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Position Specification

Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa

Director, Memorial Union Institutional Background Iowa State University, located in Ames, Iowa, is one of the nation’s leading land-grant universities. Chartered in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, it became the nation’s first land-grant institution when the Iowa General Assembly awarded it the state’s land-grant charter in 1864. The college opened in 1868–1869, and a class of 26 was graduated at the first commencement in 1872. Graduate study was offered almost as soon as classes began, and the first graduate degree was conferred in 1877. The college was renamed Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1898 and became Iowa State University of Science and Technology in 1959. Today, Iowa State University is a comprehensive research university of international stature with over 36,000 students from all 99 counties in Iowa, 50 states, and 100 other nations. Iowa State has led the development of several fields of study that are central to the land-grant movement, including engineering, agriculture, human sciences, and veterinary medicine. Extension, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2003, traces its roots to Iowa and early outreach programs by Iowa State’s Adonijah Welch and Perry Holden. The legislation establishing the national Agricultural Experiment Station system was written by Iowa State faculty members Seaman Knapp and Charles Bessey in the 1880s. George Washington Carver, one of the nation’s most distinguished educators and agricultural researchers, received bachelor’s (1894) and master’s (1896) degrees from Iowa State. The electronic digital computer, one of the most important technological innovations of the 20th century, was invented by John Vincent Atanasoff at Iowa State in the late 1930s. Carrie Chapman Catt, founder of the League of Women Voters and a key strategist behind the final ratification of the 19th Amendment, graduated as valedictorian of the Iowa State class of 1880. Today, Iowa State is a recognized leader in many areas, including plant and animal genomics, materials sciences, analytical chemistry, biology, physics, behavioral studies, information assurance, virtual reality, engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, business, journalism, kinesiology, transportation and logistics, and education. Major research initiatives involve the bioeconomy, food safety and security, combinatorial chemistry, human/computer interaction, and animal health. Iowa State is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), which consists of leading research universities in the United States and Canada. Iowa State aspires to be the best university in the nation in advancing the land-grant ideals and putting science and technology to work. The University’s mission is to create, share, and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place.

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From a student perspective, Iowa State University is a place where adventurous minds are encouraged to accomplish amazing things. As a major international university ranked in the top 50 among public universities by U.S. News & World Report, Iowa State offers a student experience rich in social and academic diversity. One hundred majors, over 800 clubs, and approximately 12,000 students living in campus residential facilities enrich college life on a beautiful, park-like campus. A tradition of cultural and popular performances makes campus life fun and memorable. At Iowa State University, students can discover their passions and unlock their potential. Iowa State fields 18 varsity teams in the Big 12 Conference, one of the nation’s premier athletics leagues. A strong fan base helps the Cyclones continually break attendance records and earn top honors in national online polls ranking the best “student spirit” (Hilton Coliseum) and “most dominant mascot on Earth” (Cy). Ames and Central Iowa

Beneath the small-town charm of Ames, Iowa, beats the heart of a much larger city. A city that has become a player in developing the world’s bio-economic future. A city with top-quality education, from kindergarten to graduate school. A city that regularly draws performers like Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews, Gabriel Iglesias, and Widespread Panic, along with international symphonies and Broadway musicals. A city with hundreds of acres of parks, numerous bike paths, and cultural festivals and celebrations. A city that’s been ranked the second-most-livable small city in the nation. Iowa is a place where neighborhoods are friendly

and commutes are short. A place where quality public education is not just a dream, but a reality. A place of vibrant cities with shopping and entertainment possibilities. A place of endless outdoor recreational opportunities. You can learn more about Ames at www.cityofames.org. Des Moines Located 35 miles south of Ames, Des Moines is the state capital and the largest city in Iowa, with over 600,000 residents. Often referred to as the “Hartford of the West,” Des Moines is a major insurance and financial center housing the home office of the Principal Financial Group and branches of EMC Insurance Group, Fidelity & Guaranty Life, Allied Insurance, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa, and American Republic Insurance Company. Wells Fargo is the city’s largest employer, and the 18,000-seat Wells Fargo Arena is the Des Moines area’s primary venue for sporting events and concerts. It is the home of the Iowa Energy of the NBA Development League, the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League, and the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League. Des Moines is also home to the Iowa Cubs baseball team of the Pacific Coast League. The I-Cubs, Class

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AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, play their home games at Principal Park near the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. Institutional Leadership Steven Leath, President

Steven Leath became Iowa State University’s 15th president on January 16, 2012. He has launched a dynamic agenda to raise Iowa State’s profile as one of the top land-grant institutions in the country by enhancing efforts associated with the University’s mission of education, research, and service. Under his leadership, the University has enrolled record numbers of students, dramatically increased full-time faculty hiring, surpassed its private fundraising goals, and maintained the lowest tuition and fees of its peer group of 11 universities. Iowa State has been nationally recognized as one of the most efficiently run universities in the country, as well as having one of the most beautiful campuses. Leath is leading Iowa State in strategic initiatives to maintain and improve the high-quality student educational experience for which the University is known; strengthen the University’s scholarly reputation; broaden its research enterprise; expand its economic development programs and activities for the state of Iowa; and increase diversity among students, faculty, and staff. He also has placed major emphasis on enhancing the University’s nationally recognized 1,700-acre central campus and its public art collection, which is one of the largest among U.S. public universities.

Before joining Iowa State, Leath had been vice president for research and sponsored programs for the University of North Carolina system since 2007. He also served as interim vice president for academic planning. At North Carolina State, he held several positions, including associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service. He also was a research leader and plant pathologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, and an extension plant pathologist at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Leath helped develop the North Carolina Research Campus, a private-public venture that fosters advancements in biotechnology, nutrition, and health. Leath was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and spent much of his childhood in Minnesota. He received three plant sciences degrees—a bachelor’s (1979) from Pennsylvania State University, University Park; a master’s (1981) from the University of Delaware, Newark; and a doctorate in plant pathology (1984) from the University of Illinois. Leath is married with two grown sons. He has a strong love for the outdoors and enjoys fishing, bird hunting, and bow hunting. The Leath family has a home in the North Carolina mountains, where they maintain a Christmas tree farm. He is also a licensed pilot. The Iowa State University Strategic Plan 2017–2022 The University’s new strategic plan has been in development since late 2015, and went into effect on July 1, 2016. The approved strategic plan is available at http://www.president.iastate.edu/sites/default/files/sp/2017-2022/2016.05.FinalText.pdf. The Academic Program Colleges, Majors, and Pre-Professional Programs The University is organized into eight colleges:

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

College of Business

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College of Design

College of Engineering

Graduate College

College of Human Sciences

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

College of Veterinary Medicine These colleges offer 100 bachelor’s degree programs, one professional degree (doctor of veterinary medicine), 112 master’s degree programs, and 83 PhD programs. Departments with the largest number of undergraduate majors: Mechanical Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering Kinesiology Animal Science Art and Design Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management Psychology Aerospace Engineering Curriculum and Instruction Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication Architecture Chemical and Biological Engineering Finance Accounting The Student Body The University’s official fall 2016 enrollment of 36,660 is the largest in the school’s history and represents an increase of nearly 1.9 percent (659) over the previous record of 36,001 in fall 2015. In the past decade, overall enrollment at Iowa State has grown by 11,198 students, or 44 percent. The student body represents every Iowa county, every U.S. state, and 121 countries. This fall, 20,713 Iowans are attending Iowa State. They equal 56.5 percent of the student body. The vast majority (18,957) are undergraduates. Overall, nearly 95 percent of Iowa State graduates are either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. Iowa State’s freshman class of 6,325 students, a record, includes 3,380 Iowans. Iowa State’s first-year, full-time student retention rate increased to 87.6 percent, well above the national average and just under Iowa State’s record of 87.7 percent, set in fall 2011. The average ACT score for new freshmen also has increased the past three years, to 25.17 in fall 2016. Iowa State’s student numbers set records in the following categories this fall:

Record undergraduate enrollment of 30,671, an increase of 637 students from last fall’s record of 30,034.

Record graduate enrollment of 5,096—exactly the same number as last fall.

Record international student enrollment of 4,131, an increase of 90 students from last fall’s record of 4,041.

Record diversity. Total U.S. multicultural and international enrollment is 8,748, or 23.9 percent of the student body.

U.S. multicultural enrollment is 4,617 (12.6 percent of total enrollment), a new record and an increase over last fall’s 4,326 students.

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Record U.S. multicultural enrollment among new freshmen: 946 students, up from last year’s record of 888. Multicultural students represent 15 percent of new freshmen at Iowa State.

Record total U.S. nonresident enrollment of 11,509, up 900 students from last year’s record of 10,609.

Record U.S. nonresident undergraduate enrollment of 9,510, up 899 students from last year’s record of 8,611.

Record U.S. nonresident new freshman enrollment of 2,611, up 242 students from last year’s record of 2,369.

Peer Land-Grant Universities This group of 10 land-grant universities was adopted as a peer comparison group for Iowa State University in 1986. Each is the public land-grant university in its state, and all are classified as doctoral/research universities—extensive in the 2000 Carnegie Classification of Higher Education.

University of Arizona

University of California

University of Illinois

Michigan State University

University of Minnesota

North Carolina State University

Ohio State University

Purdue University

Texas A&M University

University of Wisconsin

An Overview of the Division of Student Affairs Leadership Dr. Martino Harmon, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Harmon assumed the position of senior vice president for student affairs on March 21, 2016. He had served, since 2013, as the associate vice president at Iowa State University. He brings extensive experience in admissions and enrollment management, student development, student activities, and diversity programming to

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Iowa State University. As the associate vice president for student affairs, Dr. Harmon oversaw enrollment services, admissions, student financial aid, learning communities, Educational Talent Search, and Upward Bound programs, as well as the student affairs budget and human resources operations.

Previously, Dr. Harmon was executive director of student success and retention at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Cincinnati, Ohio; dean of student development at Rhodes State College, Lima, Ohio; and dean of admission, retention, and student life at Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, Michigan. From 1996 to 2007, he served in various leadership positions at the University of Toledo in Ohio. He was interim assistant dean of students, director of the University of Toledo’s African American Student Enrichment Office, and director of freshman admission, among other roles. During his career at the University of Toledo, he worked closely with the Office of Residence Life in resource planning and programming. Dr. Harmon is a member of the National Association of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), and has held regional and state offices with American College Testing (ACT), the College Board, and the Ohio Board of Regents’ Committee on

College Access. Dr. Harmon earned his doctoral degree in higher education and administration (2013) from the University of Toledo, and he holds a bachelor of business administration degree (1987) and a master’s in education (1998) from the University of Toledo. Organizational Structure of the Division The Division of Student Affairs recently underwent a reorganization that included the addition of two assistant vice president positions and the realignment of some responsibilities for the dean of students (now associate vice president and dean of students) and associate vice president for enrollment management & student success.

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Memorial Union Building History After World War I, there was an interest on campus in raising a memorial to Iowa Staters who died in that war. There was talk about a bronze plaque or a gateway arch, but an outspoken group led by the editor of the student paper lobbied for a living memorial—a building that would provide service to the college and preserve the memory of those that were lost. Students successfully rallied support on campus and then widened their campaign to alumni. In order to achieve the goal of putting up a building when the state could not make the money available, the planning group realized that they would have to form as a non-for-profit corporation. State entities in the 1920s were not allowed to borrow or bond for capital improvements. The Memorial Union corporation was established in 1922 to see the project through. By 1925, enough pledges were collected to begin construction. A site was selected, title to the land obtained, a mortgage negotiated, and an architect and contractor hired. The groundbreaking date was set for April 26, 1927. The Memorial Union opened in September 1928, with final construction details continuing until early the next year. Gold Star Hall, at the north entrance, serves as the memorial. When the building opened, the names of Iowa Staters lost in World War 1 were inscribed. In later years, names from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, and the Global War on Terrorism (Iraq) were added. In Memorial Union’s 80-plus year history, 11 additions have been made to all sides of the original structure, the most recent opening in the spring of 2008. Each addition has allowed the MU to update its services to meet the needs of the Iowa State University community. The Memorial Union is the “most added-on-to” building at Iowa State, growing as ISU has grown. Today, the building is 316,713 square feet. Mission

• To nurture common ground, • enrich and sustain individual lives, • and remember.

Beliefs:

• That the Memorial Union is a student-centered, full partner in the educational process • That building community builds loyalty and social responsibility • That programs and facilities are a unifying force • That ideas and experiences are powerful ingredients in holistic development • That participatory decision making builds world citizens and leaders • That service and convenience provide essential support to individuals reaching for long-term goals • That remembrance of alumni and our service personnel is an active duty

Values:

• Participation, exploration, experience, service, volunteerism • Social interaction, collaboration, partnerships, inclusiveness, unity • Creativity, discovery, inventiveness, active risk taking and problem solving • Celebration, kindness, friendship, romance • Comfort, security, heritage, tradition, memories, stories • Proudfoot’s classic architectural design

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Gold Star Hall

Gold Star Hall is the "memorial" in the Memorial Union. In World War I, when a family had a son or daughter in the service, they displayed a card with a simple blue star in their window. When a life was lost, the card with the blue star was changed to one with a gold star—hence the name, Gold Star Hall. The blue/gold star tradition continues, with military families still displaying these symbols. When the Memorial Union opened in 1928, the names of the Iowa Staters who died in World War I were carved into the walls. In 1959, the names of WWII casualties were mounted on two bronze doors in the zodiac foyer. In 1984, the bronze doors were removed, and the names from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam were engraved into the limestone inside Gold Star Hall. Name additions have also

been made in 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Overlooked servicemen from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, and Iraq have also been added. Gold Star Hall embodies the memoriam that the entire building represents. Offices in the Memorial Union

Campus Organizations Accounting

Event Management Office

Graduate and Professional Student Senate

Greek Affairs

International Student and Scholars

ISU Catering

ISU Dining

Leadership and Service Center

Lectures Program

MU Administrative Offices

MU Marketing and Graphics

New Student Programs

Parking

Student Activities Center

Student Government

Student Legal Services

Student Union Board

Study Abroad Center

University Book Store Administration

Veterans Center Student Activities Center The Student Activities Center (SAC) is home to:

Over 850 student organization and the resources needed to help these organizations achieve their missions and goals

The Leadership and Service Center o Leadership Programs – From leadership retreats and conferences to skill-building workshops

and a learning community, the leadership programs help students grow their leadership potential.

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o Service Programs – Here, students find ways to serve the community through volunteer opportunities with student organizations, nonprofit partnerships, and winter and spring break service trips.

o Consultation – Students can meet with peer consultants to learn about all things leadership and service. Consultants can help fellow students start a new club, plan a retreat, find a volunteer opportunity, or present on these topics at a club’s meetings.

Arts & The Workspace o Here students can find many creative outlets to explore, from painting pottery, walk-in crafts,

open studios, and making buttons and magnets to visiting the art gallery to view the latest exhibits.

Cybowl and Billiards o The union has 8 bowling lanes and 9 pool tables as well as an arcade and snack bar.

The Maintenance Shop (M-Shop) o The Maintenance Shop, or M-Shop as it’s affectionately known, is the longest-running, all ages,

nightclub in Ames, IA. Conveniently located in the Memorial Union, the M-Shop organizes upwards of 60 concerts a year; recent acts have included The Lumineers, Aer, Andy Grammer, The Civil Wars, Hayes Carll, Delfeayo Marsalis, Family of the Year, Polica, and Twenty One Pilots, to name just a few. In addition to live music, the M-Shop hosts comedy shows, open mic nights, theater performances, and more. Without a bad seat in the house, the M-Shop easily rivals any venue on performance quality and concert experience.

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Organizational Structure of the Memorial Union

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History of the Position The previous director of the Memorial Union, Richard Reynolds, retired in December 2015 after 12 years of service. From 2006–08, Reynolds oversaw the building’s 11th addition, which was the last major change to the Memorial Union. Since Reynold’s retirement, the associate director has been serving in an interim capacity.

Responsibilities of the Position Reporting to the senior vice president for student affairs (SVPSA), the director of the Memorial Union (DMU) provides leadership for the Memorial Union and within the Division of Student Affairs through advancing the mission and goals of the division, coordinating efforts within the Memorial Union and other campus areas, and partnering with other University operations through development of strong communication and working relationships, contribution to executive decision making, and implementation of plans. The DMU is responsible for directing, overseeing, and administering all facilities, programs, activities, products, services, and tenant relations within the Memorial Union, including the Student Activities Center, Event Management Office, parking ramp, tenant space, and the recreation area. This position oversees the Student Activities Center and, in that role, provides opportunities for students to be successful while challenging students to be independent, responsible learners; provides leadership for student activities, organizations, and functions that promote civility, celebrate diversity, and support an inclusive campus climate; and implements programs and services that empower students as leaders and promotes a sense of belonging for every student at Iowa State. The DMU has overall responsibility for the fiscal and personnel resources and will develop revenue-generating strategies necessary to support the fiscal strength of the Memorial Union. Division of Student Affairs Leadership

Works with the student affairs associate and assistant vice presidents and provides leadership within the student affairs division in advancing the mission and goals of the division, coordinating efforts within the units and with other University operations through development of strong communication and working relationships, contribution to executive decision making, and implementation of plans. The Memorial Union director may, following completion of current proposed renovation projects, be moved to report to the assistant vice president for student affairs and director of residence.

Serves on the senior vice president for student affairs’ (SVPSA) cabinet and is a key leader for the division. Supports division priorities and projects. Promotes collaboration among division offices to create efficiencies and provide better programming and outreach. May represent the SVPSA on formal and/or ad hoc internal and external committees on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, student organizations and activities. May represent the SVPSA in his absence. Prepares and presents reports and proposals to various groups on behalf of the SVPSA.

Assists with public relations and fundraising activities. Interacts with donors on behalf of SVPSA as directed. Attends events and solicits donations or support as appropriate.

Assists with faculty, student, and staff relations by resolving requests or problems referred to the Division of Student Affairs related to the Memorial Union. Meets with concerned parties to discuss requests

Memorial Union Department Leadership

Oversees strategic planning and long-range goals, which need to align with board of regents, University, and Division of Student Affairs strategic plans.

Develops and evaluates institutional policies pertaining to student organizations and activities.

Responsible for all the operational areas within the Iowa State Memorial Union, including Student Activities Center, recreation area, business office, Event Management Office, custodial services, mechanical services, parking ramp, tenant services, programming, marketing, and personnel. Plans, directs, and evaluates the effectiveness of the products, services, programs, and activities that comprise the Iowa State University Memorial Union operations and offers recommendations to the various areas within the facility and to the Memorial Union Board of Directors and SVPSA on an on-going basis.

Evaluates and develops strategy for improvements, major repairs, new construction, and additions to the Iowa State Memorial Union.

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Develops a master plan to implement design and construction plans in conjunction with architects, engineers, student groups, the Memorial Union Board of Directors and University administration.

Develops and implements facility policies and procedures for the Iowa State Memorial Union. Develops and implements operational policies, sets level of achievement for operations, and ensures that the organization is market-driven in all activities, programs, products, and services responding to the needs of students, student organizations, and the Iowa State Memorial Union’s other publics (the University community, alumni, Ames community, and visitors). Works closely with student government and supervises the student work force programming board in planning, implementing, and evaluating social, cultural, and educational events and activities for the campus community.

Ensures positive and cooperative relationships with other areas of the University.

Represents the Iowa State Memorial Union in its interactions with the Memorial Union Board of Directors; facilities, planning and management; the student union board; University administration; the Ames community; and the many publics served by this facility: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. Serves as an ex-officio member of the Iowa State Memorial Union Board of Directors, the Memorial Union Executive Committee, and all other board committees, providing leadership and services to facilitate the work of the board of directors, board-established committees, and the SVPSA. Serves on other university committees as appropriate.

Supervises staff and operations of programs and services within areas that report to the director. Includes hiring, training, and evaluating professional, merit, and student staff. The staff consists of 21 professional staff, 27 contract staff, and 7 graduate assistants.

The director is responsible for an overall budget of more than $7 million. Administration and Operation

Provides leadership on policies and procedures associated with finances and human resources for the Memorial Union, including developing budget scenarios and creating systems for effective implementation and monitoring.

Develops revenue-generating strategies necessary to enforce the fiscal strength of the Memorial Union.

Assumes accountability for the administrative leadership and management of the areas this position oversees, including the stewardship of people, finances, and other resources.

Holds other leaders accountable for high performance and highly engaged culture by articulating expectations, monitoring performance, and providing feedback consistently across departments and areas for which they are responsible.

Identifies methods to increase revenues and reduce costs. Collaboration, Partnerships, and Committees

Ensures positive and cooperative relationships with other areas of the University.

Represents the Iowa State Memorial Union in its interactions with the Memorial Union Board of Directors; student union board; facilities, planning and management; University administration; the Ames community, and the many publics served by this facility: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. Serves as an ex-officio member of the Iowa State Memorial Union Board of Directors, the Memorial Union Executive Committee, and all other Board Committees, providing leadership and services to facilitate the work of the board of directors, board established committees, and the SVPSA.

Serves on other University committees as appropriate.

Partners with campus colleagues to create a culture of collaboration that sets up every student for success and achievement, including but not limited to matters related to student activities and institutional policies governing conduct of student organizations and activities.

Creates and champions initiatives that foster respectful communication, learning, and a spirit of cooperation; promotes a collaborative climate that recognizes, celebrates, and rewards diversity.

Interacts frequently with University leadership, including the chief financial officer/chief of staff, senior vice president for university services, university counsel, and other administrators, faculty, and staff across campus.

Gathers multiple inputs and integrates diverse plans as requests based on division priorities.

Leads and or represents the division on committees as requested by the senior vice president for student affairs.

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Works closely with student government leadership and may serve as an advisor.

Collaborates with the director of assessment and research and the SVPSA assessment team on program reviews for areas reporting to the director.

Collaborates with the student affairs assistant director of development on fundraising for scholarships, student success initiatives, and facility renovations.

Characteristics of the Successful Candidate A master’s degree and eight years of related experience are required. Experience must be at a comparable level, with progressive leadership responsibilities in a college or university setting. Preferred qualifications include a degree in higher education (or related field); higher education administration experience in a student union and student activities environment; experience supervising professional staff; and a demonstrated ability to work and relate effectively to college students. The successful candidate will possess the ability to effectively manage multiple competing priorities and coordinate complex administrative operations; strong writing and verbal skills; familiarity with current trends in higher education, including best practices, and student development theory; a demonstrated commitment to the ideals and principles of multiculturalism, social justice, and diversity; strong human relations skills; and effective management, motivation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, stakeholders at Iowa State University identified the following characteristics and attributes when considering the position of director, Memorial Union (in no particular order):

Profound interest in students and student engagement and a deep understanding of student unions and student activities and the important role both hold within the university community with a broad knowledge of best practices and the profession.

Broad-base understanding of facilities management, operations, renovations, and capital and operating budgets as well as the significance of student life and activities and an ability to relate to staff within each of these units.

Dynamic, inspirational leader with excellent management skills, and the ability to build a solid framework and vision to effectively develop and manage a complex, student-centered department.

Strong business acumen coupled with a solid understanding and appreciation for students and their positive development.

Solid financial foundation with proven record of successful fiscal management and experience evaluating and building new, effective revenue streams.

Demonstrated ability to think creatively and embrace new ideas and ways of approaching services and programs.

A true strategic thinker with the ability to follow through on plans and complete goals.

Ability to genuinely connect with, support, and relate to a highly engaged, intelligent, and hardworking student body.

A willingness to take risks and be at the forefront of the college union/student experience at a national level.

Demonstrated ability to creatively re-envision a building’s use, services, and programs.

Credible, engaging, supportive, and approachable supervisor with knowledge of the responsibilities of each staff member’s position, respect for their work and contributions, and a willingness to advocate for staff and students, their programs, and needs.

Create an environment that encourages active professional development and training for the entire staff.

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Maintain a commitment to continual improvement through the effective use of assessment tools to measure the success of programs and services, and the ability to make changes based on relevant data.

Demonstrated commitment to a strong collaborative style and capacity to build bridges to departments, faculty, students, and the community.

Ability to positively represent the department and its work to the campus and the community by accurately and authentically telling the department’s “story.”

Accessible, transparent, ethical leader with excellent communication skills to clearly articulate vision, direction, and purpose and earn the respect and confidence of the faculty, staff, and students.

Knowledge of strategic planning, project development, and organizational change management.

Highly energetic individual with a strong sense of self and ability to appropriately infuse humor and enthusiasm into the workplace and campus community.

Respect for the rich history of the Memorial Union with the ingenuity to allow the facility, programs, and services to grow to best meet the needs of the students.

Approachable administrator who is open and responsive to students and their needs.

Maintain a highly engaged relationship with staff and students as well as a visible profile throughout the ISU community.

Deep understanding of principles of diversity and social justice, with the ability to enhance equity and inclusive communities with students and staff of various social, cultural, and educational backgrounds.

Experience working with unionized employees.

