Job Information
University of Southern Mississippi Associate Director for Operations and Programs in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Associate Director for Operations and Programs
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Associate Director for Operations and Programs.
Position Details
Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division University Union and Hub
Position Type Staff
Employment Status Full Time
Grant Funded No
Salary Range 63,438.00 - 73,725.00
Pay Grade
E12
Posting Close Date March 28, 2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and references to receive full consideration.
Job Summary
Oversees operations and programs for over 329,000 square feet of operational space which includes the Union Complex and other facilities and outdoor spaces under management of the Union. Provides leadership for the development and maintenance of a building operations program to sustain the facilities and provide a first-class experience to campus and community guests. Oversees the professional staff responsible for Union operations, technical services and for executing a holistic student employee experience throughout the department. Provides senior leadership and oversight for the rapidly growing Southern Miss Esports program, which serves over 110 signed student athletes and 26 competitive teams housed in over 4,600 sq. ft of Game Room and Esports Arena space. Oversees the assessment and review process for the Union Department using professional association standards.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Directs daily operations for the Union Complex. Checks for accurate completion of set-ups, technology requests, and assists student staff when necessary. Serves as front line ambassador with all Union Complex customers to coordinate needs with Southern Miss Events staff. Collaborates with Student Affairs Marketing & Communications Manager to direct the creation of building signage and marketing materials as needed. Ensures building maintenance and custodial needs are met. Oversees wage and equipment budgets. With oversight from Director, makes purchasing decisions regarding new operations and event services equipment, furnishings, and other items as needed. Oversees the proper storage, maintenance, disposal, and repair of facility & event equipment and furnishings. Serves as one of the budget and signature authorities on the Union, Thad Cochran Center, Conference Services, Meditation Chapel, Vendor Income, and Esports budgets, totaling over $2.8 million annually.
Supervises Technical Services Manager and manages technical services and facility operations for the University Union Complex, Joe Paul Student Theater, Trent Lott National Center, Spirit Park and other areas managed by Southern Miss Events. Advises on inventory control for department, to include state property inventory and inventory of audiovisual equipment. Counsels Technical Services Manager to ensure maintenance on all electronic and audiovisual equipment and proper event setups that include electronic and audiovisual equipment. Develops policy and operating procedures for audiovisual and other areas of direct responsibility. Recommends purchases of new technology, equipment, furniture, and related items by staying abreast of the latest advances in technology and current trends in college unions. Assists with troubleshooting complex equipment problems. Consults with Union Director and works with contractors regarding purchase, installation, and servicing of new or existing technology systems, furniture, fixtures, and equipment in the facilities. Advises on computer maintenance, hardware and software upgrades, network storage and the Union Complex security camera system.
Supervises the Facilities Manager who manages approximately 30 student staff within a learning-centered employment environment. Counsels Facilities Manager with hiring, training, scheduling, disciplining, and evaluating the student staff. Serves as the appeals officer of student staff discipline. Oversees training assessment and data collection using an outcomes-based evaluation system. Coordinates the creation and updating of training documents, manuals, handbooks, and the student staff work schedules. Collaborates with Associate Director for Southern Miss Events, Technical Services Manager, Facilities Manager, and Southern Miss Events Coordinators regularly to ensure all staffing and equipment needs are met.
Provides senior leadership and oversight for the University’s competitive Esports program, Southern Miss Esports, and its club teams, members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports and National Esports Collegiate Conference, among other major collegiate esports conferences and leagues. Includes oversight of technology inventory consisting of $165,000 in computer and production equipment including 30 PC’s and multiple gaming consoles as well as the 1,935 sq. ft. Esports Arena space, 2,704 sq. ft. Game Room, and a small Esports practice room in the Union Complex. Oversees the Esports Program Director, a full-time professional staff role responsible for building recruitment and enrollment pipelines with area high schools and athletic associations and for managing 18 student staff members supporting over 110 competitive Esports student athletes across 26 teams with a recurring annual operating budget of $50,000.
Overall responsibility for meeting building maintenance needs and monitors the physical facility and property inventory regularly through supervision of Facilities Manager and Technical Services Manager. Serves as liaison for services, offices,departments, and other
occupants housed in the Union Complex. Reports critical facility needs to Director and serves as the project manager for facility projects, upgrades, renovations, and construction. Coordinates the emergency management protocols for the facility and trains staff on procedures.
Spearheads strategic direction for programs and curriculum that support institutional, divisional, and departmental goals. This includes leading and/or assisting in efforts to research, develop and implement academic initiatives and programs to ensure a comprehensive educational program for student staff and institution students, as well as meeting CAS and ACUI standards. Serves as the Union’s representative on committees regarding student learning and professional development (student and professional staff). Serves as the assessment coordinator for the Union’s operations. Coordinates the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to operational, programmatic, and learning outcome assessment for the department.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, college student personnel, higher education administration, or related area; and five years of experience working in a college setting in one or more of the following: union administration, facility management or event management.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Business Strategy & Acumen: Understands higher education and can use industry/professional terminology fluently. Thinks strategically and seeks to align department services and goals with institutional strategic goals. Asks critical questions to delve to root cause to identify solutions. Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes and measures.
Professional Knowledge and Application: Takes initiative to develop and apply professional knowledge and skills in order to enhance individual effectiveness and improve organizational performance. Creates opportunities to apply new learnings and best practices into innovative solutions that positively impact results. Seeks opportunities for development for both self and the team.
Business Execution: Leverages professional expertise and University knowledge to assess areas of opportunity, identify solutions and effectively execute the plan. Demonstrates a high level of planning and organizational skills and the ability to move projects forward to completion. Self-motivated and accountable for results. Seeks advice and input from others and recognizes when to escalate issues or seek help.
Communication: Demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate, concise, and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner. Encourages an open exchange of ideas and differing perspectives. Adapts communication style to meet the needs of diverse audiences and situations. Listens to understand others. Provides quality feedback.
Relationship Management: Works to build and manage productive relationships with peers, leaders and customer groups. Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances department results and team effectiveness. Affects outcomes and direction of customer’s decisions through effective relationships, trust and credibility.
Leadership: Demonstrates an openness and flexibility towards new ideas and concepts and effectively influences or facilitates during times of change. Helps others become more effective through development and coaching. Utilizes candid feedback, knowledge, resources and opportunities to improve the performance of others and to increase their contributions. Sets clear expectations for performance, provides meaningful feedback, holds employees accountable and recognizes successes.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, college student personnel, higher education administration or related area. Six or more years progressive experience in college union administration or facility and/or event management in a supervisory role. Knowledge and/or experience is desired in the following areas: supervision, interpersonal and public relations skills, facility management, building safety and security, event, camp, and conference services operations, technical services operations, general college union operations, emergency management, budgetary, and program evaluation and assessment.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Esports Coordinator - 1
Technical Services Manager - 1
Facilities Manager - 1
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.