related technology.
  • Collaborate with student organizations, departments, and external partners to produce high-quality events.
  • Partner with facilities, retail, and catering teams to ensure events are well supported.
• Other Duties
  • Contribute to campus committees and initiatives as a representative of the Illini Union.
  • Perform additional responsibilities to advance the mission and success of the Illini Union.

Specialty Factors

• Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Business Administration, Management, Public Administration or a field related to the position.
• Three (3) years of professional business, financial and managerial work experience within a student union, student center, or higher education facility operations.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience managing professional full-time staff including responsibilities such as providing operational oversight, resolving conflicts constructively, and fostering an accountable work environment through effective coaching and staff development.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with abilities/responsibilities such as analyzing complex situations, implementing effective solutions, developing and enforcing policies and procedures, and building collaborative relationships across multiple stakeholders.
• Experience leading emergency planning initiatives and collaborating with public safety agencies.
• Experience developing, monitoring, and managing operational budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience in a Big Ten or similarly complex higher education environment.
• Familiarity with ACUI core competencies.
• Experience leading cross-departmental projects and partnerships.
• Proficiency with event management software.
• Commitment to advancing collaboration and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders both within the campus community and the community at large.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

FAQs and helpful information

What are the main responsibilities of this position? The job description gives a good overview of the position's responsibilities highlighting operational and team leadership, emergency planning and safety, staff supervision and development, and event and facility management. Please ask us any questions you may have about the role.

What is a typical day for this position? A typical day will involve morning facility walk-throughs, coordination with event and operations teams, and handling administrative tasks such as time sheet approvals, budget monitoring, and urgent decisions. Midday often involves meetings with campus partners, policy review, and hands-on support for event setups and technical troubleshooting. In the afternoon and evening (as needed), the role focuses on staff development, emergency preparedness, strategic planning, and on-site support for major events to ensure smooth, high-quality service.

What skills are important for someone to succeed in this position? Ability to lead teams, build partnerships across campus, and manage operations with strong skills in crisis planning, risk assessment, policy development, budgeting, and resource allocation. Proficiency in event management systems, audiovisual tools, and logistical coordination, paired with strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical abilities. Committed to mentoring students and supporting their professional development in alignment with established learning outcomes.

What are some of the areas where this position can help the organization? This role ensures a safe, welcoming environment for students by maintaining emergency readiness, improving service efficiency, and fostering collaboration with campus departments and external partners. It also supports professional and student growth through leadership development opportunities that enhance both the Union’s workforce and the student experience.
What created the need for this position to be posted? Incumbent left the organization.

Describe the organization/team culture. Since 1941, the Illini Union has served as the university’s central hub for student life, growing into a structured home for numerous campus organizations that support student success. Its collaborative, mission-driven team works across departments to deliver inclusive, high-quality programs and experiences that foster leadership and strengthen the campus community.

Is the role in-person, hybrid or remote? What are the typical hours of work for this position? In-person. In general, work hours are 8:30am-5pm, with some weekend and evening hours expected.

What are the opportunities for growth and development? This role offers strong professional growth opportunities, including advancement into higher leadership positions through experience managing complex operations and multiple teams. It develops expertise in event and facility management, emergency preparedness, fiscal oversight, and technical systems while strengthening collaboration, relationship-building, and project management skills. It also supports growth in student mentorship and community building, expands professional networks through Big Ten and ACUI engagement, and opens pathways for further education or certifications.

Does this position offer benefits? The University offers extensive benefits. Please visit this website to learn more: https://humanresources.illinois.edu/benefits/ 

Does this position offer sponsorship for work authorization? Unfortunately this position does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. 

As an ACUI (Association of College Unions International) member, we use ACUI standards in our strategic planning and have incorporated the "Core Competencies" in goal setting, professional development planning, and performance evaluation. The competencies relevant to this position are:

•  Event & Facility Management – Practical experience managing logistics and operations for diverse events.
•  Team Collaboration – Willingness to actively share in the work while providing guidance and leadership.
•  Fiscal Management – Budget oversight, financial accountability, and cost efficiency.
•  Emergency Preparedness – Crisis planning, risk assessment, and safety compliance.
•  Technology Management – Proficiency with event management systems, audiovisual equipment, and related tools.
•  College Student Development – Commitment to engaging and mentoring college students through direct involvement in operations.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5010 - Business/Administrative Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 3/25/2025. Salary range is $74,000 to $79,000 and is commensurate with experience.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on 1/5/2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact iustaffdevelopment@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1033299
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu