What are the responsibilities and job description for the UMC Director position at University of Colorado?
Requisition Number:
75077
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
University Staff
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
06-Oct-2026
Date Posted:
23-Sep-2026
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Job Summary
The University Memorial Center (UMC) at the University of Colorado, Boulder is seeking applications for a UMC Director! This position is in charge of the administration and operation of the UMC and its associated programs. This individual oversees and leads the planning, development, implementation, and assessment of facilities, programs and services that support the educational, cultural, social, and recreational needs of students and the broader CU Boulder community. The Director is responsible for setting a high standard in the areas of policy implementation; delivery of quality services and revenue generation; advocacy for diversity, sustainability, and assessment; facility maintenance and renovation; and student development through student employment and advising the UMC Board, a joint board of CU Student Government (CUSG). The Director works collaboratively with other Student Life offices and reports administratively to the Division of Student Life.
The UMC Director supervises the following areas of the student union: administration; building management, operations, reception desk, and security; building and campus non-academic scheduling and related sales (CU Events Planning & Catering); event audio visual (AV) and set-up; student safe ride program (CU NightRide); games area (The Connection); assessment; student art program; contract negotiations for campus and private leases and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in the union; Veterans Memorial Lounge; critical incident planning; and Public Information Officer (PIO).
In addition, the Director supervises the functional areas of Campus Alcohol Management and the central campus Event Management System (EMS). The position also supervises the provision of budget and financial support services for the UMC. The individual leads the union's short- and long-term facility and strategic foresight by working collaboratively with UMC staff, the UMC Board, and campus administration and partners. The UMC Director is seen as a leader in the Division of Student Life and on campus given the role and visibility of the student union for the campus and larger community.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The Division of Student Life consists of 36 departments that provide student support and services dedicated to helping students become successful, curious, competent individuals during their time at CU Boulder.
With more than 1.6 million visitors each year, the University Memorial Center (UMC) is a dynamic hub where community and engagement come to life. Known as the "heart of campus," the UMC buzzes with activity, welcoming thousands daily to dine, study, shop, bowl or play billiards at The Connection, or immerse in gaming at the Alienware Buffalo Esports and Gaming Lounge. We host numerous live events, meetings, and conferences for the CU Boulder campus and wider community in our various spaces, including the Glenn Miller Ballroom. As a workplace, the UMC offers a fast-paced, people-centered environment where every interaction contributes to campus life. Home to a wide range of student services and an active CU student government, we foster leadership, collaboration, and innovation among our staff and student employees. We celebrate diversity through food, art, music, and open exchange of ideas, cultivating belonging while supporting the campus spaces where expression and activism thrive. At the UMC, we are committed to student success and will work together to build human capacity focused on a culture of care for all.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Leadership
- Performs administrative and supervisory functions related to the coordination of all UMC facilities, programs, and services which constitute an approximate $10 million operation.
- These responsibilities include hiring, training, and terminating professional UMC employees (state classified and university exempt and non-exempt) and the general supervision of approximately 55 full-time staff and 125 student employees.
- Additionally, the position is well-versed in student and leadership development; games area operations; revenue generation; facility operations, maintenance, repair and replacement (R&R), and scheduling; budgeting, information technology (IT); capital construction; strategic foresight; and assessment.
Facility and Operations
- Develops plan for facility and operational improvements, including major repairs and construction.
- Leads work with campus entities for the future renovation and expansion of the UMC.
- Ensures staff serve as proactive liaisons to Housing Facility Services, Campus Dining and Hospitality, and the CU Book Store, ensuring clear communication and strong collaboration in support of the UMC's facility services, dining, and bookstore operations.
Campus Collaboration
- Works with various University departments including Finance, Procurement Services, Staff Council, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Risk Management, Strategic Relations, Police Department, Vice Chancellor's and Chancellor's offices, and Student Life departments.
- Serves as a colleague to other directors in the Division of Student Life.
- Works with and may chair committees on Division and University initiatives, policies, and student engagement and retention. Supports the Division's and University's strategic plan and goals.
Student Engagement
- Works with various student-run boards impacting the success of the UMC.
- Attends regularly scheduled meetings of the UMC Board, CUSG Finance Board, and CUSG Legislative Council; various student organization functions; and other meetings that pertain to the operation of the UMC and Division of Student Life.
- Engages in dialogue with students and evaluates decisions through a student development lens. Positively promotes the image of the UMC and university.
- This position will serve on the Student Engagement Response Team (SERT) committee in response to student activism and civic engagement.
Fiduciary
- Prepares and presents the annual operating budget and authorizes expenditures of UMC funds and other funds under their supervision.
- These funds include student fees and self-generated revenues.
- Maintains proper internal fiscal controls.
Additional Responsibilities
- Works with various individuals in the effort to explain University and UMC policy.
- Serves as a liaison to the USS Colorado Alumni Association and maintains the UMC as the state's veterans memorial.
- Continues to develop the UMC as the "heart of campus" and a key campus leader for event planning.
- Maintains active assessment and marketing efforts by working with Division leadership in these areas.
- Co-leads staff to support free expression for students (SERT). Engages in critical incident planning and drills with staff.
- Other assigned duties which, by nature of this position, can be varied.
What You Should Know
- Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. Hybrid days and time to be decided once hired.
What We Can Offer
- The annual salary range for this position is $129,825 - $144,250.
- Onboarding assistance may be available per Student Life guidelines.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be challenged. Be dynamic. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, business management, or a related field. Relevant experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
- 5 years of experience managing a complex organization and with increasing responsibility for supervision, business operations, facility operations, and auxiliary services.
- 3 years of experience overseeing building maintenance, facilities operations, construction, or renovation projects in amounts of $500K
What You Will Need
- Organizational Leadership - The ability to develop and communicate a vision so that others commit and act to fulfill the mission and goals of the organization.
- Financial Acumen - Maintains and applies a broad understanding of financial management principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible.
- Critical and Analytical Thinking - Ability to objectively assess situations and make impartial, well-reasoned decisions.
- Written and Oral Communication - Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner in both written and oral formats.
- Critical Thinking - Formulates objectives and priorities, and implements plans consistent with the long-term interest of the organization, capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks.
- Team Building - Inspires and fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust. Facilitates cooperation and motivates team members to accomplish group goals.
- Partnering - Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
- Dedication to social justice, diversity, inclusivity and equity in the student union and through its mission to serve the CU Boulder community.
- Knowledge of student activities and programming in a higher education setting and that intentionally supports student development, success, and retention.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of contract negotiations and business management.
- Knowledge of physical plant systems and building maintenance programs.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience to help support student development in a higher education setting.
- Demonstrated experience supervising large capital projects in amounts of $500k, renovations, and general construction for a facility that remains open to business operations and the public.
- Experience supervising an event and scheduling department.
- Experience in a leadership role for a facility with an alcohol license.
- Demonstrated ability to work with a complex student government system in an efficient and effective manner.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work with student organizations, a student governing board, and use and implement student development theories and practices.
- Demonstrated ability to select and supervise professional staff.
- Demonstrated ability to perform a variety of tasks in a dynamic environment, including creating and implementing a strategic plan that optimizes the facility's use for students and the CU Boulder community.
- Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of the changing role of the student union and student life and development in higher education.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain working relationships with a diverse student body, staff, faculty, and general public.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a highly visible position, respond to media inquiries, and navigate university and community requests.
- Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating student.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
1. A current resume.2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by October 6, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Salary : $129,825 - $144,250