Facilities and Operations Assistant

Davenport University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 17,047 - 24,280; Part time

Job summary

Davenport University is seeking a part-time Facilities and Operations Assistant to support daily operation of the university's athletic facilities and events in Grand Rapids. The role reports to the Director of Athletics for Facilities and Operations and involves event setup, game-day operations, and supervising student staff.

Responsibilities include coordinating facility setups, ensuring safety, assisting with maintenance coordination, and providing excellent customer service to athletes,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 1 year of management and/or supervision experience required.
• Knowledge of all proper safety procedures and regulations as related to this position.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; self-motivated and directed in individual work assignments, and ability to meet deadlines and accomplish goals.
• Ability to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to work accurately and effectively with computerized data systems and other technical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation, and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, both written and oral, which transcend diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Facility Operations: Assist with daily operation of facilities, ensuring they are clean, safe, and event-ready.
• Event Management: Assist with game-day operations and event setup/breakdown.
• Student Employee Supervision: Provide day-to-day supervision and leadership of student employees.
• Scheduling & Operational Support: Coordinate facility schedules and event logistics.
• Risk Management & Safety: Ensure safety standards, report hazards, and assist with emergency plans.
• Collaboration: Work with coaches, facilities, and safety staff to support daily operations.

Skills

Management experience

Supervision

Safety procedures

Communication skills

Teamwork

Emergency handling

Data systems

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Facilities and Operations Assistant

STATUS: Limited Part Time (Maximum of 20 hours/week, minimum of 0)

DEPARTMENT: Athletics

LOCATION: Grand Rapids, W.A. Lettinga Campus

REPORTS TO: Director of Athletic Facilities and Operations

Pay: $15.00/hour September - May (Maximum of $10,000)

Summary

The Facilities and Operations Assistant supports the daily operation of the University's athletic facilities and event operations. This position reports to the Director of Athletics for Facilities and Operations and works closely with the Manager of Athletic Facilities and Events and the Manager of Athletic Events and Ticketing. This position assists with event setup and execution, game-day operations, and the supervision of student employees. The Facilities and Operations Assistant helps ensure athletic venues are safe, organized, and prepared to provide a first-class experience for student-athletes, coaches, officials, and guests. These responsibilities are performed in an ethical manner consistent with the University's mission, vision, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Facility Operations:
  • Assist with the daily operation of the Student Center and athletic facilities, ensuring facilities are clean, safe, and event-ready.
  • Perform routine facility walkthroughs to identify operational, maintenance, or safety concerns and communicate issues to the Manager of Athletic Facilities and Events.
  • Coordinate facility setup and breakdown for practices, competitions, rentals, camps, and special events.
  • Assist with maintaining athletic operations equipment, furniture, and event supplies.
  • Support preventative maintenance efforts by coordinating repairs with campus facilities personnel as needed.
  • Assist with opening, securing, and closing athletic facilities during assigned shifts.
• Event Management:
  • Assist with game-day operations for home athletic contests and special events.
  • Coordinate event setup, including seating, tables, signage, scorer's tables, hospitality areas, locker rooms, and competition equipment.
  • Monitor events to ensure operational needs are addressed promptly and efficiently.
  • Assist with post-event breakdown and facility restoration.
• Student Employee Supervision:
  • Provide day-to-day supervision and leadership of student employees during facility operations and athletic events.
  • Assign daily work responsibilities and monitor performance to ensure operational expectations are met.
  • Assist in training student employees on event procedures, facility operations, customer service, and safety protocols.
  • Promote a professional, customer-focused work environment.
• Scheduling & Operational Support:
  • Assist with coordinating facility schedules and event logistics.
  • Support the operational needs of camps, tournaments, rentals, and departmental special events.
  • Assist with equipment inventory and event supply management.
• Risk Management & Safety:
  • Ensure facilities comply with departmental safety standards and report hazards promptly.
  • Assist with implementing emergency action plans and game management procedures.
  • Coordinate with athletics staff, campus public safety, and facilities personnel during athletic events as needed.
  • Maintain a safe environment for student-athletes, staff, and visitors.
  • Ensure athletic venues are prepared according to NCAA, conference, and ADA standards, as well as institutional requirements.
• Collaboration:
  • Work collaboratively with coaches, athletics staff, campus facilities, public safety, and event personnel to support daily operations.
  • Provide excellent customer service to student-athletes, coaches, officials, spectators, and facility users.
  • Assist with special projects and departmental initiatives as assigned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics for Facilities and Operations or the Manager of Athletic Facilities and Events and Manager of Athletic Events and Ticketing.
  • Understand and abide by all external and internal regulations and policies. This includes NCAA, GLIAC, and national affiliations associated with athletics or other role-specific regulations.
  • Provide GREAT customer service, anticipating and exceeding the needs of our customers.
  • Demonstrate and promote the University Cultural Values.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 1 year of management and/or supervision experience required.
• Knowledge of all proper safety procedures and regulations as related to this position.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; self-motivated and directed in individual work assignments, and ability to meet deadlines and accomplish goals.
• Ability to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to work accurately and effectively with computerized data systems and other technical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation, and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, both written and oral, which transcend diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and relate well to students, parents, faculty, staff, and others while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Demonstrated motivational and problem-solving capabilities with a high degree of integrity, ethics, and dedication to the mission of the university.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background investigation including but not limited to: standard criminal background check and employment reference checks. Select positions may be subject to drug/alcohol screening.
• Must be able to work an irregular schedule, evenings and weekends as needed, additional hours during peak times or as required for emergencies.
• Business office environment. Prolonged sitting and standing. Use of computer and telephone (eye and hand strain).
• Some travel between locations is required (own transportation).
• No regular lifting requirements, occasional lifting up to 75 lbs.

Davenport University is committed to building and supporting a diverse community of students, faculty and staff. Davenport University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants and students without unlawful discrimination based on national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, veteran, or military status, marital status, height, weight, genetic information, or other protected status.

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Revision Date: 7/10/2025