Director of Events, MSU Athletics

MSU Alumni Foundation • Bozeman, MT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Events for Montana State University Athletics (“Director”) of the Montana State University Alumni Foundation (“Alumni Foundation”) is responsible for managing a comprehensive annual athletics events and donor relations program that increases donor engagement, enhances the fan experience, and supports the student-athlete success of Montana State University (“University”) Athletics. The Director is responsible for the planning, coordination, implementation, tracking, evaluation and follow-up of assigned events that are complex and high profile in nature. The position requires independent judgment, leadership and artistic experience necessary in the event planning industry. The Director reports directly to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development of the Alumni Foundation.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of event management experience required
• Baccalaureate Degree required
• Strong multi-tasking and organizational skills.
• Great interpersonal skills and the ability to positively interact with internal and external clients, vendors and donors.
• High level event design skills including but not limited to floral, décor, table schemes and venue infrastructure expertise.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Adobe Paint or comparable, various graphic design programs, and web research.
• Willingness to take initiative and plan events with moderate to little supervision.
• Strong problem-solving skills under pressure both in design phases and onsite during events.
• Ability to stay calm and focused during times of change or alteration prior to events and during events.
• Ability to react and respond if needed in ‘live’ scenarios to provide the very best event guest experience.
• Friendly, enthusiastic, and positive attitude behind the scenes and ‘live’ during events.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and creativity despite a high volume of events.
• Willingness to learn and professionalize event elements such as lighting, sound and creative sets.
• Physical ability, including the capability of lifting up to twenty-five (25) pounds, and willingness to fully engage in event supply transfers, sets, and takedown processes.
• Willingness to travel and to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred degree in business, communications, public relations, and/or arts-related discipline

Responsibilities

• Direct all operational aspects of athletics events including design, planning, venue logistics, production schedules, guest experience design, onsite program management, and execution of all required event processes and procedures to maintain the highest standards.
• Collaborate with athletics leadership, coaches, development officers, and marketing teams to integrate fundraising initiatives, sponsorship opportunities, and brand messaging into all events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, sponsors, and community partners to expand participation and financial support for athletics initiatives.
• Administer and maintain accurate event records, reports, and budgets for all assigned events.
• Support the ongoing data management processes needed in various master calendar scheduling and internal communications.
• Prepare and coordinate supplier/vendor orders and manage relationships with vendors and other contracted entities.
• Coordinate event implementation including design production, setup, takedown, inventory organization, and pre and post site management.
• Supervise and work to ensure the success of contracted personnel and volunteers.
• Track and analyze event performance metrics including attendance, donor engagement, sponsorship revenue, and fundraising results.
• Provide post-event reporting and strategic recommendations to athletics leadership to continually improve event effectiveness and supporter engagement.
• Direct the planning and production of the Blue & Gold Gala, working with development officers to sustain “sponsor gifts” of $30,000+ as well as matching donors, ensuring the even reaches $1million+ every year.
• Oversee Quarterback Club programming, building engagement opportunities for football supporters through coordinated events featuring coaches, players, and athletics leadership as well as organize all Quarterback Club specific events.
• Manage Bobcat Club events in coordination with the Assistant Athletic Director, Bobcat Club, highlighting donor impact while strengthening relationships between scholarship recipients and program supporters. Work closely with the Associate Athletic Director, Development on RevShare on aligned events.
• Oversee donor and VIP hospitality experiences, including exclusive receptions, meet-and-greet opportunities with coaches and student-athletes, and premium event access.
• Lead the execution of basketball-related events, including tip-off celebrations, donor hospitality functions, and post-season events that strengthen relationships with supporters and season ticket holders.
• Lead the execution of volleyball-related events, specifically with the Sideout Club, aimed at increasing attendance each year.
• Oversee the Hall of Fame Banquet, working with the athletics marketing team to create a marketing plan to increase attendance.
• Create VIP events where large groups are based.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across athletics and Alumni Foundation departments, ensuring seamless coordination and collective success in advancement efforts.
• Affect and maintain a professional, proactive, positive, highly collaborative, and performance-centric work environment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Athletic Director, Development, recognizing that responsibilities may evolve to meet organizational needs.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance (all of which are 90-100% employer-paid for employee-only coverage)
• 403(b) retirement plan with 7% employer contribution after 1-yr anniversary
• up to 5 weeks’ paid time-off
• 11 paid holidays
• tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director