Executive Director of Business Development for Auxiliary Services

About Salve Regina University:

Salve Regina University, ranked as one of the most transformative colleges in the United States by Money Magazine, is a comprehensive Catholic University located in the scenic coastal community of Newport, Rhode Island. The University's commitment to academic success and personal discovery extends beyond its historic campus into a dynamic world where the application of higher thinking and skill are most valued. Salve Regina offers bachelor's and master's degree programs, graduate certificates, and doctoral programs in humanities, international relations and nursing. Enrollment includes more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students from across the U.S. and around the world.

Job Description:

This position is eligible for up to one day remote work per week.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Executive Director (ED) of Business Development for Auxiliary Services will lead the development of business strategies for auxiliary services to optimize revenue growth and operational effectiveness. The ED is a strategic leadership role responsible for expanding revenue streams, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving business growth across auxiliary services at Salve Regina University.

This position is integral to advancing the financial sustainability and quality of services at the university, helping to enrich the campus experience and business practices. It is focused on creating, implementing, and evaluating strategies to maximize the financial performance and quality of auxiliary services, including event management, conference services, summer housing, and other non-academic revenue generating entities. The ED works collaboratively with university leadership, external partners, and various campus departments to identify and cultivate new opportunities that align with the university's mission, goals and strategic objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning, Business Development and Revenue Generation

• Develop, implement, and oversee short- and long-term strategic goals and plans, including the development of new programs and services, to drive growth, enhance profitability, and expand revenue streams.
• Research, identify and assess new business opportunities, partnerships, and innovative revenue models to enhance financial stability and growth for auxiliary services.
• Set revenue targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor, evaluate, and optimize performance.
• Develop and execute sales and marketing strategies to drive revenue growth.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee budget development, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with university financial goals.
• In partnership with the Controller and business office, conduct regular financial analyses to monitor profitability, identify trends, and provide data-driven recommendations to improve financial performance.

Event Management and Conference Services

• Establish and lead event management and conference services as a full cost-recovery unit.
• Develop an annual budget and manage all financial management activities for the department, including forecasting, financial modeling, competitive analysis, rates and pricing, space inventory and availability, and revenue collection.
• Develop and oversee summer housing and conference occupancy programs, including the management of room rates, space inventories, and internal/external relationships, focusing on revenue generation, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction.
• Establish and implement operational policies and procedures aligned with university standards and industry best practices.
• Direct all personnel and vendor management activities to ensure the availability of a competent and high-quality team of professionals.

Operational Excellence and Efficiency

• Oversee the operational management of auxiliary services to ensure seamless, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery.
• Manage auxiliary services negotiations, contracts and service agreements with strategic partners, contractors and vendors, including handling RFP processes. Ensure that all contractual agreements are beneficial to the university and compliant with standards.
• In partnership with the Marketing and Communications team, develop marketing and communications strategies to enhance brand awareness.
• Seek and implement continuous improvement, best practices, and innovative solutions to improve operational effectiveness, reduce costs, increase operating margin growth, and enhance the quality of services.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide leadership on complex issues related to planning, implementing, and assessing operations.
• Lead a team of professional staff by providing strategic direction, mentorship, and professional development to ensure high performance and accountability.
• Foster a collaborative culture that encourages innovation, forward thinking solutions, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate closely with university leadership, including academic affairs, finance, procurement, student affairs, and university advancement, to align services with institutional priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with external partners, including vendors, contractors, and industry associations, to support strategic objectives and enhance service offerings.
• Represent the university in external forums, promoting the institution's brand and auxiliary service offerings.

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:

Valid Drivers License

Requirements:

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Proven experience in business development and revenue generation.
• Strategic thinker with experience in business planning, market analysis, and managing partnerships.
• Experience in leading operational units, developing strategies, and managing complex projects. Strong management and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability in implementing innovative and creative solutions in service delivery.
• Strong financial acumen, with a proven track record of successfully increasing revenue and driving profitability. Proficiency in data analysis, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate teams and collaborate across departments.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in presenting to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and demonstrate initiative, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools such as PowerPoint, Excel. Outlook and Teams, with the ability to quickly learn new software programs.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required :

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, hospitality management or related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive leadership and management experience in business development, auxiliary services, or revenue-generation operations in a complex organization environment.
• Experience leading a successful and profitable Conference and Events office.

Preferred :

• Master's degree in business administration, hospitality management, finance or related field.
• More than 8 years of progressive leadership and management experience in business development, auxiliary services, or revenue-generation operations in a higher education setting.
• Certified Auxiliary Services Professional (CASP)

Additional Information:

Salve Regina University offers generous benefits to eligible employees including (waiting periods apply):

• health, dental and vision coverage available on the first of the month following date of hire
• 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA with employee and employer contributions as well as access to advising services
• long-term disability coverage
• employer-paid life and AD&D insurance
• up to 100% free tuition at Salve for eligible employees and qualified dependents
• robust wellness program and free access to the on-campus Fitness Center

Other available benefits include:

• supplemental life insurance for employees and dependents
• supplemental insurance coverage through Aflac
• Tuition Exchange scholarship program. Application available for qualified dependents of eligible employees working full-time
• discounted pet insurance through ASPCA
• student loan forgiveness assistance program (SAVI)
• employee Assistance Program through Coastline EAP
• flexible spending health and dependent care accounts
• health savings accounts
• 529 collegebound saver program
• paid parental leave and adoption assistance

For more detailed information on Salve's benefits, visit https://salve.edu/human-resources/benefits .

Salve Regina University strives to cultivate belonging values through diversity, equity inclusion in order to foster a welcoming culture for our staff, faculty and students, as well as the wider community. Salve Regina University embraces all people with grace. No matter the path traveled to get here, the University acknowledges that many identities will intersect. Salve Regina belongs to all in its community.