Executive Director of University Housing and Dining Services

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13813423 Position Announcement Executive Director for University Housing and Dining Services Eastern Illinois University is seeking applications and nominations for a highly motivated and experienced administrator to serve as the Universitys Director of University Housing and Dining Services. The Director reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs, with Temporary Reporting to the Executive Director Health and Counseling Services who is taking on additional responsibilities within Student Affairs. The UHDS Executive Director has primary operational responsibility for the administration of all programs in Student Housing and University Dining Services. They will advance student success by enhancing retention and graduation outcomes, fostering a strong sense of belonging and engagement, and delivering safe, affordable, and high-quality residential and dining experiences that support the holistic development of Eastern Illinois University students. The Executive Director has the authority and responsibility to lead the mission, vision, and long-term sustainability of a program that serves 2,400+ residents and 8,500+ camp visitors annually. The role requires a high level of administrative and organizational skills, leveraging relationships within the department and Student Affairs to develop vibrant communities, supporting student success, and ensuring high productivity and fiscal sustainability. # Required Qualifications: A Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Business Administration, or a related field is required. At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience within university housing/residence life. Experience including significant management and leadership responsibilities within university housing, student affairs, auxiliary services, or a comparably complex organization to the role. # Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated success in supervising, developing, and leading professional staff. Demonstrated experience in managing multimillion dollar budgets and complex initiatives, including facility renovations. construction, occupancy optimization, and housing demand modeling. Demonstrated experience guiding organizational change, strategic planning and leadership experience. Experience in crisis management and compliance experience. Must possess strong analytical and project-management capabilities, including the ability to use data to inform strategy and decision-making. Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Experience managing a housing system of 2000+ beds. # Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Supervises, coordinates, and administers all aspects of programs and activities associated with the University's Housing & Dining Services programs. Serves in the lead role of Residential Life and facilitates development and engagement of residential communities, supporting student retention and Academic Success. Provides the strategic direction necessary to drive innovation, excellence, and change management, particularly as it relates to the student residential and dining experiences, fostering student belonging, engagement, and well-being. Responsible for the career development and situational mentorship of a large, diverse department, including recruitment, hiring, training, and retention of UHDS employees. Responsible for escalated operational issues, including human resources and/or people management situations. Directs an annual multi-million-dollar operating budget. Identifies and pursues opportunities for strategic growth, environmental design, and external partnerships to enhance the vibrancy of the on-campus residential and dining experience. nsures UHDS operates as a highly integrated partner within the university's broader infrastructure supporting all learners and students success. Makes recommendations to the Vice President for Student Affairs concerning budgets and assumes responsibility for the appropriate use of funds in the Housing & Dining Services area. Actively participates in campus-wide committees, coordinating UHDSs efforts in alignment with divisional and university goals. Leads the departmental response to campus disruptions in collaboration with other campus departments and stakeholders to ensure a safe and stable environment.