Director, Operations

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 105,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-campus housing

Job summary

The Impact & Prosperity Epicenter Director of Operations at the University of Utah will oversee all operational areas of the Epicenter, including front desk, residential experience, housekeeping, security, and maintenance. It reports to the Epicenter Executive Committee and partners with Housing and Dining Programs, ORL, and campus services.

On-site housing may be available as part of the package. Strong leadership, operational excellence, and financial stewardship are essential to deliver

Qualifications

• Experience leading operations in large complex organizations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to oversee facilities, housing, safety, and guest services.

Responsibilities

• Lead front desk hospitality and ensure guest-centered service.
• Oversee day-to-day operations including residential student experience, housekeeping, security, and maintenance.
• Coordinate with Housing & Dining Programs, Office of Residence Life, IT, Facilities, and Security teams.
• Develop and enforce policies to maintain quality and consistency.
• Prepare reports on occupancy statistics and key performance indicators.
• Ensure safety procedures and campus policies are followed.

Job description

Details

Open Date 10/15/2026

Requisition Number PRN46533B

Job Title Operations Management - Multi-Department (Non-Executive)

Working Title Director, Operations

Career Progression Track M00

Track Level M6 - Director

FLSA Code Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Hours are typically 9:00 am to 5:00 pm but there may be additional evening or weekend hours needed on occasion.

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department 02279 - Impact & Prosperity Epicenter

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $105,000 - $165,000

Close Date 01/14/2027

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

The Impact & Prosperity Epicenter Director of Operations will be responsible for providing a high-quality experience for patrons of the Impact & Prosperity Epicenter, including student residents, professionals affiliated with the Center for Business, Health, & Prosperity and Sorensen Impact Institute, Café Epicenter, and those visiting the Forum informally or for events. The Director of Operations is also expected to ensure operational excellence, a well-maintained facility, and strong financial performance. This intent is that this position will oversee all operational areas of the Epicenter including the front desk, residential student experience, housekeeping, security, and maintenance, as well as other important functions such as marketing and sales, finances, and residential programming. The Director reports to the Epicenter Executive Committee and serves as a liaison to Housing and Dining Programs ( HDP ), Office of Residence Life ( ORL ), auxiliary services, and other campus partners. This position will work closely with ORL on the resident experience and Office of the Dean of Students to ensure all campus policies and emergency procedures are being followed, especially regarding student safety, care, and conduct. Responsibilities focus on the development of an environment that supports the academic and social experience of student residents, the workplace environment for employees and professional guests, and an elevated experience for visitors and other stakeholders, all while ensuring resources within the building are efficiently managed. Strong preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in high-quality higher education institutions, academic organizations, or comparable organization and hospitality settings.

The Director of Operations must have excellent management and leadership capacity, problem-solving abilities, and skill at creating a positive workplace environment. They must be an effective communicator, self-motivated, able to take direction, be innovative while respecting leadership guidance and institutional policies, be accountable, and committed to the success of the Epicenter and its host organizations.

This position is in-person on-site at the Impact & Prosperity Epicenter. On campus housing may be available to candidate as part of the hiring package.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities

Operational Excellence

• Leadership and Team Development

• Oversee front desk hospitality manager fostering a culture of operational excellence and guest-centered service.

• Ensure team productivity and support professional growth by supervising recruitment, onboarding, and continuous training of staff.

• Conduct routine meetings with department leadership to ensure alignment with operational goals and high standards.

• Facility Management and Coordination

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Epicenter, prioritizing resident, professional, and guest satisfaction in all aspects of property management.

• Act as a liaison with Housing and Dining Programs, Office of Residence Life, IT, Facilities and Maintenance, Auxiliary Services, and Security teams to ensure cohesive, efficient operations.

• Establish and uphold policies and procedures to maintain quality and consistency.

• Sales and Occupancy Management

• In coordination with HDP , guide the housing application process, resident selection, facility tours, room assignments, and all coordination related to resident transitions and services.

• Serve as point of contact for residential inquiries regarding rooms and booking process.

• Provide outstanding sales and outreach to students, parents, staff, faculty, and guests.

• Lead outreach and recruitment including leading information sessions and tours, building partnerships both internally and externally, and researching avenues to recruit and market.

• Prepare and present reports on occupancy statistics and key performance indicators.

• Communicate Epicenter programming and activities to prospective students and parents

• Communication and Reporting

• Provide regular updates to the Epicenter Executive Team, sharing insights on key metrics, maintenance reports, resident incidents, inspection outcomes, and occupancy rates.

• Address and resolve resident concerns, proactively identifying solutions to building-related issues.

• Serve as point of contact for residents, prospective residents, parents, and other internal and external audiences

• Safety and Maintenance Oversight

• Cultivate a culture of safety among residents and implement protocols to support adherence to university policies.

• Coordinate residence safety inspections and establish emergency procedures.

• Work with maintenance teams to address facility needs, ensuring a well-maintained, safe living environment.

Financial Management

• Budgeting and Financial Oversight

• In coordination with Finance Coordinated Services, manage the Epicenter’s P&L, develop a sustainable operating budget and track financial performance.

• In coordination with Finance Coordinated Services, provide the Epicenter Executive Team with periodic financial reports and optimize expenses through targeted budget management.

• Strategize ways to maximize occupancy rates, including year-round revenue opportunities to strengthen the financial health of the property.

Resident and Guest Experience

• Student-Centered Culture

• Foster a supportive, student-centric environment that enhances both the academic and social experience of residents.

• Program Implementation and Engagement

• Oversee the implementation of resident programming and events as directed by the Epicenter Executive Team. Ensure activities align with educational, cultural, wellness, and social goals to create a well-rounded experience for residents and guests.

• Ensure consistent delivery of services, programming, and activities that meet the Epicenter’s objectives and the needs of students, staff, and partners.

• Oversee the Residential student leaders engaged in residential programming.

• Community Building and Accessibility

• Promote a welcoming and engaging environment that supports students’ social and academic growth.

• Lead residential move-in and move-out processes in coordination with campus partners and student leaders

• Be a visible and approachable presence, regularly interacting with residents and guests to build rapport and enhance the community experience.

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners to create meaningful programming and activities.

• Weave programming elements throughout the residential experience to help resident students connect with the Sorenson Impact Institute and the Center for Business Health and Prosperity.

• Professional Workspace

• Ensure that the facilities and embedded technology are well maintained to prevent workflow disruption for occupants of the