A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Department Summary

University Unions drives community building and belonging through the integration of its three student union facilities (Michigan Union, Michigan League, Pierpont Commons), Center for Campus Involvement, Campus Information, meeting/event spaces, retail food, bookstore and other services to support student success. UU works in close partnership with Palmer Commons, an academic meeting facility, Conferences & Event Services and Michigan Dining to provide student-focused and customer-oriented service to the campus community. With more than 3.3 million visitors to the Unions annually, these spaces are the center of campus activity and the Michigan experience.

Position Summary

Provide leadership to the day to day operations of the University Unions Operations Teams.  Responsibilities include developing and maintaining operational excellence in all aspects of building operations as it relates to Audio/Visual needs and event execution for University Unions. Demonstrate and deliver superior customer service to conference clients, building tenants, hotel guests, and all users of the facilities  and its services. Supervise 4 full-time Meeting & Special Event Assistants.  Work closely with Student Life Facilities, Conference and Event Services and Michigan Dining to ensure best customer services to event clients and guests.  Serves as a functional supervisor to student managers & event set up staff.

Supervision (40%)

• Provide supervision to four (4) full time Meeting & Special Event Assistants located in the Michigan League and Michigan Union.
• Provide indirect supervision to UU Operations student employees including Student Managers as well as Student Event Set Up staff.
• In collaboration with Meeting & Special Event Assistants, recruit, hire and train UU Event Operations student employees to work in the Michigan Union and Michigan League to deliver superior customer service to conference clients, building tenants, hotel guests & all users of the facility and its services.
• Assess and implement training and development for student staff related to their job responsibilities and overall educational experience.
• Ensure Operations team is trained and equipped for emergency response, de-escalation, activism and potentially controversial event management.
• Provide consultation, support and assistance in event preparation as needed.

Planning and Management (20%)

• Provide leadership and strategic planning guidance for UU on audio visual technology, event operations, capital projects, audio visual installation, implementation and staff training.
• Serve as project manager for Michigan Union and Michigan League audio visual projects.
• Manage audio visual inventories for the Michigan League and Michigan Union. This includes, but is not limited to, managing lifecycle, updating equipment, creating training manuals, and making small repairs as needed.
• Assist Conference & Event Services staff in planning audio visual needs for large and/or unique events.
• Maintain knowledge of trends in the audio visual industry and new equipment innovations or standards.
• Ensure UU Operations team are trained on de-escalation, activism, and potentially controversial events management in collaboration with the Assistant Director of University Unions.
• Develop and maintain UU Operations' policies, procedures and standards of practice as it relates to event operations and day to day building management.

Building Oversight Responsibilities (20%)

• Provide leadership to the building operations team ensuring a safe, secure and welcoming environment for all facility guests.  Address immediate concerns to provide coverage as needed.
• Respond to activism by addressing disruptions and/or protests.  Coordinate assistance from DPSS, Student Life Activism Response Team, Center for Campus Involvement, and/or others as necessary.
• Assist Assistant Director of University Unions to develop and participate in building coverage rotation regularly.
• Closely partner with members of University Unions staff, Michigan Dining staff, Conference and Event Services staff, and the students, faculty, staff, tenants and guests of University Union facilities to ensure the highest quality in facilities and services.
• Assist with coordination and maintain safety/security systems and emergency preparedness procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Financial/Budgetary Responsibility (20%)

• Oversee the annual operating budget for all areas of responsibility, analyzing and monitoring expenditures on an ongoing basis.
• Responsible for the purchasing, inventory, and upkeep of event operations equipment, supplies and furnishings according to purchasing policies.
• Analyze staff payroll and report on it in a timely and accurate basis.
   

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Minimum two years of experience in college unions, facility or event management, or related is required
• Experience with coordinating event setup and AV operations, and personnel supervision, coordinating daily operations of a complex facility
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Position Responsibilities Criteria (leadership and behavioral qualities expected in this position):  

• Skills: Audio visual expertise, excellent customer service skills, the ability to develop an effective team, evidence of effective oral and written communication. Effective interpersonal skills with a diverse range of constituencies in a customer service centered environment.
• Demonstrated success as a team oriented and solution driven leader.  Appreciation for working with a diverse population.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and a solid understanding of cultural, ethnic & individual differences.

Financial/Budgetary Responsibility:

• Oversee the annual operating budget for all areas of responsibility, analyzing and monitoring expenditures on an ongoing basis.
• Responsible for the purchasing, inventory, and upkeep of event operations equipment, supplies and furnishings according to purchasing policies.
• Analyze staff payroll and report on it on a timely and accurate basis

Working Conditions

• On occasion could be expected to work evening hours or weekends to support events. This position is required to perform duties in multiple University Union facilities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to routinely move furnishings & equipment up to 50 pounds for event needs

Direct Reports

• Meeting & Special Event Assistants (4)

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.  

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

Relocation will not be offered for this position.

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Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.