Job Summary

Senior Director, Purdue Memorial Union and Auxiliary Services Operations
Purdue University – Administrative Operations, West Lafayette

Lead the heartbeat of campus life at a world-renowned university dedicated to excellence, innovation, and belonging.

Purdue University seeks a visionary Senior Director for Purdue Memorial Union (PMU) and Auxiliary Services Operations to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across dynamic, high-visibility campus destinations—including Purdue Memorial Union, Stewart Center, Krach Leadership Center, the Union Club Hotel, conference and event services, and retail dining operations.

This senior leader will shape the vision for vibrant student engagement spaces, world-class conference and event experiences, and hospitality services that enhance the university’s mission and reputation. The Senior Director ensures these facilities deliver safe, efficient, and exceptional experiences while aligning operations with institutional strategy and evolving campus needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for PMU, Stewart Center, Krach Leadership Center, and auxiliary service operations
• Oversee hospitality, event, and dining programs that advance Purdue’s brand as a premier destination for students, faculty, visitors, and guests
• Develop and execute operational policies, business strategies, and revenue initiatives that sustain growth and excellence
• Lead a high-performing, collaborative team focused on service innovation, safety, reliability, and inclusion
• Partner with university leaders and external stakeholders to strengthen Purdue’s public image and enhance student life
• Manage and ensure alignment of contracted auxiliary operations, including the Union Club Hotel and Retail Dining & Catering

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership in large-scale operations, hospitality management, or university auxiliary services
• Demonstrated success developing strategic initiatives and operational improvements within a complex organization
• Strong collaboration, communication, and financial acumen
• Commitment to fostering inclusive environments and advancing organizational excellence

Why Purdue
At Purdue, every space and service tells part of our story—one of innovation, connection, and impact. Joining our community means leading with purpose, supporting meaningful student experiences, and contributing to a legacy that inspires.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related major, hospitality management, or a related field of study
• Ten (10) or more years of senior leadership experience in higher education business, auxiliary services, hospitality, or a comparable sector
  • Experience managing large-scale facilities, revenue-generating operations, and strategic growth initiatives
  • Experience in budget management, contract negotiations, and operational planning
  • Experience overseeing campus dining, hospitality, or event management services
  • Experience in facility operations and long-term planning
  • Familiarity with third-party contracts (e.g., Aramark, White Lodging)

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in business administration, hospitality management, higher education administration, or a related field of study

Skills Needed:

• Extensive knowledge of hospitality management, auxiliary services, event operations, and student engagement in a university or large-scale institutional setting
• Expertise in:
  • financial management, budget planning, revenue generation, and long-term capital investment strategies to drive operational sustainability
  • overseeing large-scale facility operations, event logistics, maintenance, and custodial services Strong skills in developing and implementing long-term strategies that align with institutional goals and enhance guest and student experiences
• Proficiency in budget management, financial modeling, revenue forecasting, and cost control measures
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with university leadership, students, faculty, staff, community leaders, and external partners
• Capacity to identify challenges, evaluate solutions, and implement strategic improvements to optimize performance

• Ability to:
  • establish, manage, and evaluate third-party partnerships to ensure service quality and financial viability
  • analyze KPIs, stakeholder feedback, financial reports, and industry trends to drive continuous improvement
  • lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability
  • anticipate industry trends and position PMU as a leader in student engagement, hospitality, and campus operations
  • pivot in response to evolving university needs, student expectations, and external market forces
  • convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including university executives, staff, students, and external stakeholders

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Immediate Contribution by the university to the retirement account   
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Management 6

• Pay Band S095
  Job Code #20002631

Career pathmaker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.