Executive Director, Highlander Union Building in Riverside, California at University of California, Riverside
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Job Description
Overview
Job ID 37968077
Category Management and Professional
Organization Student Affairs
Department Highlander Union
Location Main Campus - UCR
Salary $130,500 - $161,900
Date Posted October 6, 2026
Application Deadline Open Until Filled
Schedule 8AM - 5PM
Full/Part Time Full-time(100%)
Level of Supervision General Direction
Personnel Program Code Management & Sr Professional
Other Information Qualifies for Employee Referral Bonus: No
UC Internal Job: No
Position Information
Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement, the Executive Director of the Highlander Union Building is responsible for the management of the Highlander Union Building, a 150,000 square foot facility that includes retail, dining, offices, outdoor locations and event spaces managed in association with a student-led governing board that serves in an advisory capacity. This position is also responsible for the maintenance and custodial needs of Costo Hall and the event management needs of the Student Success Center. The Executive Director will lead a team responsible for facilities management, event scheduling, programming (including late night events), major events, student free speech response and campus-wide activities. As part of their duties, the Executive Director will be responsible for capital planning projects, financial operations, development of policies and procedures, assessment of services, annual reporting and student engagement. This position functions with a large amount of autonomy and is expected to lead initiatives to increase student engagement, including collaboration with the Student Recreation Center to align management and administrative functions with best practices. The incumbent is a crucial part of the student engagement experience at UCR and is a key collaborator across campus.The salary range for this position is $130,500.00 - $256,100.00 annually. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $155,000.00 annually. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, UCR is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff.As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
Requirements
Educational Requirements
| Degree | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. | Required |
| Master's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training | Preferred |
| Experience | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 8 - 13 years of related experience. | Required |
| Previous supervisory/managerial experience. | Preferred |
| Understanding of student development theory and application to student engagement | Preferred |
| Experience working with multiple constituencies, including service providers, senior leadership, students and community | Preferred |
| Relevant experience associated with managing facilities or programs associated with similar student-focused facilities in a university environment | Preferred |
| Knowledge of best practices and industry standards associated with facilities management | Preferred |
| Special Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations. | Required |
| Excellent ability to establish metrics for department and employee goals. |
| Excellent project management skills, including the capability of managing capital projects. |
| Excellent skills to work collaboratively and act persuasively in sensitive situations; skills in conflict management techniques. |
| Thorough knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques; human resources and risk management planning; accounting and payroll. |
| Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively lead, motivate and influence others and to develop and maintain high standards of customer service. |
| Very strong ability to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution. |
| Thorough knowledge of common organization-specific and other computer application programs. |
| Understanding of student developmental theory, including engagement models and student development |
| Ability to work in a fast paced environment and respond quickly to emerging needs |
| Excellent ability to manage student fees, including coordinating with student-led governing board, transparency and thoughtful engagement with broader student community |
| Strong ability to understand and utilize policies/procedures when evaluating events and other issues |
| High level of political acumen and understanding of how to navigate complex institutional environments |
| Knowledgeable regarding best practices in facilities management, including deferred maintenance, renovations and expansion |
Additional Information
In the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities' air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, and culture. UCR gives every student, faculty and staff member the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.
UC Riverside is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the country boasting several key rankings of which we are extremely proud.
- UC Riverside is proud to be ranked No. 12 among all U.S. universities, according to Money Magazine's 2020 rankings, and among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide, according to the 2019-20 Center for World University rankings.
- UC Riverside is the top university in the United States for social mobility. - U.S. News 2020
- UCR is a member of the University Innovation Alliance, the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to improving student success for low-income, first-generation, and students of color.
- Among top-tier universities, UC Riverside ranks No. 2 in financial aid. - Business Insider 2019
- Ranked No. 2 in the world for research, UCR's Department of Entomology maintains one of the largest collections of insect specimens the nation. - Center for World University Rankings
- UCR's distinguished faculty boasts 2 Nobel Laureates, and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview