What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of the University Center position at Western Colorado University?
Position Summary:
Job Description:
Position: Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Director of the University Center. The position reports to The AVP of Campus Operations and Construction/Purchasing and works closely with other members on campus and their respective teams to carry out department initiatives. This position’s primary role is to oversee the administration, planning and overall coordination of University Center Operations, and the Mail Center. The Director will develop short/long-term operational goals and strategies. The Director will be responsible for the supervision of the Mail Center, student staff, and is accountable for financial performance of these departments. The Director is responsible for the overall management of the University Center to include building management, events management, sustainability/recycling services program, environmental safety, and coordinate work performed by outside contractors. This is primarily an on campus, in-person position, but we accommodate flexible work scheduling and workplace when appropriate.
Responsibilities: The Director of the University Center is responsible for managing all aspects of the University enter including the Mail Center operations. This position will provide management of all aspects of the University Center including the Mail Center operations ensuring it remains a welcoming and functional space for student engagement. Facility management to include training and supervision of staff to coordinate building maintenance, equipment needs, building security and key management. Creates and revises as necessary operational policies and procedures for the University Center. Develop short/long term operational goals and strategies. Responsible for requisitions and approval/verification that all funds required are within budget for the University Center Operations. Supervises monthly budget reconciliation for University Center operations. Coordinates with all building tenants. Involvement with Sodexo Campus Services with facility management and equipment management. Work with Facility Services to coordinate all work provided by outside contractors. Assist in coordinating safety and security issues in collaboration with Campus Security for the University Center. Coordination with Custodial Manager to ensure daily, weekly and monthly duties are performed, including: cleaning of restrooms, lounge areas, floors, meeting spaces, recycling/waste removal, loading dock, exterior cleaning and snow removal. Coordinates daily events support with facilities staff for all meeting spaces. Works with facilities staff to plan all preventive maintenance projects for building. This position oversees planning and execution of campus-wide events in collaboration with student organizations, including welcome weeks, cultural celebrations, and civic engagement initiatives. Facilitate collaboration between student groups and university departments to promote cross-functional programming and community engagement. Develop and implement policies and procedures that support student organization operations, risk management, and equitable access to resources. Develop and implement initiatives that support student engagement, retention, and academic success. Provide mentorship and support to students, connecting them with campus resources and services. Advocate for student needs and contribute to a campus environment that promotes well-being and holistic development. This position will provide supervision of University Center student managers and student work study staff. Interview, hire, train, evaluate, setting/creating policy manuals and terminate the student staff for the University Center information desk. This position will provide leadership to student employees and hold the 12 -15 work study students accountable. Training student manager and student work study staff to perform the following daily activities: provide excellent customer service for the University Center information desk and taking care of any client requests during scheduled events, performing daily cleaning duties of building. Train staff to provide administrative duties to include answering phones and office duties. Work with staff to provide support for University Center recreational area, meeting spaces and overall building support. Train staff to properly open and close building and provide proper security of building. This position will provide event management of the University Center. Manages the planning, scheduling, organizing and coordinating all University Center meeting spaces. Schedule events and reserve space using scheduling software program. Make arrangements for events, including meeting facilities, AV needs, tours, catering referrals and other set-up requirements as needed. Handles contract management, billing/invoicing/accounts receivables. Promote and maintain relationships with all university departments. Assist in coordinating and maintaining oversight of building conditions, room setup needs and arrange for improvements as needed with the custodial and facilities staff.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Five years of related management experience
- The ability to work with a wide diversity of people including Faculty, Staff, and students.
- Excellent communications skills; strong organizational skills: ability to work independently and take initiative.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in higher education
- Experience in event management
Compensation: $55,000 to $62,000, annually with benefits. This position is FLSA exempt. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.
How to Apply: Apply online at www.Western.edu/jobs. Required attachments for online application include a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three references.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Please direct questions to Sherry Ford, at
sford@western.edu
.
Application deadline is: August 19, 2025 at 11:59PM (MDT)
Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte
Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit
http://www.western.edu
to learn more about the university.
Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated
community organizations
enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley
, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District
.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.
Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:
Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS
About Us
At Western Colorado University our faculty members and staff share a strong commitment to an inclusive and personalized education and take pride in following a set of values that form our vision as a university. Our shared values of courage, growth, inclusivity, integrity and stewardship provide the foundation for our culture and our work. Our faculty and staff are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. With the Rocky Mountains as our laboratory, Western is a premier public provider of rigorous, immersive education for our undergraduate and graduate students. The curriculum provides professional flexibility where experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches are valued. Employees have chosen Western because of the quality of life combined with rewarding careers.
Salary : $55,000 - $62,000
