Manager of Operations

Job Details

Under the direction of the Director, this position serves as a strategic partner in the year-round operations of the department, with a focus on summer operations, revenue generation, space utilization, service offerings, and reservations. This position oversees year-round operational readiness in support of events, conferences, camps, third parties and university hosted programs managed or facilitated by the office.

The incumbent will be a forward-thinking professional who anticipates challenges and proactively implements or recommends operational improvements. This role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, with strong organizational skills and sound judgment. The incumbent will take initiative and maintain professionalism while navigating complex or high-pressure situations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Lead and advance the department’s efforts to maximize income through facility reservations for outside organizations, including events, conferences, camps, and group activities.
• Lead planning and execution of summer operations, including residential programs, and staffing levels.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures to improve workflow, efficiency, and customer service delivery; identifies opportunities to enhance services, cost effectiveness, facilities, and other operational areas in response to changing needs, priorities, and a dynamic campus environment.
• Oversee the customer experience, including program execution, issue resolution, and satisfaction assessment.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, campus partners, and vendors.
• Supervise the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations as required.
• Collaborate with the Director or designee to establish and manage rental rates for event spaces and resources; identify opportunities and recommend new revenue streams.
• Manage contracts, including coordination with General Counsel and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate logistics with Facilities and campus partners, including space readiness, access and services; oversight of departmental resources, inventory, assessing needs, recommending repairs, upgrades, and maintenance.
• Coordinate with Senior Associate Director of Procurement on third party purchase orders.
• Partner with internal stakeholders on long-term forecasting and the identification of projects impacting summer programs and overall operational readiness.
• Manage operational data, billing processes, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 or more years of related experience, including at least one year overseeing complex projects/events or in a supervisory capacity over a small unit OR a Master’s degree and 5 or more years of related experience, including at least one year overseeing complex project/events or in a supervisory capacity of a small unit. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience supervising and training staff, including seasonal teams.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail and accuracy, and a proactive solution-oriented approach to customer service.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-graduate experience in a related industry or role such as housekeeping, residential life or hospitality.
• 3-5 years of experience supervising residential, hospitality, or conference services staff.
• Experience utilizing residential housing, event management, and/or project management software.
• Experience evaluating processes and implementing improvements.
• Experience collecting and analyzing data and preparing reports or proposals.
• Project management experience.
• Organizational and time management skills with demonstrated experience prioritizing competing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated experience taking initiative, anticipating needs, and maintaining professionalism in high-pressure or challenging situations.
• Working knowledge of the UConn campus.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This position requires availability to work evenings, weekends, and flexible hours as needed, including providing on-site supervision for both daytime and overnight programs. Increased availability may be required during peak operational periods, particularly in the summer months. The role also requires the ability to stand for extended periods, occasionally lift up to 40 pounds, and move between campus locations to support events and operations.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.