University of Central Oklahoma

Position Classification:

Regular, full-time, salaried, exempt and benefit-eligible staff position. For more benefit information visit Why Work at UCO?

Position Overview:

The Manager of Conference Housing and Custodial Operations provides leadership for all aspects of conference housing logistics, custodial coordination, and customer service within Housing and Residence Life. This position serves as the primary liaison between the university, external conference clients, and custodial partners, ensuring seamless housing operations and high-quality facility readiness. The Manager also supervises a student team and leads small custodial projects that enhance the overall guest experience.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions:

Conference Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Direct and facilitate weekly summer conference coordination meetings across Housing, Dining, Custodial, Events, and Security.
• Serve as the primary liaison with conference organizers, internal stakeholders, and external clients to ensure a seamless customer experience.
• Oversee all conference housing logistics, including assignments, readiness schedules, check-in/check-out processes, and customer service standards.
• Coordinate with clients before, during, and after their events to address needs, resolve concerns, and support successful program execution.

Custodial Management & Quality Assurance

• Coordinate with contracted custodial vendors, monitoring and auditing their performance to ensure compliance with university standards and service-level expectations.
• Serve as the main operational contact for custodial partners, escalating concerns and facilitating solutions as needed.
• Lead emergency cleaning response and other facility readiness initiatives to ensure safety, cleanliness, and client satisfaction.
• Oversee year-end room cleans and summer turnaround processes, with a focus on reducing reliance on outsourced services.
• Manage and train a team of student workers who assist with custodial support, event readiness, and other operational needs.
• Plan and execute small custodial projects (such as targeted deep cleans, common-area refreshes, or minor space improvements) in coordination with Housing and Facilities teams.

Operational Effectiveness & Reporting

• Develop, monitor, and report on performance metrics for conference operations, facility readiness, and custodial service levels.
• Provide regular reports and strategic recommendations to the Director of Housing and Residence Life.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, and university housing standards.

General Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with campus partners and service providers to support successful housing, conference, and custodial operations.
• Represent Housing and Residence Life professionally in all client, vendor, and campus interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the department.

Scope and Impact: Responsible for the daily administrative direction and execution of program, function, or activity within a department. Through the quality of decision and execution, may have a significant impact within the defined area.

Budget Authority: Responsible for project timelines and budgets. Coordinates and allocates resources relevant to the assigned area. Limited signature authority for purchases or payroll.

Policy and Procedure Authority: Assists and consults in developing and recommending policies and strategic plans in the larger department. Limited authority to implement policies/procedures within area of responsibility. May have defined/limited ability to grant exceptions to policy.

Reports to: a Dean or Director. In very large departments, may report to a faculty chair. May undertake some responsibilities of the Director in their absence.

Supervisory Responsibility: Supervises departmental employees and evaluates staff performance. Generally supervises professionals and individual contributors and may supervise subordinate managers. Coaches & develops employees. Promoted effective relationships and departmental culture.

Effective Knowledge: Contributes through advanced knowledge, skill, and experience. Proficient at project management, planning, and developing goals. May directly undertake some administrative/support tasks, though this should not exceed 30% of the job responsibilities.

Problem Solving: Develops, evaluates, and implements measures to improve quality that have an impact at the department or divisional level. Modifies guidelines and processes to resolve issues or problems.

Communication & Interaction: Communicates guidelines for project and service delivery. Uses diplomacy and advanced communication skills in unstructured settings.

Qualifications / Experience Required:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience that provides extensive knowledge of fundamental theories, principles, and concepts. Requires the application of expertise in a chosen field to achieve results. 7+ years of experience with leading planning, including program development and innovation, program prioritization, and assessment. Extensive knowledge and comprehensive understanding of functional area. Appropriate profession accomplishments and credentials. Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and be able to operate a typical motor vehicle.

Experience Preferred:

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Hospitality, or related field. At least one year of full-time housing, event coordination, or custodial/facilities oversight. Two years of database management experience. Knowledge of assessment practices and student developmental theories.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Must be proficient using computer software including spreadsheets and word processing. Must demonstrate excellent analytical, written, and oral communication, and interpersonal skills. Must possess an enthusiasm to work with diverse populations. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects. Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Ability to make effective decisions in urgent or crisis situations. Strong knowledge of housing and residence life operations.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.