Deputy Director of Student Centers

About the role#

The Deputy Director of Student Centers provides strategic and operational leadership for the facilities, services, and community experience at Ida Noyes Hall, Reynolds Club, Mandel Hall, and other managed spaces. This role balances day-to-day operational excellence with long-term planning, staff development, and a commitment to the student experience. In the absence of the Director, the Deputy Director assumes responsibility for the overall continuity of operations.

What you'll do#

• Provide leadership for the operations, maintenance, repairs, custodial services, and safety needs of campus event spaces.
• Supervise professional and student staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.
• Manage departmental resources, including furniture, fixtures, and audio-visual equipment.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the use of Student Centers' spaces.
• Manage budgets, purchasing, and resource allocation for facilities and programs.
• Serve as the primary liaison to campus partners regarding building operations, construction, and special projects.
• Lead emergency planning and response protocols and monitor facilities for safety, health, or code compliance.
• Oversee programming initiatives that foster community and support the student experience.

What you'll need#

• A college or university degree in a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Demonstrated ability in facility management, preferably in a student union, higher education, or hospitality environment.
• Experience with budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Proven ability to supervise staff, including experience with union employees.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to manage complex operations.

Location & details#

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Work Modality: On-site
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, with flexibility for some evenings and weekends.
• Physical requirements: Ability to perform regular building rounds and some light lifting up to 30 lbs.