Director of Auxiliary Services

Position Summary

The Director of Auxiliary Services provides leadership, direction, and oversight of revenue-generating auxiliary units that support student life and academic activities, including campus dining, parking and transportation, bookstore services, retail operations, and capital project management. This role also serves as the University's senior procurement authority, leading complex sourcing, bidding, and contract negotiation for the institution while ensuring compliance with state and federal procurement law. The Director serves as a strategic partner to the CFO, optimizing revenue and operating margins, driving procurement value and compliance, and enhancing the student experience. This role represents HSSU in interactions with students, vendor partners, campus departments, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Auxiliary Operations Leadership

Lead day-to-day operations of Auxiliary Services: campus dining, parking and transportation, bookstore, retail operations, and other units as designated by the CFO

Promote Auxiliary Services across the campus community, driving awareness and engagement

Serve as project manager for all design and construction projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery

Financial Management and Strategy

Coordinate budget development and monitor revenue and expense activity with dashboard reporting and business planning

Provide financial analysis and recommendations to improve revenue and operating margins for existing operations and new initiatives

Maintain financial records in accordance with GAAP

Translate financial information for non-technical stakeholders through clear written and verbal communication

Procurement Leadership and Compliance

Serve as the University's subject matter expert on State of Missouri statutes and federal procurement law, ensuring compliance across all transactions

Review and approve complex requisitions and generate purchase orders for high-value transactions

Lead the development of comprehensive bid specifications for complex procurements and manage competitive bidding processes, including solicitation, evaluation, and award of major contracts

Direct complex sourcing and procurement projects and drive cost containment across University purchasing

Develop and refine sustainable purchasing policies in collaboration with students and faculty

Maintain comprehensive records and analytics on items purchased, costs, delivery, product performance, and vendor metrics

Conduct market research and analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and emerging procurement trends

Identify, evaluate, and recommend new revenue-generating opportunities that enhance University services

Vendor and Contract Management

Lead vendor relationship management and develop strategic partnerships in the business community

Negotiate binding contracts across both procurement and auxiliary operations

Represent the University in complex contract negotiations and dispute resolution

Strategic Partnership and Leadership

Serve as a strategic advisor to the CFO and senior leadership team on both auxiliary operations and procurement strategy

Mentor and provide guidance to procurement and auxiliary staff on policies, procedures, and best practices

Build relationships across the University, navigating the complex landscape of a publicly-supported higher education institution

Lead or participate in cross-functional teams for major procurement and auxiliary initiatives

Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, or a related field (required)

Five (5) or more years of professional experience directly managing complex, high-volume operations and/or procurement, with demonstrated progression of responsibility (required)

Specific experience preparing and managing complex solicitations for the purchase of goods and services

Experience in contract negotiation, vendor relationship management, and consulting or advising senior-level executives

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field

Prior federal, state government, or University procurement experience

Professional procurement certification (CPPB, CPM, CSCP, or similar)

Facilities management experience, including capital planning and renovations

Knowledge of governance and administrative processes in higher education

Core Competencies

Strategic financial analysis and budget management

Expert-level contract negotiation and procurement compliance

Project management for capital construction and renovations

Advanced computer literacy, including procurement software and ERP systems

Strong written and verbal communication for diverse stakeholders

Ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor staff

Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and organizational change

Self-directed, with strong organizational skills and deadline management

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment on campus

Some travel may be required for vendor meetings, conferences, and site visits

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes. Oversees Auxiliary Services staff, procurement staff, and vendor relationships. May lead cross-functional project teams.