Executive Director, Student Union

JobID: 498

Position Type: Full Time Staff

Date Posted: 11/15/2024

Location: San Jose, CA

Job Title:

Executive Director, Student Union

Location: Student Union of San Jose State University

Classification Title: Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Grade: Grade 9

Compensation: $159,375 - $215,625 annually

The Student Union, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit auxiliary that maintains three major facilities at San José State University in downtown San José, California. These facilities include the Diaz Compean Student Union Building, the Provident Credit Union Event Center, and the Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center. The Student Union, Inc. functions as part of the Student Affairs Division on campus and is governed by a Board of Directors made up of a student majority, faculty, and administrators.

Mission

The Student Union, Inc. of San Jose State University supports the development, growth, and well-being of students and the campus community by providing diverse programs, desired services, and quality facilities to enhance the collegiate experience.

Job Summary

The Executive Director (ED) of the Student Union at San Jose State University (SJSU) serves as the chief executive officer of the Diaz Compean Student Union (SU), a non-profit auxiliary organization recognized by the California State University (CSU). Reporting to the SU Board of Directors (BOD) and the Associate Vice President/Dean of Students, the ED is responsible for overseeing and managing the Student Union, including facilities such as the Spartan Recreation and Aquatics Center (SRAC) and the Events Center.

The ED will be instrumental in implementing the policies, strategies, and goals of the SU Board of Directors. The role requires the ED to manage and guide current and long-term strategic priorities for the SU while overseeing key administrative, financial, and operational aspects. This leadership role involves supervision of full-time and student staff and close collaboration with campus leaders, departments, and external stakeholders to ensure the effective functioning of SU services, programs, and facilities.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Strategic Leadership and Administration (25%):
   • Develop and maintain the corporate strategic plan, aligning with the mission of SJSU and the SU BOD’s goals.
   • Establish and implement policies and procedures for staff management, development, and training.
   • Oversee the evaluation and assessment of SU services, operations, and programs annually.
   • Provide leadership in student learning outcomes, equity-minded practices, and overall organizational development.
   • Supervise the executive management team, ensuring their performance aligns with SU goals.
   • Promote a high-performance environment, emphasizing customer service and operational improvements.
2. Programs, Facilities, Services, and Operations (20%):
   • Oversee the development and evaluation of educational, social, cultural, and recreational programs serving a diverse student body and campus community.
   • Administer maintenance, renovation, and capital improvement projects across SU facilities, including SRAC and the Events Center.
   • Negotiate and manage leases and contracts for vendors and services within SU facilities.
   • Lead facility improvement and enhancement initiatives to ensure the continuous growth and development of campus spaces.
3. Financial Planning and Management (20%):
   • Ensure fiscal sustainability, overseeing operating, capital, and reserve budgets.
   • Provide long-term financial forecasts to guide strategic financial decisions.
   • Manage contracts, agreements, and financial operations for the SU in compliance with university policies.
   • Oversee debt management and ensure long-term financial viability.
4. Board of Directors and Governance (20%):
   • Develop and recommend policy and operational plans to the SU Board of Directors.
   • Prepare reports, budgets, and recommendations for Board review and approval.
   • Ensure compliance with CSU, state, and federal reporting requirements.
5. Campus and Community Relations (15%):
   • Serve as a liaison to the SJSU community, CSU Chancellor’s Office, professional organizations, and external stakeholders.
   • Foster partnerships with campus departments, students, faculty, and alumni to enhance campus vibrancy.
   • Communicate the role and needs of the SU to the campus community, advocating for student-centered initiatives that enhance retention and success.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience) required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years in a senior managerial role, preferably within a college union, student services, or nonprofit organization.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit or public organizations, with experience in financial management, facility oversight, and program administration.
• Knowledge of student development theory, student governance, and campus program planning.
• Proven leadership in developing strategic plans and managing large, diverse teams.
• Experience overseeing major construction or renovation projects, with a preference for those in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on a CSU campus within the Student Union or auxiliary organization.
• Experience with fundraising, development, and stewardship efforts.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience fostering an inclusive environment.
• Engagement with professional associations related to auxiliary services in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in fiscal planning, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills, with experience leading large teams and managing complex projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex organizational problems.
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to lead change and foster innovation.

Reporting Relationships:

The Executive Director reports to the Associate Vice President/Dean of Students and is appointed by the President of San Jose State University, in consultation with the SU Board of Directors. The position directly supervises the Associate Executive Director, Director of Accounting and Finance, Director of SRAC, Director of the Events Center, and other key staff.

Benefits

This position is employed through Student Union at San Jose State University which offers an excellent benefits package including Medical, Dental & Vision insurance (fully paid on selected packages by the company for the employee and dependents), Life and Supplemental Insurance, Vacation, Sick Leave, paid Holidays, 403(b) retirement program, tuition reimbursement, employee development opportunities and more.

Post-Employment Benefits: The Student Union, Inc. provides lifetime retiree medical and dental coverage to eligible employees and their dependents who retire at the age of 55 and have 5 or more years of employment with the Student Union, Inc.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

The Student Union of San José State University (SJSU) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all SJSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Student Union employees are required to undergo and complete a successful background check that includes verification of employment and education, as well as a check of criminal records for employment. Candidates for positions where the employee will come in regular contact with minors and cash management will be required to be fingerprinted. This policy includes emergency hires and may also be applicable to volunteers depending on the work they will be doing.

In some cases, the background check will include a credit check and/or a Department of Motor Vehicles check, as well as a check of licenses and certificates when applicable. All background checks are conducted through the Student Union third-party vendor, Accurate Background.

California State University (CSU) Learning & Development

Within the first month, all new employees are required to complete the following compliance online training sessions through CSU Learn, the University's employee training platform. Employees will be enrolled in the training soon after their appointment is processed and will be notified via email from CSULearn@sjsu.edu.

• Injury and Illness Prevention Program
• Discrimination and Harassment for Supervisors/Non-Supervisors
• Gender Equity and Title IX Prevention Program (Title IX)
• Data Security and FERPA
• Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse

California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act

All Student Union at San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.