Description

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara), a prestigious, student-centered institution in Santa Barbara, California, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its next director of the University Center (UCen) and Events Center (ECen). This is an on-site leadership role.

Tracing its roots to 1890 as an independent teacher's college, the University of California, Santa Barbara joined the prestigious University of California system in 1944 as its third-oldest undergraduate campus. As a leading public, land-grant research institution offering a comprehensive liberal arts education, UC Santa Barbara welcomes approximately 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year to its beautiful oceanside campus. The university is regarded as a “Public Ivy” and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Reporting to the senior executive director for auxiliary services, the director of the University Center and Events Center is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader who provides exceptional direction and strategic vision for two premier multipurpose facilities that serve as cornerstones of an outstanding student experience at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The director serves as a senior administrator within Housing, Dining & Auxiliary Enterprises (HDAE), partners with the associate vice chancellor of HDAE, the senior executive director, and other institutional leaders on campuswide initiatives, and engages regularly with the UCen and ECen Governance Boards to ensure the availability of a comprehensive array of services, programs, leadership experiences, and educational opportunities for the student body. The director manages a dynamic staff of seven professionals, including three direct reports, indirectly supervises approximately 100 part-time student employees, and administers a $4.4 million operating budget.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $140,000 - $170,000.

Qualifications
Requirements include a bachelor's degree in a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) and demonstrated progressively responsible leadership and management experience, preferably within a college or university environment. A minimum of five years of experience overseeing student union facilities or comparable student-centered operations is also required. An advanced degree and demonstrated experience working at an intermediate or senior level in a campus-based auxiliary services program are preferred.

Application and Nomination
UCSB has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/director-university-center-and-events-center/

• Contact J. Scott Derrick at jsd@spelmanjohnson.com for confidential inquiries.
• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the University of California, Santa Barbara website at www.ucsb.edu
UC Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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