Executive Director - University Student Union

Job Category: Limited

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Student Union Dir (Inst) (C)

Job Duties:

Imagine leading a space that is not only the center of campus, but the beating heart of student life, engagement, and innovation. At the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, the University Union is where students gather to connect, recharge, and create memories that last a lifetime. We are seeking a bold, visionary, and dynamic leader to serve as the Executive Director of the University Union – a role that offers the opportunity to transform the Union into the destination for students, faculty, staff, and the greater Green Bay community.

This position is about more than managing a facility – it is about writing the Union’s next chapter. The Executive Director will lead the charge in elevating the Union into a modern, vibrant hub of activity. You will bring vision and creativity to dining and retail, dramatically improving satisfaction and making every visit to the Union a memorable experience. You will guide the development of a thriving Esports program, positioning UW-Green Bay as a leader in this fast-growing area of student engagement. You will champion new partnerships and negotiate complex contracts to ensure the highest level of services and value for our students. And you will provide steady financial stewardship, balancing multimillion-dollar budgets, forecasting future needs, and driving capital improvements that sustain the Union for years to come.

Above all, the Executive Director will be the architect of a student-centered environment – one that blends tradition with innovation, builds community, and inspires every Phoenix to see the Union as the place to be – your University Union.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership - Inspire and guide a large, diverse staff of professionals and students. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation where employees are empowered to deliver exceptional service and embrace continuous improvement. Lead with patience and integrity.
• Financial Stewardship - Manage the Union’s multimillion-dollar budget with discipline and vision. Oversee forecasting, long-range capital planning, and revenue-generating initiatives to ensure financial sustainability and growth. Use data-driven insights to make strategic decisions that strengthen the Union’s long-term impact.
• Esports Advancement - Lead the expansion of esports into a flagship program that draws students, fosters community, and elevates UW-Green Bay’s reputation in a rapidly growing field. Develop strategic partnerships, build facilities and programming, and champion esports as a centerpiece of student engagement.
• Data, Analytics, & AI - Leverage analytics, assessment tools, and AI to optimize operations, improve service delivery, and anticipate student needs. Use data-driven insights to enhance decision-making, track outcomes, and drive continuous innovation across dining, retail, esports, and the Union’s finances.
• Dining Transformation - Reimagine campus dining through bold collaboration with the University’s third-party food and vending provider. Lead efforts to dramatically improve satisfaction scores (from 3.3 to 4.0 and beyond) by introducing new concepts, improving quality and service, and creating dining experiences that delight students and meet evolving needs.
• Contract Leadership - Serve as the University’s lead negotiator on complex, high-value contracts related to the Union’s operations. Build strategic partnerships and hold third party providers accountable for delivering innovative, high-quality services that exceed expectations.
• Retail Development - Expand and energize the Union’s retail operations, including the Phoenix Bookstore. Drive growth by creating a vibrant, student-centered shopping experience that blends convenience, school pride, and innovation. Maintain all licensing agreements. Explore new products, services, and partnerships that make retail a central part of Union life. Expand sales from $500,000 to $1,000,000.
• Facilities Management - Oversee the operation, maintenance, and modernization of the Union, ensuring it remains a safe, sustainable, and state-of-the-art environment. Develop and execute capital plans that expand functionality, enhance aesthetics, and position the Union as a premier campus destination.

Department: University Union

Compensation: Annual compensation range of $84,291 - $120,000. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field at time of application
• 5 years working on complex contract writing, negotiations, and/or management oversight
• 3 years of financial experience – forecasting, capital planning, etc.
• 3 years working with food services, either directly managing or overseeing a third party
• 3 years leading a team
• 3 years leveraging analytics to make data informed decisions
• Ability to leverage AI for efficiency and effectiveness

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to interact and connect to a variety of stakeholders
• Best in class leadership skills through coaching, training, and mentoring
• Ability to lead projects/initiatives and an entire portfolio with high risk and complexity
• Ability to delegate and prioritize work
• Outstanding problem solving and analytical skills with ability to turn complex data analytics into strategic imperatives

Conditions of Appointment: This position may require occasional night and weekend work. The home campus of this position is Green Bay and the successful candidate may occasionally be required to travel to or work at the Marinette, Sheboygan or Manitowoc Campus, based on operational needs. Position is a full-time Limited appointment.

How to Apply: Please go to the full job posting at https://wisconsin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UW_Comprehensives/job/Student-Union-Dir--Inst---C-_JR10003211-1 to submit your application.