Executive Director - University Enterprises, Inc. (uei), Sacramento State

Another Source's client, University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI ), is recruiting an Executive Director to join their team in Sacramento, California.

This executive leadership role offers the opportunity to guide a mission-driven, multi-entity enterprise that plays a critical role in advancing one of California’s leading public universities. This Sacramento-based role follows a hybrid schedule (3 days onsite, 2 remote).

Here's a little about University Enterprises, Inc.:

University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) serves as Sacramento State’s recognized auxiliary organization, providing essential operational, financial, and entrepreneurial support to the University. UEI manages a $141 million annual enterprise that includes research and sponsored programs administration, retail and dining services, student housing, real estate development, and other revenue-generating operations that directly benefit the campus community.

Operating within the CSU policy framework while maintaining the flexibility of a nonprofit corporation, UEI allows Sacramento State to innovate, grow strategic partnerships, and expand services in ways that directly support student success, faculty research, and community impact.

With the upcoming retirement of a long-tenured Executive Director following 26 years of CSU service, UEI is entering a pivotal leadership transition and seeking a strategic, financially sophisticated, and relationship-driven executive to lead its next chapter.

About this role:

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of UEI, reporting to the UEI Board of Directors and working closely with the President of Sacramento State. This leader holds full responsibility for the strategic direction, financial stewardship, compliance, and operational oversight of a complex portfolio of multi-million-dollar enterprises integral to the University’s mission.

This is a highly visible, independent executive role requiring sound judgment, political acumen, and strong governance experience. You will serve as the bridge between the Board, University leadership, campus stakeholders, and external partners—ensuring UEI’s vision, goals, and business strategies align with and advance Sacramento State’s strategic priorities.

With an anticipated transition period prior to the current Executive Director’s June 30 retirement, this role offers continuity, strong institutional support, and the opportunity to shape the long-term trajectory of the organization.

Scope & Impact

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight for UEI in support of Sacramento State’s educational mission
• Serve as the primary liaison to the UEI Board of Directors and maintain strong partnership with the University President
• Ensure the financial health and long-term sustainability of UEI, including oversight of budgeting, reserves, forecasting, cash flow, and fiscal strategy
• Maintain compliance with CSU auxiliary requirements, federal and state regulations, and applicable policies
• Oversee administration of research and sponsored programs, ensuring effective grant and contract support infrastructure
• Provide executive oversight of contracted bookstore, dining operations (retail and residential meal plans), and student housing
• Lead funding, development, property management, and stewardship of UEI real estate assets
• Identify and develop new entrepreneurial ventures and public/private partnerships aligned with University priorities
• Oversee core administrative functions including finance, accounting, IT, HR, marketing, communications, safety, and service quality
• Negotiate and manage complex, multi-million-dollar commercial contracts in collaboration with legal counsel and campus stakeholders
• Lead, develop, and evaluate senior staff while fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and operational excellence
• Recommend and implement policy in partnership with the Board and provide orientation to new Board members

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in business administration, public administration, pre-law, or a related field
• Significant executive leadership experience within a large, complex profit or nonprofit enterprise
• Demonstrated success leading diverse operational areas such as research administration, financial management (including fund accounting), housing, dining/retail operations, real estate development, marketing, and human resources
• Strong financial acumen, including experience interpreting complex financial statements, managing cash flow, budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning
• Experience negotiating and overseeing sophisticated, multi-million-dollar commercial contracts
• Demonstrated ability to lead within complex governance and regulatory environments requiring discretion and sound judgment
• Experience working effectively with boards, executive leadership, faculty, staff, students, government agencies, and community partners
• Strong understanding of technology systems that enhance organizational effectiveness and customer service
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated strategic planning capability
• Must be legally eligible to drive in California and meet UEI driving and insurance standards
• Must successfully complete fingerprinting and a background check and continue to meet established standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• California State Bar License
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $190,000 – $250,000 annually.

University Enterprises, Inc. offers a competitive executive compensation package along with comprehensive benefits, including CalPERS retirement, 16 hours of vacation accrued per month, 14 paid holidays, 8 hours of sick leave accrued monthly, employer-paid medical and dental coverage for the employee, tuition assistance for employees and eligible dependents, and additional wellness and education benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

University Enterprises, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. UEI is committed to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.