Director, Event Management

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) invites applications for Director, Event Management to support Events and Student-Athletes. In addition, the Director, Event Management will play a critical role in supporting the broader strategic priorities of the DIA, and ultimately this position will help foster a life-changing experience for student-athletes. Since 1892, DIA has operated on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to support its intercollegiate athletic programs. Today, DIA supports 21 intercollegiate varsity sports which compete as a part of the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. DIA provides the resources for over 500 student-athletes to participate at the highest levels of their respective sports. This extensive support ecosystem includes over 35 departments employing over 300 dedicated staff members including 80 plus varsity coaches working collaboratively to provide individualized championship-caliber opportunities to our student-athletes, in the classroom, in the competitive arena, and in personal and professional development, to enhance their growth and life preparation. The DIA mission is to Unify, Develop, Inspire, and Achieve, for the benefit of our student-athletes, our university, and our broader community. DIA has set forth six strategic priorities to help guide and advance its overarching mission: Championship people, championship mindset; strategic innovation and investment; athletic success; financial sustainability; win championships; community engagement and enrichment. Together, these priorities present a cohesive vision for the direction of the department.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a closely related field.
Four (4) year (48 months) of professional work experience in Events Planning, Conference Management, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or any other related field.
Demonstrated experience with collegiate athletics event planning.
Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required.
Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff.
Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience.
Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations.
Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values.
Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel.
Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in budget and/or financial management
Demonstrated experience in risk and Crisis management
Master’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated experience with Division I collegiate athletic event planning.

Responsibilities

Planning, coordination, and execution of home athletic events across multiple sports within Illinois Athletics.
Ensuring the delivery of safe, efficient, and engaging gameday experiences for student-athletes, fans, visiting teams, officials, and partners.
Supporting the department's commitment to excellence, operational integrity, and a life-changing student-athlete experience.
Understanding DIA Strategic Priorities and communication patterns throughout DIA.
Sport leadership and oversight.
Collaboration with other departments.
Department enhancements.
Game day improvements.