Associate Director

University of Texas at Dallas; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 706,000 - 845,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Tuition Benefits

BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options

AD&D Insurance

Dental & Vision Plan Options

Disability Insurance

TRS Retirement Plan

Fertility Benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

The University of Texas at Dallas Student Union seeks an Associate Director of Guest Services & Event Operations to oversee event planning for facilities totaling about 644,000 sq. ft.

and lead guest services, event operations, and meeting services with a strong commitment to customer service. Reporting to the Director, this role supervises senior staff, manages multiple cost centers, and drives strategic improvements across the department while coordinating with UT Dallas and local partners on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; 5-7 years related professional experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or related field (preferred).
• 4+ years professional experience in a higher education environment (preferred).
• One to four years of direct event or conference oversight or planning (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Oversees the event planning and operations of Student Union facilities totaling approximately 644,000 sq. ft.
• Responsible for the organization, management, and stewardship of multiple departmental cost centers.
• Develops and coordinates facility and event policies across 7+ indoor and outdoor locations.
• Oversees Guest Services, Event Operations, and Meeting & Event Services.
• Provides strategic and operational leadership across the portfolio, ensuring departmental priorities are effectively organized, communicated, implemented, and evaluated.

Skills

Staff supervision

Event planning

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Budgeting

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S07259P

Position Title: Associate Director

Functional Title: Associate Director, Guest Services & Event Operations

Department: Student Union

Salary Range: $69,500

Pay Basis: Monthly

Position Status: Regular full-time

Location: Richardson

Desired Start Date: 10/12/2026

Posting Open Date: 09/22/2026

Posting Close Date: 09/29/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Job Summary

The University of Texas at Dallas Student Union Associate Director of Guest Services and Event Operations serves as one of the leaders of a multi-layered, dynamic department. Reporting to the Director of the Student Union & Student Union Programs, the Associate Director will oversee the event planning of Student Union facilities totaling approximately 644,000 sq. Ft.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in a related field; 5-7 years related professional experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or related field
• 4+ years professional experience in a higher education environment
• One to four years of direct event or conference oversight or planning

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees the event planning and operations of Student Union facilities totaling approximately 644,000 sq. ft.
• Responsible for the organization, management, and stewardship of multiple departmental cost centers.
• Develops and coordinates facility and event policies across 7+ indoor and outdoor locations.
• Oversees the areas of Guest Services, Event Operations, and Meeting & Event Services.
• Provides strategic and operational leadership across the portfolio, ensuring departmental priorities are effectively organized, communicated, implemented, and evaluated.
• Leads the collaboration and coordination of Guest Services, Event Operations, and Meeting & Event Services to ensure consistent processes, communication, and customer service delivery across the department.
• Directly supervises the Assistant Director of Meeting & Event Services and the Assistant Director of Guest Services & Event Operations.
• Establishes and maintains clear expectations for staff performance, productivity, accountability, and follow-through, ensuring work is completed accurately, efficiently, and within established timelines.
• Ensures high-level performance and customer service delivery for all Student Union meetings and events.
• Ensures high job performance and accountability among more than 100 student employees.
• Promotes a culture of high performance, collaboration, organization, and continuous improvement across University Unions operations.
• Assists the Director as needed, including providing leadership, representing the department, and supporting operational and strategic decision-making.
• Provides strategic direction and oversight to ensure departmental priorities are translated into actionable plans, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
• Assists the Student Union Director with the development of regular and annual reports.
• Advises on the development and enhancement of new and existing departmental offerings, including services, amenities, and venues.
• Maintains communications and relationships with UT Dallas and DFW community partners on behalf of the University.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, a successful employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time, move or lift objects which may range from 10-25 lbs, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch frequently. A successful employee would also need to have good vision, manual dexterity, and coordination. They may also need to be able to hear and talk frequently.

Additional Information

Standard working hours for this position will be 8am-5pm Monday - Friday with occasional night and weekend obligations.

Remote Work Notice

After the probationary period, this role may be eligible for a hybrid (partly remote/partly in office) work schedule, subject to business need and manager approval. Must be located within the DFW Area and have the ability to be on campus with 24 hours of notice. A UT Dallas Remote Work Agreement will be required within 14 days after approval.

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment.

What We Can Offer

• Competitive Salary
• Tuition Benefits
• BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options - including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
• AD&D Insurance
• Dental & Vision Plan Options
• Long and short-term disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Fertility Benefits
• Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

About Us

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.

Let us be your employer of choice! #WHOOSH

Important Message

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.