Manager, The Connection Bowling, Billiards, and Games

The University of Colorado Boulder is a prestigious public research university renowned for fostering an inclusive and dynamic academic community. At the forefront of higher education, CU Boulder is committed to providing comprehensive student support and services that nurture student growth, curiosity, and competence throughout their academic journey. The university's Division of Student Life embodies this mission with its 36 diverse departments dedicated to supporting student success in myriad ways, including leadership development, engagement, and wellness. Among these vibrant departments is the University Memorial Center (UMC), a bustling hub often described as the "heart of campus." The UMC welcomes over 1.6 million visitors annually, serving as a multifaceted space where students and community members gather to dine, study, shop, and participate in recreational activities. Its offerings are not limited to academics but extend to leisure and cultural experiences, hosting an array of events in spaces such as the renowned Glenn Miller Ballroom.

Within the UMC, the UMC Connection stands out as a premier entertainment and recreational venue featuring a bowling alley, games area, and more. This well-appointed facility includes 10 bowling lanes, five 9-foot billiards tables, two table tennis tables, a console gaming video bunker, and a small concert venue. The Connection also provides guests with a concessions area offering a curated selection of food, non-alcoholic beverages, and craft beers. This unique space invites students and community members alike to engage in social, recreational, and cultural activities that enrich campus life.

The role of Connection Manager at the University of Colorado Boulder is a full-time University Staff position based in Boulder, Colorado, with an annual salary range of $55,100 to $56,222. This position is vital for overseeing the daily operations, programming, and student staff management of the UMC Connection. The Connection Manager operates as a central figure in coordinating and ensuring the facility's successful operation, working closely alongside the UMC Business Development Manager for financial oversight and operational performance. Furthermore, the role necessitates collaboration with various university departments, external entities booking the facility, UMC maintenance staff, and marketing teams to maximize utilization and promote the facility effectively.

As the primary liaison for events, programming, and marketing efforts for the Connection, the manager formulates and evaluates programs aligned with Division of Student Life goals, ensuring relevance and appeal to the campus community. This involves partnering with university groups to develop new initiatives and coordinating event logistics to accommodate private parties and campus-wide functions. Financial stewardship is a critical element of the role, requiring the Connection Manager to conduct monthly inventories, analyze product performance, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with university purchasing and payroll controls. Strategic recommendations for capital improvements and long-term facility enhancements also fall under this manager’s purview.

A key aspect of this leadership position is the supervision of a team comprising one graduate student and up to 35 student hourly employees. The Connection Manager is responsible for hiring, training, scheduling, and managing personnel actions following university guidelines, with a focus on fostering a positive customer service environment while mindful of budgetary constraints. Maintaining a safe, clean, and compliant facility is also essential, including adherence to food safety certifications, alcohol service regulations, and proper training protocols.

Working at the UMC Connection offers a dynamic and engaging environment within a cornerstone campus facility. The position’s standard schedule runs Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with occasionally required evening and variable hours based on events and operational needs. This role offers a remarkable opportunity to contribute to campus life by enhancing student engagement and creating memorable recreational experiences while advancing professionally within a renowned university setting.