Model and encourage work-life balance.

Have a firm understanding of the First Amendment and experience effectively working with protests and demonstrations.

Likely Opportunities, Priorities, and Challenges of the Position In transitioning to Iowa State, the director, Memorial Union will encounter the following opportunities, priorities, and challenges, as shared by key University stakeholders:

This is a wonderful time to be joining the Division of Student Affairs at Iowa State. There have been many positive changes, along with a true sense of excitement for the future and a strong culture of collaboration among a very supportive division.

The exciting history and traditions of the MU can be both an opportunity and a challenge. The new director will need to find ways to honor the past while imagining the MU’s future.

The staff is talented and extremely dedicated to the mission and values of the union.

The passing of a referendum this spring will result in a $65 million new construction and renovation project for the MU. The new director will be intricately involved in every aspect of this project, providing an amazing opportunity to make a lasting impact on a historic building. If the referendum does not pass, the director must develop a new plan as well as prioritize deferred maintenance on the MU.

Both the MU and the division have a very strong relationship with students, who are extremely supportive.

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Create a strategic vision with long-range planning for the union and obtain buy-in from all constituencies.

Help tell the building’s “story” to effectively promote the MU as well as connect with potential donors.

Effectively build strong relationships and strategic partnerships across campus.

Take the time to fully learn about the entire department and staff.

Find the proper balance between being operationally astute and committed to the educational and student engagement endeavors of the department.

Foster authentic, productive relationships with ISU alumni.

Build an exemplary team through the thorough evaluation of the current staff structure, enhancing current staff’s morale, and creating a culture of honest information sharing and solicitation of others’ input.

Review all policies and procedures from multiple user perspectives to ensure clearly defined polices that are consistently and uniformly upheld.

Bring an entrepreneurial spirit to the position with creative approaches to fundraising, providing services, and new programs.

Conduct a needs assessment of the entire department.

Provide stability to the staff and work to enhance morale.

The MU has multiple stakeholders throughout campus and the Ames community. The new director must learn to effectively work with all these different stakeholders.

Space is a continual challenge among students, student organizations, tenants, and other constituent groups.

If the referendum passes, the construction and renovations will take place while the building remains open.

Measures of Success for the Position At an appropriate interval after the new director, Memorial Union joins Iowa State, the following items will initially define success. Specifically, the new director will have:

Established a strong rapport with students, staff, and faculty by being involved, visible, and engaged.

Embraced the history and culture of the institution and the MU.

Built a strong staff who feel supported, appreciated, and unified by a common vision with an excitement to move forward; improved staff morale.

Provided stability and continually supported and advocated for students and the MU.

Built a solid relationship with the board of directors and worked to clearly establish ways the board can most effectively serve the students and the building.

Fostered creative partnerships both on and off campus. Critically evaluated the current programs, operations, policies, and procedures and be working toward

appropriate changes.

Worked to enhance internal communication to keep all staff appropriately informed of policies and procedure updates and other changes.

Become a highly visible leader on campus, authentically representing the MU to the division, campus

community, and Ames.

Visited with each department and staff member within the MU to get to know the staff and their programs, services, challenges, and needs.

Benefits Overview Iowa State University offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of faculty and staff. Benefits are competitive and are an important component of the total compensation package. Iowa State offers a robust choice of health and welfare plans, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, disability, and life insurance plans. Benefits include the following:

Medical insurance (PPO and HMO plans and prescription drug coverage)

Avesis vision plan insurance

Dental insurance

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Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Retirement plans

Will preparation services

Health care flexible spending account and dependent care assistance program

Sick leave

Vacation and holidays

Tuition and development grant program

For more detailed information about Iowa State benefits, including eligibility, please visit http://www.hrs.iastate.edu/hrs/benefits.

Application and Nomination Applications, including a position-specific cover letter and resume, may be submitted online at http://www.spelmanjohnson.com. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Heather J. Larabee at

hjl@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Spelman Johnson Director, Memorial Union – Iowa State University

Heather J. Larabee, Search Associate

Visit the ISU website at www.iastate.edu

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against.

Spelman Johnson has prepared this document based on personal interviews and information copied, compiled, or quoted in part from source documents obtained from our client institution, and as such the contents of this document are believed to be reliable. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and factual situations govern, and the material presented here should be relied upon for informational purposes only.