Executive Directior - University of Kansas Memorial Union Corporation

The Memorial Union Executive Director at the University of Kansas serves as a member of the Student Affairs leadership team and reports to and serves at the pleasure of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs. This position is responsible for managing the University of Kansas’ three student unions consisting of 304,000 total square feet and serving over 1.2 million users annually; oversees an operating budget of $35 million and a staff of 1000 employees (200 full-time, 800 student/part time).

The reporting units include Bookstore, Dining & Event Services, Facilities, Human Resources, Marketing, and Programs. Other areas of oversight include student run radio station, Danforth Chapel, campus vending, fundraising, student development efforts, The Big Event, KU History project, campus programming board and various other functions.

The Memorial Union is a 501(c)3 non-profit affiliate of the University Kansas with fiduciary oversight by the Memorial Corporation Board of Directors which consists of:

• Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, Lawrence Campus
• Memorial Corporation Executive Director
• University Chief Financial Officer
• Vice Provost for Finance
• Vice Provost for Student Affairs
• Student Senate Finance Chair
• Student Union Activities Executive Director

The position works on-site. In a continuing effort to provide equal educational and employment opportunities, the university actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education. The successful candidate must meet all position requirements by the effective date of the appointment.

 The University is located in Lawrence, a city with a population exceeding 95,000. The community is known for its support of the University, education, arts, and research and regularly appears in various “best town” listings. Lawrence is centrally located between the State of Kansas Capitol in Topeka and the major metropolitan community of Kansas City.

1. Business Acumen - Directs the Union’s operations, programs, fundraising, and finances while ensuring the organization’s overall sustainability.  Achieve necessary revenues and income to sustain and advance the Union while delivering value to the campus community and its constituents. Establishes budgets and pursues their fulfillment while demonstrating entrepreneurial abilities in the maximization of value for the campus and Union.  
2. Strategic Thinking - Sets the cultural tone and strategic direction of the Union. Responsibilities include motivating staff and working to fulfill the Union’s mission, vision and values while addressing the needs of the Union and University.
3. Managing People - Supervises, coordinates, mobilizes and engages employees and constituents effectively in addressing the needs of the Union and University. Ensures compliance with professional standards, equity and inclusion initiatives and mission of the Union and institution.
4. Relationship Building - Works effectively with constituent groups across campus and within the operation to meet identified goals and to build effective connections for advancing community at KU.
5. Organization Support - Oversees policy development, interpretation and dissemination for the Union to include Standard Operating Procedures in deference to bylaws, University policies, local, state and federal laws.  Sets the example as a Union officer and that of Student Affairs in meeting strategic goals and projects and motivates staff, colleagues and constituents to fulfill effectively fulfill duties and represent the institution
6. Business Ethics - Accountable to the board of directors to advise and provide the resources necessary to oversee the affairs of the University of Kansas Memorial Corporation.   Works with the board to develop/adhere to criteria used to evaluate the performance of the Director, their subordinates and the Union’s overall performance.

This position will be posted and accepting applications through May 17, 2024.  Questions can be directed to unionhr@ku.edu

Required Qualifications: 

1. Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs administration, business, or closely related field.
2. Minimum of five years of progressive leadership, management, and supervisory experience in student unions at the college or university level.
3. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and proactively with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, administrators, and other members of the community.
4. Understanding of fiscal, budgetary, operational, contractual requirements of a fully integrated Union business enterprise. Knowledge and understanding of auxiliary functions.
5. Experience creating partnerships and working collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and other members of the community. Ability to various constituent groups to ensure continuous improvement in student services aiding retention and graduation.
6. Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of student development theory and practice; knowledgeable of, and experienced in, the student affairs profession and the union field in particular.
7. Excellent written communication skills as evidenced by application materials. 
8. Work experience that shows creating partnerships and working collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and other members of the community.

Preferred Qualifications:  

1. Terminal degree in higher education, student affairs administration, counseling, law, or closely related field.
2. Seven years of progressive leadership focused on focused on data-driven assessment of programs and service needs of today’s college students. Familiar with referral processes and typical campus resources. 
3. Supervisory and leadership experience in college student unions in a large, public university setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of ethical, legal, safety, and university standards/regulations regarding student housing operations.
2. Experience leading organizational change and renewal, developing and mentoring staff and cross-functional teams while advancing a culture of collaboration across the campus community.
3. Experience in policy and procedure development and evaluation.
4. Demonstrated commitment to and involvement in professional associations.
5. Demonstrated sound analytical and decision-making abilities.
6. Excellent verbal communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.