Associate Director, Conferences & Event Services - Sales & Marketing

University of Akron • Akron, OH

4d

About The Position

Responsible for driving revenue and brand positioning of the university as a premier conference and event destination. Leads strategic sales, marketing, contract negotiation, vendor management, and execution of on-campus conferences, camps, and events. Provides leadership to their student staff, collaborating across departments to ensure a top-tier event experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Marketing, Business, Hospitality, Communications, or related field.
• 3+ years in sales, marketing, or event management—preferably in higher education, hospitality, or conference event services.
• Demonstrable success in revenue growth, sponsorship sales, and ROI measurement.
• Proven experience with budgeting, contract negotiations, and vendor relationship management.
• Supervisory experience leading a student staff and directing marketing and sales initiatives.

Nice To Haves

• 5+ years in higher education event services, conference center, or hospitality.
• Strong understanding of CRM/event management systems (e.g., Banner, Cvent).
• Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Sales & Marketing Strategy Develops and implements multi-channel sales and marketing plans for local, regional, and national conferences and events to take place on campus.
• Identifies and pursues new business opportunities through RFPs, trade shows, site visits, and outbound sales missions.
• Grows and nurtures a robust network of meeting planners, vendors, tourism bureaus, and community stakeholders.
• Revenue Generation & Budget Management Negotiates contracts—facility rentals, catering, AV, accommodations—ensuring profitable margins.
• Oversees event budgets, revenue forecasting, sponsorship packages, and financial performance tracking.
• Works closely with Finance to report KPIs such as booking rates, revenue per event, client satisfaction, and ROI metrics.
• Vendor & Client Relations Manages external vendors (caterers, AV, maintenance) to ensure alignment and quality delivery.
• Serves as primary liaison for clients before, during, and after events—conducting site visits, drafting agreements, and resolving issues promptly.
• Team Leadership & Operational Management Assists in recruitment, training, development, and performance management of the conference services team.
• Ensures seamless internal operations: coordinating room scheduling, housing plans, Risk Management, Facilities, Dining, Public Safety, and Campus Services.
• Program Operations & Compliance Directs logistics execution from pre-event planning to post-event wrap-up.
• Maintains scheduling databases and works closely with scheduling coordinators to optimize space usage.
• Ensures compliance with government regulations, institutional policies, and risk management protocols.
• Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement Conducts competitor benchmarking, market trend analysis, and client satisfaction surveys.
• Presents data-backed insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Communications & Brand Management Collaborates with University Communications to maintain high-impact website content and sales collateral.
• Develops promotional materials, email campaigns, proposals, and recap presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Event Coverage Supports event oversight, including evenings and weekends, as needed—especially during peak times like summer camps and off-season rentals.

Benefits

• The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave.
• In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission.
• All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA).
• The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
• Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees