Assistant Director Campus Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION 

The Assistant Director of Operations is a full-time, year-round leadership role in the Campus Living department, driving the strategic management of housing operations to support over 900 students annually. There are two Assistant Directors who serve as the department’s authority on housing management systems and operational workflows, ensuring efficient and student-focused processes. They are responsible for designing, implementing, and refining key functions such as housing assignments, billing, and accommodations to enhance the student experience. Acting as a key resource, the Assistant Director provides high-level expertise and guidance to students, families, and campus partners, supporting informed decision-making and seamless operations. This position reports to the Director of Campus Living and Dining. 

The Assistant Directors of Campus Living Operations share responsibility for the full scope of residential life operations. Duties encompass all aspects of housing management, guest and emergency housing, dining coordination, summer and special programs, budgeting, and peak-period logistics. Responsibilities may be allocated or coordinated between the two positions to ensure efficient and effective operations.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Assigned Areas of Responsibility
Each Assistant Director is assigned specific operational areas to lead, ensuring accountability and clear ownership:

• Housing Assignments: Develop, implement, and refine housing assignment workflows, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with student needs.
• Dining Liaison: Serve as the university liaison to the dining contractor, ensuring operational and contractual requirements are met.
• Annual Housing Programs: Oversee early arrival, late stay, and holiday break housing programs in collaboration with campus partners.
• Summer Programs: Manage summer housing programs, including low-residency MFA students, special residential events (e.g., Music in May), and summer student housing.
• Short-Term and Emergency Housing: Manage guest and emergency housing, including reservations, check-ins, and billing
• Budgets: Coordinate all budgets related to residence halls and dining, including processing payments and tracking expenses
• Operational Oversight: Oversee room inspections, safety checks, and facility operations to maintain a safe, welcoming residential environment.

Shared Responsibilities
Certain functions are collaborative and are the responsibility of both Assistant Directors:

• Housing Systems Expertise: Serve as the department’s subject matter expert on the housing management system, including advanced configuration, troubleshooting, and cross-departmental training; conduct regular audits to ensure data accuracy.
• Accommodations: Provide case management and consultation on housing and dining accommodations in partnership with the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation Services
• Occupancy Planning and Analysis: Lead occupancy management efforts, including forecasting, strategic planning, and reporting in collaboration with the Director
• Staff Training and Development: Design and lead training for staff and student employees on housing systems, processes, and customer service best practices
• Communications: Develop and manage housing-related communications, including web content, department emails, and process documentation, ensuring clarity and consistency
• Move-In/Move-Out Coordination: Plan and execute move-in and move-out operations, ensuring efficiency and clear communication with residence life staff and students
• Inventory Management: Oversee departmental inventories, including keys and supplies, optimizing tracking and distribution processes
• Department Program Support: Support departmental priorities, including residential education efforts, community-building programs, and student success initiatives
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Prepare strategic reports and presentations for senior leadership, using data analysis to inform recommendations and drive improvements; identify and implement innovative process improvements
• Cross-Training and Continuity: Develop working knowledge of the other Assistant Director’s assigned areas to maintain seamless operations and service continuity.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Participate in after-hours on-call rotation as scheduled.
• Listen for, respond empathetically to, and appropriately refer students experiencing distress, ensuring documentation and follow-up as needed.
• Actively seek innovative ways to improve student experience, student success, and organizational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to develop storytelling and branding initiatives for Campus Living.
• Respond empathetically to student concerns and provide referrals to appropriate campus resources.
• Participate in divisional or university committees, task forces, and hiring panels as appropriate.
• Recruit, train, and supervise student employees.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

JOB SCOPE
The Assistant Director of Operations performs duties under the direction of the Director of Campus Living and in alignment with established university policies and processes. While the role is highly collaborative, requiring regular partnership with campus stakeholders and team members, it also demands a significant level of technical expertise and autonomy. The Assistant Director is expected to proactively analyze processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions while maintaining consistency with departmental goals and university standards. Responsibilities include developing workflows, managing housing data systems, training staff and student staff, and providing daily customer service to students, families, and campus partners.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY 

Supervises Support-Level Staff: This position supervises several support-level student employees and is responsible for scheduling, task delegation, and performance evaluations.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree plus and four years of experience or related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, business administration, or related field preferred.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Excellent customer service and successful written and verbal communication with a broad and diverse audience in a culturally responsive manner.
• Ability to maintain confidential, detailed records.
• Proficient in the use of common office software, spreadsheets, email, databases, and electronic platforms. 
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people in a wide range of roles. 
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.
• Ability to build and sustain rich collaborative relationships with university staff, students, and university partners of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple projects, track data, meet timelines, respond to others in a timely manner, and work both independently and as a collaborative member of the University with a high standard of integrity and ethics, in support of the University’s strategic vision and the division’s annual goals.
• Able to make independent decisions and recommendations that align with policies, rules, and procedures; ability to ask questions and seek assistance when needed.
• Able to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment, working independently and/or as part of a team. 
• Strong documentation and editing skills, with the ability to create clear, accessible materials.
• Demonstrated ability to implement complex processes and develop innovative solutions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience supervising staff
• Experience in higher education and/or student housing
• Experience with housing management systems or related data platforms
• Spanish language skills/abilities

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Work Setting: 

• This is a full-time, in-person (not remote) position based primarily on the Forest Grove Campus, with some work on the Hillsboro campus.

Schedule Expectations:

• Typically standard weekday hours (Monday–Friday), apx. 8:30-5:30, though hours may vary depending on departmental needs
• Occasional early morning, evening, and weekend work
• Peak periods, including move-in and move-out times in late August, mid-December, early January, May, and June, require high-volume coordination of housing assignments, resident support, and operational logistics
• Recurring on-call responsibilities

Travel Requirements: 

• Periodic travel required between Hillsboro and Forest Grove campuses, as needed
• Occasional travel for professional development (such as conferences or workshops)
• Other occasional travel, as needed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Medium work – involves lifting up to 40 pounds
• Visual acuity – ability to see and interpret visual information
• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Repetitive hand motions including fingering and grasping
• Talking and hearing to communicate with others
• All physical requirements and activities may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation
   

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please upload your resume,  cover letter and three professional references along with your Paycom application.  Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they are unsure if they can perform every function in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about how your background and skill set may qualify you for the role.

We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that everyone is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but ar...