Director, Event Services

Texas A&M•Laredo, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Community Relations and Special Events is responsible for the overall management and direction of the department and provides administrative support to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement in supervising community relations, special events, event services, marketing, and public relations. The director establishes departmental goals, agendas, strategies, and policies; develops short- and long-range plans; improves programs and services; oversees departmental leaders and staff; ensures compliance with applicable regulations; administers the budget; and directs communications and public relations. The role also assesses departmental needs for space, inventory, equipment, computing resources, and personnel. The position attracts external business and increases appropriate use of university event facilities through marketing, rentals, partnerships, and revenue-generating activities. It leads high-profile university events, including presidential functions, donor recognition and stewardship events, institutional ceremonies, and advancement activities. The director oversees event invoicing and billing, represents the university at events and in community partnerships, and maintains positive working relationships with university staff, faculty, and community members. The position generally supervises employees, requires on-campus, face-to-face interactions and travel, and may require evening or weekend hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field.
Ten years of related experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Strong organizational skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Budget management experience, including forecasting, revenue tracking, expense control, and financial reporting.
Five or more years of professional event management and logistics experience, including planning and organizing special events and coordinating volunteer participation.
Experience supervising and developing event staff, student workers, volunteers, and vendor partners.
Strong contract negotiation and vendor management experience involving catering, audiovisual, venue, transportation, and entertainment services.
Proficiency in event management software, registration platforms, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, convention centers, hospitality, or related service industries.
Ability to communicate effectively, provide exceptional customer service, and build strong relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple projects and events simultaneously, prioritize competing demands, meet deadlines, and maintain high service standards.

Responsibilities

Establish the department’s direction, goals, agendas, implementation strategies, and policies.
Develop short- and long-range goals and strategic plans to maintain quality programs.
Develop new programs and services to meet customer needs.
Oversee and mentor the departmental leadership team.
Direct and supervise department staff, establishing performance standards and accountabilities.
Ensure programs, activities, and services comply with University, State, and Federal regulations.
Administer the departmental budget and oversee fiscal operations.
Oversee departmental communications, promotion, and public relations.
Assess departmental needs for administrative space, inventory, equipment, computing resources, and personnel.
Attract external business through marketing and public relations plans.
Increase appropriate external use of university event facilities, including rentals, community partnerships, and revenue-generating activities.
Plan and execute high-profile university events, including presidential functions, donor recognition and stewardship events, institutional ceremonies, advancement activities, and other events designated by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
Manage event-related invoicing and billing, including contract review, payment tracking, account reconciliation, and resolution of billing discrepancies.
Represent the University at events, partnerships, and community engagement activities.
Maintain positive working relationships with staff, faculty, University personnel, and the community.