Associate Director Conference Operations

Associate Director, Housing & Conference Operations

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Associate Director, Housing & Conference Operations at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

The Office of Housing & Residential Life is a unit within Student Success, Support, and Engagement. The Associate Director of Housing & Conference Operations provides leadership and direction in the delivery of an array of services designed to enhance the experiences of undergraduate, graduate, professional students and guests residing in Wayne State Housing.

Housing Operations within the Office of Housing & Residential Life is the gateway for university community members interested in on-campus housing; a primary resource for on-campus housing information through Wayne State University’s main phone line, email, and public web presence; and is also responsible for the management of student accounts and support for camps and conferences.

The Associate Director of Housing & Conference Operations is responsible for developing and managing revenue-generating summer conferences for Wayne State University (WSU) Student Auxiliary Services facilities; successfully coordinating the schedule for all internal and external events and providing on-site management for external programs; and will directly and indirectly supervise various positions such as 1 assignment coordinator, hourly graduate student staff, and undergraduate student staff during the conference season.

This position reports to the Director, Housing Operations.

Administration

• Coordinate conference and guest housing assignments and logistical arrangements for student and non-student residents and attendees, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Oversee all processes and communications related to summer conferences and guest housing, including but not limited to room readiness, the room check-in and check-out process, dining services, parking, building electronic access, classroom/meeting rooms space, maintaining smooth transitions, and timely service.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices.
• Monitor performance metrics and guest feedback to enhance service delivery.
• Prepare proposals, contracts, and invoices. Reimburse university units for services provided. Ensure that invoices are received and accounts are reconciled.
• Function as a departmental payroll supervisor.

Collaboration and Business Development

• Collaborate closely with Internal Housing & Residential Life, Student Auxiliary Services, facilities, and campus event partners to develop, plan, and execute events, summer conferences, guest housing, and off-season rental programs that contribute to net revenue generation.
• Develop plans to maintain current summer conference business and develop new business and revenue sources.
• Promote and manage the department’s guest housing program to ensure the most efficient use of spaces.

Customer Service

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality assurance and exceptional customer service in all aspects of conference operations.
• Serve as a key point of contact for program leads, providing clear and timely communication before and during events. Ensure ongoing and timely communication with service partners and internally within HRL to ensure event success and appropriate service levels.
• Ensure all assigned rooms are properly prepared and meet quality standards prior to program arrival.
• Respond promptly and professionally to requests for change, cancellations, and other housing-related adjustments.

Supervision

• Recruit, train and directly and indirectly supervise staff such as an assignment coordinator and graduate and undergraduate student staff performing administrative, financial and communication services to conference guests.
• Se…