Director of Conferences and Events

Roles: Create exceptional, memorable experiences for guests by delivering seamless, high-quality conference and event services in a manner that exceeds expectations and enhances the image of Northwood University.For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.Reports to: Vice President of Finance and AdministrationResponsibilities:Coordinate academic facility usage with Academic Department representative.Develop and maintain facilities usage and event policy including pricing and in-kind guidelines.Prepare, review, and present for approval, invoices, contracts, facility use agreements, and ensure proper risk management documents are obtained.Monitor event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise.Develop and direct marketing and sales plans for conferences and events.Provide guidance on departmental standards for all campus-wide event support and manage realistic project scope expectations throughout entire event process when working and supporting event program requests.Provide streamlined experience for various campus departments related to catering, risk management, facilities, production and technology support, and review of reservation and event booking contracts.Provide counsel and support to student events such as Auto Show, Style show, and Stafford Dinner.Read trade publications, attend seminars, and consult with industry conference and event professionals to keep abreast of meeting management standards and trends.Train and support student staff on systems, platforms, and event process.Identify, monitor, and track maintenance of conference facility as applicable.Establish criteria for and assist to resolve scheduling conflicts with conference and event spaces.Maintain event management tools and resources and online platform for ease of access to all campus community. Manage 25 Live process and personnel.Prepare operating and capital budgets.Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and provide detailed and concise and responsive communications.Provide executive-level professional correspondence and communicate across stakeholder groups with superior interpersonal skills.Maintain the highest level of quality, professionalism, and integrity in all departmental tasks.Maintain event tracking for vendors, facilities, and services to include monthly inventory resource reporting.Demonstrate the ability to resolve and manage conflict proactively and project a positive attitude in all interactions.Provide operational support and prepare availability grids and timeline tracking.Additional duties as assigned.Expectations:Work independently and collaboratively across various campus departments.Realize goals that align with student, faculty, staff, and visitor expectations.Serve as lead member in the overall planning and visioning of conferences and events.Responsible for administrative procedures.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree required (Master's degree preferred) in areas directly related to any of the following areas of study: event management, hospitality, hotel management, or marketing.Three years of professional experience (Five years preferred) working in event planning and/or production, preferably in a university environment or equivalent combination of education and experience.Ability to assess, evaluate, and troubleshoot complex event workflow and operations.Experience in program management, event and project management, marketing, or facility-usage management at a university or equivalent industry experience.Thorough knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, and practices of event management. Ability to communicate university policy and event compliance protocols with various constituents.Strong interpersonal communication skills including social perceptiveness and diplomacy with individuals at all levels in all levels of communication - in person, in writing, or by telephone.An appreciation for the history and traditions of Northwood University and the Northwood Idea.Demonstrated ability to manage complex tasks including prompt and persistent review of project deadlines and event needs.Exceptional organizational and project management skills and experience with the ability to multi-task with flawless attention to detail managing in-time responsiveness.Ability to manage students and/or team and take ownership of all assignments to ensure all milestones are clearly communicated and met while developing positive rapport with students, administrators, and faculty.Knowledge of and experience working with websites and graphic guides/tools preferred.Northwood University has an institutional philosophy which emphasizes free enterprise in a context of limited government and individual responsibility. The ideal candidate will have a strong attraction to the mission and core values of Northwood University. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the University's outcomes at Type: Full-timeBenefits:Dental insuranceEmployee assistance programFlexible spending accountHealth insuranceLife insuranceRetirement planTuition reimbursementVision insuranceWork Location: In person#J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2024-11-06