Senior Associate Director for Facilities & Operations - Illini Union

Illini Union

Applications are now being accepted for the Senior Associate Director for Facilities & Operations - Illini Union position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

As the community center of the University, the Illini Union draws together all members of the University with approximately 16,000 visits of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests on a daily basis. We are seeking individuals who can help create and foster communities that strive toward this vision. This includes supporting the academic mission of the University by developing environments conducive to student learning and academic success, respecting, appreciating, and advocating for our student population, and supporting the holistic development of all our students.

The Senior Associate Director of Facilities and Operations provides leadership for the Illini Union Facilities and Operations, in addition to serving as a member of the senior leadership team of the Illini Union, ensuring the Illini Union is a campus leader in cultivating community and belonging at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. This position reports to the Executive Director of the Illini Union and is responsible for leading all aspects of facility management and maintenance, operations, emergency planning, and capital planning of the Illini Union, Illini Union Bookstore, Illini Union Warehouse, and affiliated facilities, upholding contracted agreements, memorandums of understanding, and division of responsibilities agreements. This position will collaborate and partner with a wide range of high-level stakeholders and partners across campus to ensure the spaces are vibrant, inclusive spaces for building community through programs, services, and spaces and is responsible for Illini Union-wide capital initiatives. The senior associate director will use both a strategic approach in planning facility needs, AV improvements, and student belonging, as well as ensuring the day-to-day operations are handled with a strong focus on the student and client experience.

Job Summary

Provides strategic leadership for Facilities and Operations within the Illini Union and serves as a key member of the senior leadership team. Oversees facility management, maintenance, operations, emergency planning, and capital initiatives for the Illini Union, Illini Union Bookstore, Warehouse, and affiliated spaces. Ensures compliance with agreements and policies while fostering vibrant, welcoming environments that support community building. Partners with campus stakeholders to deliver exceptional student and visitor experiences and advance sustainability and capital planning priorities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Collaboration

• 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.

Budget and Project Management

• 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.

Supervision

• 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.
  

Additional Physical Demands

This position occurs in general office conditions.
This position may have travel demands both on and off campus.
The work schedule may be inconsistent and may vary based upon work priorities and cycles.
This position is responsible for facility emergency protocols and response.
It is expected that the Senior Associate Director will be visible in the organization, necessitating a considerable amount of daily navigation in a 300,000 square foot facility.
The scope of this position requires responding to emergencies and other unforeseen situations around the clock, some evening and weekends are required.
Periodic overnight travel is required, including several weekends throughout the year.
This is an on-site position. Limited, short-term hybrid work may be approved by the supervisor under exigent circumstances.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 Qualifications

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Critical leadership abilities including motivational skills, collaboration, team focus, inclusiveness, and effective communication.
• Skills in problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution; ability to remain calm and professional under pressure and in stressful situations.
• Ability to work with all staff inclusive of students and promote an appreciation for an inclusive workplace culture.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 5/16/2025. Salary is commensurate with experience, with a salary range of $115,000 - $125,000 per year. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy, limited, short-term hybrid work may be approved by the supervisor under exigent circumstances.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications, including a Cover Letter, Resume, and contact information for a minimum of three (3) Professional References, must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Shared AHW HR at iustaffdevelopment@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

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.

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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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID: 1034679
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu