Job Description

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Florida A&M University seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Business and Auxiliary Enterprises This senior position is the chief enterprise executive for a multi-million-dollar portfolio of revenue-generating businesses that shape the daily experience of Florida A&M University’s students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, fans, and guests. The AVP is charged with growing the FAMU enterprise—expanding self-generated revenue, modernizing the service platform, maximizing the value of every commercial partnership, and reinvesting proceeds into the Rattler experience and the University’s strategic priorities.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Business and Auxiliary Enterprises is the chief enterprise executive for a multi-million-dollar portfolio of revenue-generating businesses that shape the daily experience of Florida A&M University’s students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, fans, and guests. The AVP reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration / Chief Financial Officer and is charged with growing the FAMU enterprise—expanding self-generated revenue, structuring public-private and philanthropic partnerships that leverage FAMU’s distinctive brand and real estate, modernizing the service platform, and reinvesting proceeds into the Rattler experience and the University’s bold strategic priorities.

The AVP leads the Office of Business and Auxiliary Enterprises, which today includes the Rattler Card Office, Dining Services, University Bookstore, Vending (Snacks and Beverages), Pouring Rights, Laundry Services, Business Center (Copy Center and Postal Operations), Commercial Solicitation, and the University Box Office—a portfolio expected to grow in scope, sophistication, and earnings power under this leader.

This is a builder’s role. The next AVP will architect a cohesive, market-responsive, technology-enabled commercial platform that strengthens FAMU’s brand, diversifies non-tuition revenue, elevates the customer experience, and delivers measurable return on every square foot, contract, and concept in the portfolio. The position is simultaneously operational and entrepreneurial—accountable for the reliability of daily services and for the long-term growth, innovation, and financial performance of the enterprise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Enterprise Strategy and Revenue Growth

• Build the business plan. Develops and executes a multi-year enterprise strategy for Business and Auxiliary Enterprises with explicit growth targets, diversified revenue streams, reinvestment priorities, and measurable customer-experience outcomes aligned with the Division’s and University’s strategic priorities.
• Grow the top and bottom line. Identifies, launches, and scales new revenue concepts, co-branded partnerships, licensing and sponsorship opportunities, limited-time and seasonal activations, event-driven commerce, and brand extensions that expand FAMU’s auxiliary footprint on campus, online, and at FAMU-affiliated events and venues.
• Monetize the brand. In coordination with University Advancement, Marketing & Communications, Athletics, and the FAMU Foundation, positions auxiliary operations as a commercial expression of the Rattler brand—converts brand equity into durable revenue through merchandising, exclusive partnerships, and premium experiences.
• Benchmark relentlessly. Measures FAMU against peer State University System of Florida institutions, leading public research universities, and best-in-class higher education auxiliary operations, drawing on frameworks from NACAS, NACUBO, SACUBO, and industry analysts to keep the portfolio competitive, student-centered, and future-ready.
• Champion service excellence. Serves as the visible, accountable owner of the auxiliary customer experience across the University community.
• Architect public-private partnerships. Structures, negotiates, and manages P3 agreements for auxiliary facilities, commercial real estate, co-development opportunities, and campus infrastructure projects—leveraging FAMU’s land, brand, and institutional relationships to attract private capital and shared-risk development models that generate long-term revenue without dependence on tuition or state appropriations.

Technology, Innovation, and Customer Experience

• Modernize the platform. Leads the digital transformation of auxiliary operations—mobile ordering, cashless and contactless payments, integrated Rattler Card ecosystem, self-service kiosks, smart vending, e-commerce and omnichannel retail, and automation where it improves margin and service.
• Turn data into decisions. Builds the analytics, dashboards, and customer-intelligence capabilities required to track KPIs in real time, segment customer behavior, test pricing, forecast demand, and identify underperforming assets before they become liabilities.
• Design the future student experience. Partners with Student Affairs, Athletics, Housing, and Academic Affairs to envision and deliver next-generation dining concepts, retail formats, event experiences, and campus-as-destination programming that draws students, alumni, and the broader community back to FAMU.
• Embed sustainability and accessibility. Integrates sustainability, wellness, and universal accessibility standards into concept design, sourcing, packaging, and vendor selection in a manner that is marketable, measurable, and mission-aligned.

Financial Stewardship and Capital Reinvestment

• Own the P&L. Oversees the preparation, execution, and monitoring of operating and capital budgets for every auxiliary unit, ensuring self-sustainability, positive net operating margins, and full coverage of debt service, reserve, and reinvestment obligations.
• Reinvest for growth. Directs asset management and capital allocation for facilities, equipment, technology, infrastructure upgrades, preventive maintenance, and concept refreshes, sequenced against a multi-year reinvestment roadmap with disciplined ROI thresholds.
• Tighten the controls. Develops and implements fiscal processes, internal controls, and standard operating procedures that safeguard University assets and promote operational efficiency, audit readiness, and compliance with all applicable authorities.
• Build the model. Analyzes operations to surface cost reduction, productivity, and pricing opportunities; strengthens budgetary estimates, pro forma models, and multi-year financial projections to support executive and Board-level decision-making.
• Restructure for performance. Conducts rigorous asset-by-asset review of the auxiliary portfolio to identify underperforming, underutilized, or misaligned holdings; recommends divestitures, lease restructurings, co-location strategies, and concept consolidations that redeploy capital toward higher-yield opportunities aligned with FAMU’s strategic growth corridors.

Strategic Partnerships and Contract Management

• Lead the deal table Serves as the University’s principal business leader and contract manager for all outsourced auxiliary services, shaping deal structures that maximize guarantees, commissions, marketing support, capital contributions, and long-term value for FAMU.
• Drive the solicitation pipeline. Collaborates with the Office of Procurement Services on ITBs, RFPs, and ITNs; leads concept development and competitive positioning for upcoming solicitations across dining, pouring rights, bookstore, laundry, and other outsourced platforms; and negotiates, executes, and monitors contracts, amendments, and renewals.
• Hold partners accountable. Ensures contract compliance, SLA adherence, commission and revenue-share reconciliation, brand standards, and timely escalation of performance concerns, with recommendations for extension or termination based on documented performance.
• Expand the partnership universe. Cultivates new relationships with national brands, regional operators, emerging concepts, minority- and HBCU-aligned businesses, public-private partners, and technology providers to enrich the auxiliary mix and unlock non-traditional revenue.
• Activate philanthropic capital. In partnership with the FAMU Foundation and University Advancement, develops a pipeline of gift and sponsorship opportunities tied to auxiliary assets—including naming rights, endowed dining and retail experiences, HBCU-aligned corporate giving programs, and impact-investment partnerships with foundations and mission-driven investors seeking measurable social return alongside financial return.

Compliance, Governance, and Board Engagement

• Answer the call. Drafts accurate and timely responses to the Florida Auditor General, Division of Audit, Division of Compliance, Board of Governors, and other regulatory and oversight bodies.
• Inform the Board. Prepares materials and presents auxiliary-related agenda items to the Board of Trustees and its committees as required, translating operational and financial performance into crisp, decision-ready narratives.
• Work within the rules. Interprets and implements applicable Florida Statutes, Board of Governors regulations, and University policies governing auxiliary operations, procurement, pricing, and commercial activity.
• Set the policy floor. Develops, recommends, and directs the implementation of policies and procedures for the operation and internal control of each entity within Business and Auxiliary Enterprises.
• Unlock mission-aligned capital. Identifies and pursues federal, state, and foundation funding streams specifically available to HBCUs and land-grant institutions, including HBCU Capital Financing Program resources, New Markets Tax Credits, Opportunity Zone structures, and federal agency partnerships, to reduce the cost of auxiliary capital investment and accelerate the portfolio modernization agenda.

Talent, Culture, and Organizational Development

• Build the team. In partnership with Human Resources, assesses the organizational structure, staffing model, and team competencies required for optimal performance, cross-training, and succession planning.
• Raise the bar. Attracts, develops, and retains a diverse, high-performing, customer-centered team; establishes a culture of accountability, innovation, commercial discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Coach for growth. Coaches direct reports and unit managers through regular performance conversations, development planning, skills investment, and recognition.

External Representation and Industry Leadership

• Represent FAMU. Represents Florida A&M University on state, regional, and national committees and professional organizations, including NACAS, NACUBO, SACUBO, and State University System working groups.
• Lead the network. Maintains strategic relationships with peer institutions, industry partners, brand leaders, and the broader Rattler community to advance FAMU’s auxiliary mission and commercial reputation.
• Take on what’s next. Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President for Finance and Administration / CFO.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Management, Public Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in auxiliary services, business operations, retail, hospitality, or a comparable revenue-generating enterprise, including a minimum of three (3) years of senior leadership experience
• Demonstrated success managing multi-million-dollar budgets, outsourced service contracts, and cross-functional teams with measurable growth and service outcomes

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Hospitality, or a related field
• Higher education auxiliary services experience, preferably within a State University System of Florida institution or a comparable public research university
• Certified Auxiliary Services Professional (CASP) designation or equivalent professional credential
• Proven track record of launching new revenue concepts, scaling digital and e-commerce channels, negotiating complex commercial and public-private partnership agreements, and leading customer-experience transformations
• Fluency in data analytics, customer intelligence, and technology-enabled service platforms; experience deploying modern point-of-sale, mobile ordering, and integrated campus-card ecosystems
• Working knowledge of Florida Statutes Chapters 1004 and 1010, Board of Governors regulations, and Florida procurement requirements

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Enterprise mindset. Strategic, entrepreneurial, and growth-oriented, with a bias toward measurable revenue, margin, and customer outcomes
• Executive financial literacy. Budgeting, pro forma development, contract economics, capital planning, and margin analysis at the portfolio level
• Deal-making discipline. Sophisticated contract negotiation, vendor performance management, and partnership structuring
• Digital and data fluency. Comfortable leading technology-enabled operations, analytics-driven decisions, and modernization initiatives
• Executive communication. Exceptional written and verbal skills, including Board-level and public presentation experience
• Service and integrity. Unwavering commitment to service excellence, ethical conduct, and the Rattler experience

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

Tallahassee is the site of the Florida State Capitol, Supreme Court of Florida, Florida Governor’s Mansion, and nearly 30 state agency headquarters as well as Florida A&M University.

The city is a recognized regional center for scientific research, and home to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. In 2015, Tallahassee was awarded the All-America City Award by the National Civic League for the second time.

Close to the Gulf of Mexico, there is a plethora of things to do in Tallahassee. Great adventures and sites include the beaches, the Tallahassee Museum, the Florida History Museum, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Mission St. Luis de Apalachee, St. Marks Lighthouse, the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Florida Historic Capitol Museum, Railroad Square Art District, the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum at FAMU, the Goodwood Museum and Gardens, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Cascades Park, and many more walking and biking trails, outdoor exploration, and activities. Restaurants and shops are plentiful and superb.

Tallahassee is also known for its fabulous festivals and events, such as the Tallahassee Food and Wine Festival, the Greek Food Festival, the Harambee Festival, Springtime Tallahassee, First Friday festivals at Railroad Square, and Downtown Getdowns.

Educationally, the population of Leon County, of which Tallahassee is the county seat, is the most highly educated population in Florida. Tallahassee is home to countless public schools, charter schools, private schools, and even a virtual high school. FAMU is home to the distinguished Developmental Research School, a K–12 school. While Tallahassee boasts many hospitals and clinics, it also has numerous family physicians and well-qualified specialists.