Deputy Director of Student Centers

University of Chicago • Hyde Park, IL

19d • $80,000 - $93,000

About The Position

The Student Centers serve as the core community building and special events spaces at the University of Chicago. The Student Centers play a formative role in the Campus and Student Life goal of creating a comprehensive and integrated network of services that support the academic mission and facilitate student learning, engagement, and success. Reporting to the Director of Student Centers, the Deputy Director of Student Centers Operations and Programs provides strategic and operational leadership for the facilities, services, and community experience within Ida Noyes Hall, Reynolds Club, Mandel Hall, and other Student Centers managed spaces. This role oversees facility operations, coordinates custodial services and maintenance, manages departmental resources, and supports capital planning. This role also oversees our departmental programming and the majority of our student employment program, which includes the student-run coffee shop program. This role is responsible for advancing a cohesive, welcoming environment across the Student Centers. The Deputy Director directly and indirectly supervises professional, union, and student staff; manages budgets and resources; partners closely with campus stakeholders; and supports construction and renovation projects. This role balances day-to-day operational excellence with long-term planning, staff development, and a strong commitment to the student experience. In the absence of the Director of Student Centers, the Deputy Director is responsible for the overall continuity of the operation.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Supervising full or part-time staff and/or supervising union employees.
• Demonstrated ability in facility management .
• Experience in progressively responsible roles, preferably in a student union, higher education, hospitality, or comparable environment.
• Experience with budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Demonstrated success in working with diverse student populations.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex operations in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance immediate needs with long-term planning.
• Resilient, adaptable, and resourceful.
• Commitment to stewardship of University resources and serving as a positive ambassador for the Student Centers.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and sustain high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the operations, maintenance, repairs, custodial services, and safety needs of Ida Noyes Hall, Reynolds Club, Mandel Hall, and a few other campus event spaces.
• Oversee departmental resources, including furniture, fixtures, and audio-visual equipment.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures governing the use of Student Centers' spaces and other student activity spaces as appropriate.
• Lead emergency planning and response protocols across the space portfolio.
• Monitors inspections of buildings, equipment, and/or surrounding grounds for deficiencies and potential safety, health, or code problems. Reviews and authorizes written reports summarizing findings and recommends solutions.
• Foster a strong sense of community, belonging, and affinity for Student Centers spaces through intentional programming, design, and collaboration with students and campus partners.
• Oversee programs and initiatives that build tradition and activate Student Centers' spaces.
• Develop and maintain an environmental design vision that supports inclusive, welcoming, and functional spaces.
• Directly supervise three professional staff. Indirectly supervise a large team of professional and student staff across three operational areas.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate professional and student staff. Create and support opportunities for professional development and other on the job learning. Promote a culture of accountability, growth, and high-quality service.
• Serve as the primary liaison to campus partners involved in the shared use and management of the facilities. Maintain regular communication with building partners regarding building hours, operations, construction, and special projects. Plans with staff from other units and reviews the work of contractors as well as facilities union and/or non-union staff.
• Assist in the development, monitoring, and projection of departmental budgets. Manage purchasing and resource allocation for facilities and programs within the portfolio, including Student Centers and student-run coffee shops.
• Assist with assessment projects and annual reporting responsibilities. Serve as a member of the Student Centers management team. Contribute to departmental initiatives, planning efforts, and special projects as needed. Provide expertise and guidance on facilities, operations, and building services matters. Develops facilities maintenance policies and procedures. Plans renovation and other facilities-related projects, including ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Receives requests for facilities services and supervises the delivery of appropriate services. Manages movement of equipment and materials, maintains building materials, maintains building security, and maintains information on building blueprints, space utilization data, and equipment. Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager