Senior Director, Purdue Memorial Union & Auxiliary Services

Req Id: 36629

Job Title: Senior Director, Purdue Memorial Union & Auxiliary Services

City: West Lafayette

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Senior Director for Purdue Memorial Union (PMU) and Auxiliary Services Operations provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and vision for PMU, Stewart Center, Krach Leadership Center, the Union Club Hotel, conference and event design and retail dining operations. This role encompasses student engagement spaces, event and conference operations, facility management, and hospitality services, ensuring these areas deliver exceptional experiences and support the university's mission.

The Senior Director leads a high-performing team and fosters a culture that prioritizes safety, reliability, and innovation, positioning PMU and auxiliary services as premier campus destinations. This role is responsible for developing and implementing operational and administrative policies, business strategies, and revenue-generating initiatives that align with evolving institutional needs and enhance student support services. Additionally, the Senior Director oversees contracted auxiliary operations, including the Union Club Hotel and Retail Dining & Catering, ensuring their seamless integration into the university's broader hospitality and service offerings. This position will report to the Vice President for Administrative Operations, Auxiliary Services, you will collaborate with senior leaders, campus stakeholders, and external partners to develop and execute programs that directly impact Purdue's public image, reputation, and student experience.

About Us:

The Purdue Memorial Union & Auxiliary Services exists to provide spaces, opportunities, and services that foster an inclusive environment, enrich the student and community experience, and support the educational mission of Purdue University.

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we've been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience Needed:

• Bachelor's degree in a business-related major, hospitality management, or a related field of study
• Ten (10) or more years of senior leadership experience in higher education business, auxiliary services, hospitality, or a comparable sector
  • Experience:
    • managing large-scale facilities, revenue-generating operations, and strategic growth initiatives
    • in budget management, contract negotiations, and operational planning
    • overseeing campus dining, hospitality, or event management services
    • in facility operations and long-term planning
  • Familiarity with third-party contracts (e.g., Aramark, White Lodging)

Preferred:

• Master's degree in business administration, hospitality management, higher education administration, or a related field of study

Skills Needed:

• Extensive knowledge of hospitality management, auxiliary services, event operations, and student engagement in a university or large-scale institutional setting
• Expertise in financial management, budget planning, revenue generation, and long-term capital investment strategies to drive operational sustainability
• Leadership and Team Development: Ability to lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability
• Strategic Planning and Execution: Strong skills in developing and implementing long-term strategies that align with institutional goals and enhance guest and student experiences
• Financial and Business Acumen: Proficiency in budget management, financial modeling, revenue forecasting, and cost control measures
• Contract Negotiation and Vendor Management: Ability to establish, manage, and evaluate third-party partnerships to ensure service quality and financial viability
• Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with university leadership, students, faculty, staff, community leaders, and external partners
• Operational Efficiency and Facilities Management: Expertise in overseeing large-scale facility operations, event logistics, maintenance, and custodial services
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to analyze KPIs, stakeholder feedback, financial reports, and industry trends to drive continuous improvement
• Visionary Thinking: Ability to anticipate industry trends and position PMU as a leader in student engagement, hospitality, and campus operations
• Problem-Solving: Capacity to identify challenges, evaluate solutions, and implement strategic improvements to optimize performance
• Adaptability and Innovation: Ability to pivot in response to evolving university needs, student expectations, and external market forces
• Effective Communication: Ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including university executives, staff, students, and external stakeholders

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Management 6

• Pay Band S095
• Job Code #20002631

Career pathmaker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer / AA

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer.