Director of Operations, Event Management Services

Lindenwood University • Saint Charles, MO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The director of operations, event management services is responsible for overseeing the planning, budgeting, and execution of internal and external university events. They lead teams of event planners, negotiates contracts, and aligns event operations with overall university and return on investment (ROI) objectives. They assist in the facilitation of potential university partnership opportunities impacting multiple university stakeholders through the use of university facilities. This position oversees and provides guidance to the event management personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum ten years of experience in the event management environment and/or within a collegiate environment is preferred
• Prior management experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
• Familiar with contractual language, insurance guidelines, on-line reservation systems, inventory management, and vendor sourcing related to event management services.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software products
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and prioritization abilities including the ability to multitask
• Strong professional integrity and ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to use good judgment, think critically, and problem solve

Responsibilities

• Develops comprehensive event strategies ensuring every event aligns with university goals and objectives.
• Reviews and negotiates facility rental contracts to maximize ROI as well as ensure all applicable documentation is completed and submitted for legal review.
• Creates, manages, and reconciles multi-event budgets including invoice creation and processing.
• Negotiates competitive pricing with applicable vendors to maximize ROI.
• Recruits, trains, supervises and mentors event staff and coordinators.
• Set performance metrics and operational standards for service delivery.
• Leads on-site event operations, manages "run of show" timelines, troubleshoots emergencies, and ensures exceptional guest or attendee experiences.
• Analyzes performance metrics, reviews customer feedback, and reports on the overall success and profitability of events.
• Supports the mission of the University and serves as an ambassador of the Q2 culture of service excellence.
• Models, supports, and holds others accountable to the University’s values Communication, Teamwork, and Collaboration.
• Serves as primary contact for all departments pertaining to partnership opportunities with event management services.
• Coordinates with key departments to manage logistics of external and key university events.
• Collaborates with university’s marketing and communications team to promote key information related to event management services.
• Job may require other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employer-paid tuition benefits for bachelor’s (employee, spouse, and dependent) and master’s degree programs (employee and spouse only).
• Tuition discounts for doctoral programs (employee only).
• Comprehensive benefits plan: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement options.
• Paid holidays: MLK Jr. day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving break (Wednesday – Friday), and winter break (Dec. 23 – Jan. 1).
• Free lunch Fridays: LU employees are eligible for a free meal on Fridays at the Evans Commons Dining Hall or Spellman Dining Hall; Chick-fil-A and Qdoba included.
• Professional development opportunities through the Lindenwood Learning Academy.

What This Job Offers

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