University of Oregon — Director, Erb Memorial Union
Filed in Administrative on May 17, 2023
Nestled in the lush Willamette Valley, within an easy drive to the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, the University of Oregon (UO) is renowned for its research prowess and commitment to teaching. Founded in 1876, UO enrolls 23,202 students from all fifty states and 94 countries. Designated as a Tier 1 national public research university comprised of nine schools and colleges offering more than 300 undergraduate programs, the University of Oregon is one of just two institutions in the Pacific Northwest selected for membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities. U.S. News & World Report ranks the UO among its top 100 National Universities and Oregon’s #1 public university.
Opening in 1950 and located in the heart of campus, the Erb Memorial Union (EMU) is the central gathering place for campus activities, community interaction, and socializing at the University of Oregon. The EMU’s mission is to provide an open, inclusive, and resource-rich community where students and staff collaborate to inspire and sustain extraordinary programs and services that promote diversity, social interaction, and growth. At 225,000 square feet, the EMU houses a number of programs and services under the director’s purview, including the Craft Center, Club Sports, Moss Street Children’s Center, Mills International Center, Outdoor Program, Center for Student Involvement, Student Sustainability Center, KWVA Radio Station, Esports, Scheduling and Event Services, Ticket Office, UO Card Office, and many campus and student government programs and services, including food and retail outlets, a computer lab, copy center, student tech support, and more.
Reporting to the vice president for student life, the director, Erb Memorial Union is responsible for the overall vision, direction, and daily administration of the EMU, ensuring that its programs and services are in alignment with its mission, the Division of Student Life strategic plan, and the University of Oregon’s strategic framework. The director is responsible for ensuring they and their staff meet two overarching and parallel goals: the efficient and financially stable operation of quality student union facilities and services for the university community and the planning, coordination, and facilitation of student engagement opportunities that meet the co-curricular and student development needs of UO students. The director is expected to demonstrate the highest commitment to cultivating and supporting a culturally rich and diverse community in the EMU through the hiring, retention, and professional development of talented, diverse individuals at all levels of the EMU organization and prioritizing and providing support for collaborative and inclusive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and professional colleagues.
The director leads and manages a dynamic full-time staff of 80, including seven direct reports, oversees a student staff of 300, and manages an operating budget of $18 million.
A master’s degree and at least five years of successful full-time administrative experience in a student union or related higher education auxiliary environment are required. Experience must include facilities operation, human resource management, which includes supervision of full-time professional staff, budget administration that incorporates revenue generation and resource allocation, and program management involving student development and assessment. The successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of current issues, best practices, and emerging trends in the university student union and the importance of and ability to generate revenue that strikes a balance between student and operational needs. Additionally, the ability to work effectively with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds, including students of color, international students, non-traditional students, and returning learners; sensitivity to and demonstrated competency for diverse issues in a university community; and strong organizational skills, including the ability to plan strategically, are expected.
Review of applications will begin June 21, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to J. Scott Derrick at jsd@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
Expected Salary Range: $128,000-$140,000; candidates with advanced skills and experience may be considered for a starting salary above this range.
Visit the University of Oregon website at https://www.uoregon.edu/.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This publication will be made available in accessible formats upon request. Accommodations for people with disabilities will be provided if requested in advance.
The term “diversity” can be defined in a number of different ways. The UO looks at it broadly and inclusively, encompassing race, ethnicity, disability, thought, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and economics. The UO seeks to promote further diversity among its faculty, staff, and student body through active recruitment and intentional retention.
