The University of Central Arkansas Division of Student Affairs is excited to seek applications for the position of Executive Director of the Ronnie Williams Student Center (RWSC). This role is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Ronnie Williams Student Center, a 90,000 square foot, student fee-funded, multipurpose event center that includes the UCA post office, UCA Bookstore, and a food court. In addition, this position serves as building administrator for the Ferguson Chapel, several outdoor spaces including the student amphitheater, and Ida Waldran Auditorium, an historic 100-year-old auditorium attached to Old Main Hall. The executive director supervises an operations team that includes the associate director/director of student activities, three assistant directors, an administrative assistant, a four-person custodial team, two graduate assistants, and approximately 15 student workers. This position also supervises the office of student activities, the UCA post office, and KUCA 91.3, the university’s student-funded, non-commercial radio station. The executive director reports to the assistant vice president for student affairs.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
§ Provide leadership for the operations, services, and programs of the Ronnie Williams Student Center (RWSC), a multi-purpose facility within the Division of Student Affairs.
§ Foster student development, engagement, and involvement through meaningful employment and involvement opportunities for student workers and volunteer staff.
§ Supervise the associate director of the Ronnie Williams Student Center (this position also serves as the director of student activities).
§ Supervise three assistant directors for the RWSC whose responsibilities include event scheduling, client relations, building operations, marketing, communications, and technology services.
§ Supervise operations and personnel of three offices within the RWSC: Office of Student Activities and its director (also serves as associate director of the RWSC), UCA Post Office, and KUCA 91.3 radio station.
§ Manage the Student Center budget (approx. $1.3 million) and room reservation system (EMS).
§ Serve as liaison with UCA Bookstore, Aramark dining services, and Bear Card office.
§ Coordinate all building maintenance and service with custodial team, UCA Physical Plant, and outside contractors.
§ Serve as solicitation officer for the university for outside vendors who wish to solicit business on campus and enforce all university policies regarding solicitation.
§ Educate students and guests on all university policies regarding free speech on campus and enforce policies when and where appropriate.
§ Oversee the maintenance and operation of Ida Waldran Auditorium, a one-hundred-year-old historic auditorium attached to Old Main Hall.
§ Serve as part of the essential personnel team for the building in the case of inclement weather or any other event that may trigger a remote work day.
§ Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of student affairs administration in public higher education, contract negotiation, facility management/maintenance, ability to delegate, ability to shift and adapt to changing client needs, facility issues, and other unforeseen circumstances
Skills Considered Essential for Success
- Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
- Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
- Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
- Ability to make sound judgments.
- Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
- Civility in all interactions.
- Demonstrate effective follow-up.
Required Education and/or Experience
The required qualifications for a successful candidate include a master’s degree in higher education administration, college student personnel services, or related field, and a minimum of three to five years of related experience including, but not limited to, the following areas: student center/union work environment, student activities, student organization event programming, supervisory experience in a higher education setting, experience coordinating trainings and retreats, and budget analysis and management. They must also possess excellent written and oral communication skills, customer service skills, and the ability and willingness to serve as a member of a team.
Preferred Education and/or Experience
Preferred qualifications include: three or more years of experience running a student center/union, major event planning experience, knowledge of Event Management System (EMS) scheduling software, basic building maintenance knowledge, understanding of and willingness to enforce free speech guidelines on campus, and experience working with vendors to supply goods and services for essential building functions.
University, Campus, and Community Description
Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas.
Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of nearly 10,000, of which more than 20% are graduate students. The university offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in six disciplines. The undergraduate student body consistently scores above the national average on the ACT exam. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions to research, scholarship, and creative activities. UCA seeks to attract students and employees that are dedicated to building a culture of diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity.
Desired start date 08/01/2024
Position Summary and Qualifications
License(s)/Certifications
Physical Demands Checklist
Sitting, Kneeling, Standing, Balancing, Lifting/Carrying, Walking, Climbing
Physical Exertion
Medium Work - Exerting 20-50 pounds
Posting Detail Information
Background Check Statement
This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.