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Job Summary

Hands-on team member responsible for the execution and implementation of a wide variety of events and programs in the Illini Union. Develops the team reporting to this position and serves as a subject matter expert on building operations, event management, multimedia production and equipment, and emergency response training and documentation. An integral part of the organization-wide emergency response team and works collaboratively with all team members across the organization to fulfill the mission of the Illini Union.

• Directs and leads the operations of the following areas: Event Operations, Multimedia Services and Production, and Event Services. Hires, trains, leads, supervises, schedules, and evaluates the leaders of these areas, as well as overall oversight of full-time and part-time student employees. Works closely with team members to ensure successful event outcomes and continuous improvement in the department’s service delivery.
• Oversees the daily operations, event management, audio-visual production, client relations, and security of the Illini Union, Anniversary Plaza, and Main Quadrangle. Facilitates daily coordination meetings within the wider Operations department. Provides professional input and support to Multimedia and Production staff at special events and for daily production. Ensures operational continuity outside of standard business hours and is expected to be present at high profile events. May represent senior leadership in their absence and is expected to fill in for key Operations managers and staff as needed.
• Provides strategic leadership, fosters collaboration, and promotes a culture of teamwork and collective achievement; promotes commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within the department. Aligns department goals with current organizational and campus strategic plans. Sets appropriate goals and expectations for staff, holds staff accountable, and leads teams to high performance.
• Establishes accountability and collaborates with team members to ensure efficient operations of all departmental business functions including the following: purchasing equipment and supplies; developing department key performance indicator metrics, benchmarks, and reports; maintains accurate records; performs annual fiscal planning and management; and recommends policy and procedure changes.
• Works with the team to ensure a coordinated emergency response. Acts as primary emergency coordinator for the Illini Union and primary liaison with the Campus Public Safety office. Ensures annual compliance of emergency response plans to campus standards and collaborates with departments to ensure all life-safety requirements are met. Oversees emergency drills and exercises while collecting and analyzing data to establish new safety process improvements for the organization.
• Ensures all guests and staff follow department and university and organizational policy regarding events, programs, expressive activities, and general behavior. Supports team members in policy enforcement. Communicates concerns and emergency notification with senior leadership as necessary. Liaises between Event Operations and Campus Public Safety to enforce security protocols and policy both within the main building and in outdoor venues.
• Works collaboratively with various internal and external departments to achieve common goals. Meets on a weekly basis with Facilities, Student Programs & Activities, University Catering, and Hotel leadership teams to discuss upcoming building events, renovations, or potential impacts to event set-ups, furniture needs and equipment availability. Recommends approval of exemption space requests to Senior Associate Director of Facilities and Operations and Executive Director. Coordinates with Facilities and Event Services to maintain an accurate inventory of event furniture, fixtures, and event space.
• Acts as project manager for all capital replacement of Multimedia assets, including coordination of planning, execution, budget and schedule. Coordinates with Senior Associate Director of Facilities and Operations, Assistant Director for Facilities, and Student Affairs IT to ensure timely delivery and adherence to budget. Engages team members in project planning and execution.
• Evaluates and implements appropriate technology solutions which streamline event management, operational oversight, financial management & payment processing, as well as communication within the department. Involve team members in the adoption and use of new technologies.
• Responsible for evaluating and implementing mistake-proofing processes within the department, thereby reducing operational risks, eliminating repeat mistakes, and improving customer satisfaction and encourages team input and participation in process improvement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Moving about the building and areas of duty (i.e. the Quad) : Constantly
• Exposure to high sound pressure levels : Occasionally
• Exposure to weather and temperature extremes when outdoors : Occasionally

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
• Four (4) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience in the event industry, such as events operations work in a large public assembly building, conference center, entertainment venue, and/or or similar facility.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, evaluating, training, managing and/or disciplining employees in a high-volume event facility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, Theatre/Music, or a closely related field.
• Two years of work experience in technical audio/visual operations or direct involvement in theatrical productions.
• Experience developing employees such as full-time, part-time, interns, and students in a multi-purpose, fast-paced event venue.
• Knowledge of student union operations and higher education environments.
• Knowledge of facility management, space utilization, computer and information systems, entertainment contracting, program planning and management, audio-visual production equipment and sound systems, and budget management.
• An understanding of building code, fire alarm systems, and evacuation procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of management principles, best practices, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledge of the student development theory and practice and working with student organizations as they apply to a union operation.
• Knowledge of the mission of the University and the Illini Union.
• Highly developed interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to convey information in a concise and respectful manner.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds while supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment. Ability to work effectively with the staff and public.
• Ability to think critically and problem-solve under pressure, especially during large-scale or complex events and emergencies. Uses discretion and tact when addressing upset people, possesses the ability to take decisive action, as well as trouble shooting abilities in handling operational challenges.
• Ability to stay abreast of business and industry knowledge and ability to utilize this knowledge in decision making.
• Ability to build strategic relationships, lead change, and network effectively.
• Ability to effectively utilize technology and software applications.

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 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 Thursday, June 12, 2025. 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.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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: 1030048
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu