The Opportunity

Founded in 1830 in Richmond, Virginia, The University of Richmond provides a collaborative learning and research environment unlike any other in higher education, offering students an extraordinary combination of the liberal arts with law, business, leadership studies, and continuing education. As a top-25 liberal arts university, UR celebrates the idea of a changing and evolving world, and we make it our mission to prepare Spiders to lead it. The university enrolls approximately 3,200 undergraduates from 47 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and 62 countries, and 600 graduate/professional students.

The Position

Role of the Senior Associate Vice President for Campus Operations for University of Richmond

Reporting to the executive vice president and chief operating officer (EVP), the senior associate vice-president for campus operations (SAVP) is responsible for overseeing a diverse team of over 450 employees who provide goods and services required to meet the educational objectives of the university.  Direct reports to the SAVP include the executive director of dining dervices, executive director of campus business services, director of facilities budget and finance, director of environmental operations, university facilities, and director of design and construction. The SAVP works regularly with members of the university’s senior leadership team to ensure that the financial, human, and physical resources of campus operations are deployed to meet near- and long-term institutional priorities; effectively and creatively communicates with a workforce that is diverse among trades and talent, fostering a culture of efficiency and service; keeps abreast of industry trends and ideas; cultivates effective campus partnerships; and establishes and maintains positive communications and working relationships to ensure effective human relations management and customer satisfaction. The SAVP is responsible for monitoring the performance of a $60 million budget and advising the EVP on long- and short-term planning for campus operations.

 

 

 

History of the Position

Mark Detterick has served as senior associate vice president since July, 2017. Mark joined the University of Richmond in May of 2012 as the associate vice president for financial planning. He is leaving the SAVP position to accept a new role within the university.

The structure of the role has been changed based on an impending retirement. Andrew McBride, associate vice president for university facilities and university architect, announced that he will be retiring from the university in February, 2022, after 28 years of service. Senior staff members who previously reported to Andrew (director of design and construction, director of environmental operations, director of facilities budget and finance) will initially report directly to SAVP.

 

Opportunities and Challenges of the Role

The SAVP provides leadership for a diverse portfolio of services that rely heavily on front-line workers who interact extensively with a wide variety of campus stakeholders. A majority of the university’s hourly staff report within this portfolio and they often have significantly different needs, issues and expectations than the professional staff. The SAVP must be a champion for front-line staff and possess an authentic concern for their welfare. An ability to effortlessly and graciously interact with the staff will be critical to maintaining an ongoing understanding of the challenges and opportunities of their roles.

UR is a close-knit community that places a high value on collaboration and communication. The university is committed to building strong, healthy, and mutually supportive relationships as a foundation of the campus culture. The SAVP’s purview will impact a great number of students, faculty, administration, departments, and community members, so it will be critical for the successful candidate to build solid relationships that foster ongoing, positive interactions. These connections are essential to support campus operation’s role in assessing the needs of stakeholders, providing exceptional customer service for the campus community, and ensuring that UR is on the leading edge of services, facilities, and physical plant management.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial to the UR community, and the SAVP must be a champion and advocate for these principles at all levels of the organization. The campus community is composed of students and employees that represent a variety of backgrounds, including different language communities. This is particularly true for campus operations, as it is one of the largest and most diverse employee groups on campus. A demonstrated insight into the needs and concerns of these communities is vital.

The next SAVP will find an outstanding staff and leadership team who are committed to providing the best service possible to the students and the campus. The leadership team is committed to helping the new SAVP be successful as they understand the nuances of the campus and needs of the stakeholders. The SAVP should be willing to listen carefully to staff in an effort to understand their perspectives, discern their strengths, fully comprehend their jobs, and empower and engage each appropriately.

Campus operations is often asked to perform many functions on short notice. The SAVP must be flexible and exhibit the patience and perseverance to work through whatever might be requested. The team operates with the philosophy that the campus should feel like home to students. It is with this care and awareness that they carry-out their work. The staff genuinely enjoys their work and each other which is evident in the pride they take in their facilities and services.

Measures of Success

At an appropriate interval after joining the University of Richmond community, the following items will initially define success for the new senior associate vice president:

  • The SAVP should possess a leadership style that is both visionary and strategic while remaining flexible to opportunities presented to campus operations.
  • The SAVP will have established strong working relationships and partnerships with peers, direct reports, students, and key institutional colleagues.
  • A culture of shared responsibility and accountability among all direct reports and respective staff groups is supported.
  • Staff expectations are clearly communicated and performance is carefully assessed, with delineated opportunities for growth and continual improvement identified, monitored, and measured.
  • The SAVP will be seen as an effective leader and will have ideas about how to enhance the organization. Staff members will trust and support the vision for the future.

Qualifications

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree and 10 years progressively responsible administrative experience are required. A master’s degree in related discipline and at least five years of successful experience in managing multiple elements of a university or public entity’s auxiliary organization are preferred. The ideal candidate will possess working knowledge of facilities management, self-operated dining services including retail, residential, catering, purchasing and event management in a residential university setting.

Characteristics

Additionally, University of Richmond stakeholders consistently identified the following attributes to be essential characteristics of the ideal candidate:

  • high ethical standards;
  • demonstrate tact and diplomacy to work across the university;
  • apply critical thinking, exercise flexibility, and work calmly and efficiently under pressure;
  • possess excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills;
  • visionary and future-focused;
  • a strong aptitude for verbal and written communication, presentation, and relationship development.
  • effective management of diverse human resource needs; ability to identify, develop, and provide workforce training opportunities for staff at all levels;
  • intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn;
  • a collaborative approach to teamwork, organization, administration, and problem solving;
  • thorough knowledge of financial strategies and finance-related performance metrics; excellent fiscal management skills;
  • humility coupled with confidence and an ability to be decisive.

Institution & Location

Overview of Campus Operations

Campus Dining

UR has a comprehensive self-operated dining program that has consistently won numerous national awards and if ranked 14th in the Princeton Review for best college food. The campus dining options are:

The Heilman Dining Center – Meal plan participants use their meal punches/swipes at the main residential dining facility, the Heilman Dining Center. The award-winning Heilman Dining Center takes college dining to new levels. It is easy to forget it is a campus dining facility. Healthy and fresh daily choices begin in the morning with cooked to order omelets and eggs for breakfast. For lunch and dinner the choices are endless, with brick oven pizzas, hot and cold deli selections, numerous cooked-to-order stations, home-cooked favorites, international selections, and award-winning desserts. The ‘state of the art’ serving area allows for quick and easy access to all areas, which include: Bruce’s traditional favorites; Grains & Greens, vegetarian & vegan selections; Campus Deli, panini & deli selections; Hemispheres speciality stations, Mongolian Grill and Stir Fry, Piatto Bene fresh cooked pasta and pizza; Spider Grill burgers, fries, sandwiches and omelets; DolceVita desserts; Evergreens soups, salads, mediterranean bar, bagel bar and waffles.

Tyler’s – A ‘grab & go’ or dine-in venue on campus offering a wide variety of made to order menu selections centrally located in the Tyler Haynes Commons overlooking beautiful Westhampton Lake. The daily menu includes: traditional and specialty breakfast selections, fresh bagels, made to order entrée salads, specialty sandwiches and wraps, side dishes, yogurt, candy, snacks, frozen yogurt, and beverages.

The Cellar – The “campus pub” and gathering place. The menu includes a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, pasta, entrees, beverages, and desserts, as well as an extensive ‘carry-out’ menu. The Cellar also features karaoke and sporting events on the big screen TV. Private party space, service, and menu are available by reservation. The Cellar is located on the lower level of the Tyler Haynes Commons building.

Lou’s – Enjoy assorted breakfast pastries, gourmet sandwiches, crisp salads, hearty soups, and grab a fresh cup of coffee or a cold soda in a lunch and dinner location conveniently situated in Queally Hall at the Robins School of Business.

 

 

Passport Café – Enjoy a variety of selections with international flare and flavor at one of the most popular campus eateries. Located in the Carol Weinstein International Center, the menu for the Passport Café includes hot breakfast sandwiches, assorted breads and bagels, hot and cold international selections for lunch or dinner, fresh salads, specialty and international snacks, locally roasted coffee, fresh sushi, gelato, sorbet, cooked to order gourmet sandwiches, and much more.

8:15 at Boatwright – Take a study break and grab a specialty coffee beverage, gourmet muffin, delicious cookies and late night food selections at this upscale coffee shop conveniently located in Boatwright Library.

ETC (Every Thing Convenience) – An on-campus, modern convenience store located in the lobby of the Heilman Dining Center. It is fully stocked with snacks, beverages, health and beauty items, groceries and fresh coffee, with a full selection of products made in Virginia.

The Dean’s Den – A mini convenience store with a maxi supply of snacks and beverages. It is located on the Richmond side of campus in the Whitehurst building and is the perfect solution to late night snacking.

Richmond on Broad Café – Located within the University of Richmond Downtown, the award-winning Richmond on Broad Café celebrates the city, the region, and the University’s commitment to its home town. Operated by University of Richmond’s Dining Services, the café is open to the community, serving breakfast, lunch, and mid-afternoon refreshments in a decor that echoes both the University and the city. The café offers a dynamic menu of made-to-order fare supported by local and regional products. For those on the go, sandwiches, salads, cookies, pastries, and more are available in earth-friendly packaging.

Organic Krush – Organic Krush Café, located in the new Well-Being Center, specializes in organic options as well as high-quality gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan bakery items for breakfast, lunch and dinner and brunch on the weekends.  Bakery items are also located in Passport Café and Eight-fifteen at Boatwright.

Organic Krush is a nationally recognized brand with locations in nearby Short Pump, and in parts of Long Island, New York and Connecticut.  Its menu is crafted using organic ingredients free of pesticides, GMOs, and hormones.  A wide breadth of recipes were created that are both delectable and organic.

Campus Services

Campus Services oversees vital functions that keep the University of Richmond running. It provides products and services to students, faculty, and staff:

  • University Bookstore
  • Mail Services
  • One Card Services
  • Campus Print Shop
  • Collegiate Licensing

University Facilities

University facilities provides high-quality service to the University of Richmond community, operating and maintaining facilities to enhance the educational mission of the university. Facilities is the largest department within the university with over 200 employees. They are responsible for building and maintaining campus assets and have seven distinct areas of operation which ensure that the campus infrastructure is maintained in the most efficient and conscientious manner.

Mission Statement

“Our mission is to create and maintain an outstanding learning environment through constant attention to our community’s needs and thoughtful care of our beautiful campus.”

Core Values

Communication

We create an atmosphere in which timely and high-quality information flows smoothly up and down, inside and outside of facilities; and, encourage open expression of ideas and opinions that impact each other’s work.

Cooperation

We readily cooperate with our co-workers in achieving our shared goals and display a respectful attitude with one another.

Productivity

We focus our actions at work on accomplishing university goals and objectives. We demonstrate a sense of urgency; everything we do is important to the customer and will be addressed with great efficiency. We also demonstrate initiative; meaning we work to meet or exceed expectations without being told to do so.

 

Professionalism

Our work attire and personal conduct are appropriate for our work environment. We act responsibility with university resources. Our job knowledge is up to date and we demonstrate excellent judgement in all decision-making. In addition, we understand the importance of safety and that we will comply with safety standards and demonstrate safe work habits.

Quality

Our workmanship should be of high quality; such that we walk away with pride in what we accomplished knowing that our customers are satisfied with our work.

Reliability

Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job, including attendance. It is extremely important that university staff be at work when scheduled and minimize unplanned absences.

Leadership of the Division of Business Affairs

Business Affairs delivers services to all members of our campus community and our external customers in a timely, professional manner with the highest standard of integrity. They conduct the business of the university in ways that consistently enhance the educational experience of our students and advance the reputation of the university.

David B. Hale

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer


David Hale is the executive vice president and chief operating officer at the University of Richmond, and is responsible for oversight of the divisions of Advancement, Information Services, Athletics and Business Affairs, and serves on the board of Spider Management Company LLC, a wholly controlled affiliate of the University.  Hale joined the University as vice president for business and finance and treasurer in July 2013.

Prior to joining Richmond, Hale served at Colgate University for 20 years, and for 12 years served as vice president for finance and treasurer.  At Colgate, Hale previously worked as associate director of planned giving, assistant treasurer, and director of financial analysis and investments.

Prior to working in higher education, Hale was director of international accounting at Sony Pictures Entertainment and head of Paramount Pictures’ international accounting office in the Netherlands, as well as controller of a division of Paramount.  He was also an accountant for Deloitte, Haskins and Sells.

Hale holds a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University and a master’s degree in accounting from Stern School of Business at New York University.

Institutional Overview

  • 350 acres of suburban campus in Richmond, VA
  • 90 miles from Washington, D.C.
  • 22nd among the nation’s “Best Liberal Arts Colleges” – U.S. News & World Report
  • 25th “Best Value” among national liberal arts colleges – U.S. News & World Report
  • 26th best value private liberal arts colleges – Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
  • 1st University producing the most Fulbright U.S. Scholars – tied among bachelor’s institutions (2018)
  • 1 “Most beautiful campus” in the country – The Princeton Review (2021)
  • 17 Varsity sports offered within our Division I athletic program
  • 190 Student organizations including 32 club sports; 7 honor societies; 28 political, advocacy, or social impact groups; 16 fraternities and sororities, and 6 student media organizations

About Richmond, VA

Richmond — or “RVA” as locals call it — has a little bit of everything. From a river running through the heart of our city to a thriving arts scene, there’s plenty to love. Our hallmark James River is the centerpiece of Richmond’s thriving outdoor scene and distinguishes us as the only American city with Class IV rapids within city limits. For you, that means canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, rock climbing, swimming, fishing, and just generally relaxing are all right at your fingertips — not to mention a prime and popular site for faculty and student research projects. On a sunny afternoon, you’re sure to find Spiders all over the rocks at nearby Pony Pasture Park.

Richmond’s food scene is one of its calling cards. Here, the hard part isn’t finding a great place to eat — it’s deciding which option to choose. More than 700 restaurants range from national award winners to beloved local comfort food spots, while popular farmers’ markets and food festivals happen all year long. And speaking of national award winners, we have those right here on campus as well. UR’s dining services program is frequently cited among the nation’s best.

As the capital of Virginia, Richmond is at the center of the state’s business and government activity. From the state legislature, federal courts, and the home of the Governor, to a Federal Reserve Bank, numerous Fortune 500 companies, and nationally acclaimed creative agencies — Richmond has it all. For Spiders, that means a hotbed of internship, research, and work opportunities are just a free and easy shuttle ride away.

Richmond is more than the political capital of Virginia — it’s also the arts and culture capital. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, one of the nation’s top art museums, attracts high-profile exhibitions of work by internationally renowned artists. Richmond is home to a symphony and a ballet company, well-known venues and niche galleries, independent radio and the nation’s largest folk festival. Any night of the week, performances are pouring from stages large and small all around the city. And the Modlin Center for the Arts —right here on campus — is at the heart of it all.

Richmond’s location in the heart of Virginia, near the intersection of interstates 95 and 64, gives Spiders access to all that the region has to offer. Take a two-podcast drive in any direction and you can dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean, wind through the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Appalachian Trail, or immerse in cultural and internship opportunities in Washington, D.C.

  • One of the “Best Places to Live in the USA” – U.S. News & World Report, 2019
  • “Happiest Metro Area in the U.S.” – Science Daily, 2014
  • Named a top 10 international food travel destination – National Geographic, 2016
  • 11. for top U.S. metro areas to start a business – CNBC, 2016
  • One of 52 places worldwide to visit – New York Times, 2020
  • One of “The 10 Coolest U.S. Cities to Visit” – Forbes, 2018

Mission

The mission of the University of Richmond is to educate in an academically challenging, intellectually vibrant, and collaborative community dedicated to the holistic development of students and the production of scholarly and creative work. A Richmond education prepares students for lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry, and responsible leadership in a diverse world.

 

Vision

The University will be a leader in higher education, preparing students to contribute to, and succeed in, a complex world; producing knowledge to address the world’s problems; and modeling the way that colleges and universities can effectively meet the challenges of our time.

View the Strategic Plan here.

Values

  • Student Growth:

The University of Richmond is committed to the personal and intellectual development of all students. Through close mentoring and small classes taught by dedicated teacher-scholars and the opportunities and environment made possible by talented and engaged staff, the University challenges students to recognize their full potential, supports the development of their resilience, and encourages their growth as socially responsible community members.

  • Pursuit of Knowledge:

The University of Richmond values intellectual curiosity, teaching that challenges and inspires, ambitious scholarly and creative work, and education as a lifelong process of discovery and growth. The University is committed to academic freedom and the promotion of a vibrant intellectual community that encourages thoughtful disagreement and the vigorous exchange of ideas.

  • Inclusivity and Equity:

The University of Richmond values the dignity, worth, and contributions of all individuals; the thoughtful and respectful engagement with a broad diversity of perspectives and experiences essential to intellectual growth; and an inclusive community in which all members can engage meaningfully in institutional life and contribute to a community where all thrive.

  • Diversity and Educational Opportunity:

The University of Richmond is committed to fostering a diverse community of students, staff and faculty. It is dedicated to access, affordability, and ensuring that the benefits of its transformative educational opportunities are not limited by financial circumstance or background.

  • Ethical Engagement:

The University of Richmond values integrity, responsibility for the ethical consequences of our ideas and actions, and meaningful engagement with our local and global communities.

  • Responsible Stewardship:

The University of Richmond values the trust that has been placed in it by generations of alumni, students, parents, and members of our community. The University is committed to the careful stewardship of institutional and environmental resources, and of the relationships that provide the foundation of our University community.

Leadership

Kevin F. Hallock,

President

Kevin F. Hallock is the 11th president of the University of Richmond.

An award-winning teacher, Hallock is a labor market economist and author or editor of 11 books and over 100 publications. He has taught courses in many areas, including labor economics, microeconomics, applied econometrics, and finance. He has been a mentor to students throughout his career, serving as advisor or dissertation committee chair for 50 Ph.D. students.

Hallock’s research has included areas such as the gender pay gap, executive compensation, and job loss. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources and a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. He has consulted and served as an expert witness on issues of compensation, executive compensation, and antitrust in labor markets.

Prior to coming to Richmond, Hallock spent 26 years on the faculties of Cornell University and the University of Illinois. Most recently he was Dean of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and served as Joseph R. Rich ’80 Professor and Director of the Institute for Compensation Studies at Cornell.

Hallock graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and earned a Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University.

He and his wife, Tina, grew up together in a small town in Massachusetts, have been married for 30 years, and have two grown children. Kevin and Tina live in Richmond with their rescue dogs Mabel and Matilda.

View the organizational chart for the campus cabinet here.

Academic Programs and Faculty

Schools

  • School of Arts & Sciences
  • Robins School of Business
  • School of Professional & Continuing Studies
  • Jepson School of Leadership Studies
  • Richmond School of Law

Curriculum

“Rigorous.” That’s the number-one word that students use to describe the Richmond curriculum. Explore our programs and consider where your talents, combined with the Richmond experience, can take you. You’ll see why the second most frequent response is “rewarding.”

More than two-thirds of our students study abroad. Explore our many travel options and see why it’s no surprise that our Spiders are an international species.

The Richmond Approach

A life-changing education should connect your interests and passions to the needs of the worlds around you. You may have heard this called a “liberal arts education” — but at Richmond, it’s so much more than that.

It teaches you to think critically and draw connections between disciplines that others may not see. By linking areas of study, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of your areas of focus and discover new opportunities along the way.

How can your interest in sustainability combine with economics? Where does cognitive science fit in with the study of leadership? A liberal arts education helps you connect the dots in your own way and draw the line to your next move.

Sure, small class sizes, an emphasis on research, hands-on learning, and close collaboration with faculty mentors are pieces of it. But what does it really look like?

Richmond is a place where a chemistry major finds herself studying the socioeconomic forces that lead low-income children to ingest poisons from cheap toys. It’s a place where the orchestra’s first cello is also on the football team and the winner of a business pitch competition. (Both real examples. You can check.)

Richmond is a place of connection, with all the resources and opportunities you need to back you up in being, well, you.

In the world’s ever-evolving landscape, graduates trained in the liberal arts are becoming increasingly desirable. They are the effective communicators and innovative problem solvers who recognize creative solutions where others see none.

Students who come here are Spiders because they are thinkers, creators, and achievers. More than anything, they are ready to apply themselves without limits.

With training in liberal arts, you’ll have lifelong flexibility in whatever you choose to pursue.

Our Spiders go on to graduate school, work at Fortune 500 companies, or start their own businesses. They find success in the infinite ways they define it, but they share one thing in common: Whatever they choose to do, they’re ready.

With the Richmond Guarantee, every undergraduate student is eligible to receive a fellowship of up to $4,000 for an unpaid or underpaid summer internship or faculty-mentored research project.

  • #16 “Most Innovative Schools” — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
  • #9 “Best Classroom Experience” – The Princeton Review, 2021
  • #15 “Most Accessible Professors” – The Princeton Review, 2021
  • #13 “Most Popular Study Abroad Program” – The Princeton Review, 2021

The Student Body

  • Total enrollment of approximately 3,800 (3,200 undergrad, 600 grad students)
  • 62 countries represented by undergrads
  • 47 States represented, not including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico

Class of 2025

  • 890 enrolled
  • The middle 50% have
    • high school GPAs from 3.73 to 4.0
    • SAT scores from 1420 to 1520
    • ACT scores from 32 to 35
  • Geography
    • 5% West
    • 5% Midwest
    • 11% International
    • 16% Virginia
    • 17% New England
    • 18% South
    • 28% Mid-Atlantic
  • 56% come from public schools
  • 45% male; 55% female
  • 14% first-generation college students
  • 29% U.S. students of color
  • 38% all students of color (U.S. and International)
  • 15% students whose first language is not English

Benefits Overview

Benefits Overview

  • Medical and Pharmacy Coverage
  • Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Dental and Vision plans
  • Voluntary Life, Accident, and Hospital Insurance
  • Legal Services Plan
  • Retirement Plan
  • Education Benefits
  • Various other benefits

 

For more information, visit the website at https://hr.richmond.edu/benefits/common/Benefits_Guide.pdf

Application & Nomination

Application and Nomination
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position please click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Mark Hall at mah@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Visit the University of Richmond website at www.richmond.edu

The University has a policy of non-discrimination with regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, status as a veteran, or any classification protected by local, state or federal law. It is the intent of the University’s employment and personnel practices to conform with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination. It is the obligation of each employee of the University in his or her area of responsibility to adhere to this policy.

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