Associate Director of University Events

Department

Position Summary

The Associate Director of University Events is an integral member of the Office of University Events (OUE) and University Advancement (UA), managing client-partner services and production of signature event experiences strategically designed to engage constituents while promoting the University's mission and goals and elevating visibility. This position leads signature high-level events, logistics operations and budgets; assists the Senior Director of the Office of University Events (OUE) with strategic planning and the creation of annual goals/metrics; and serves as executive producer for a portfolio of highly visible, University-wide events. The Associate Director of University Events reports to the Senior Director of the OUE within the UA division.

Duties and Responsibilities

Event Management and Execution - 70%

• Leads the planning and execution for a portfolio of highly visible, University-wide events and collaborative programming efforts including but not limited to Commencement, Homecoming, President's Welcome Back, Spring Update, President's Executive Update Series, Roadrunners Who Soar, Presidential Fireside Chats and the President's Speaker Series
• Manages and fosters collaborative, inclusive partnerships with university departments, community organizations and service providers, and vendors in direct support of the successful planning and implementation of initiatives, events and projects
• Responsible for all aspects of the event experience including invitation list development and management, RSVP tracking, seating management, program development and scheduling, ticketing, catering, audiovisual services, special needs, event or speaker security
• Directs the other OUE team members on event support logistics and projects and delegates tasks accordingly
• Develops goals and metrics to measure and assess event success
• Provides support on budget development and management related to all large scale and small-scale university events
• Serves as key contact for corporate and nonprofit groups, managing space requests for events co-hosted by MSU Denver
• Negotiates contracts with vendors, event sites and service providers, and manage vendor relationships
• Provides strategic leadership and direction throughout the university and to the President's Office regarding protocol processes and event procedures for all campus events, meetings, and Commencement related planning to a variety of internal departments
• Investigates and makes recommendations to the Vice President and President for events, programs, and communications to enhance interest and encourage involvement in and increased attendance at university events.
• Provides strategy around 3rd party pop up events

Commencement Leadership - 20%

• Serve as the lead for all Commencement event operations include logistics, venue rental, volunteer management, and vendor contracts
• Chair of Commencement Committee and assigns and manages all lead marshals, and marshals in other positions.
• Responsible for enforcing ceremony protocol and guidelines
• Assists in the creation and management of the Commencement program and communication plan
• Supports and guides other committees on event and operation logistics such Roadrunners Who Soar and TEDx.

Leadership and Management - 10%

• Serve as the deputy of the OUE team and proxy for the Director when needed
• Represents the OEU department on various committees and task forces as appropriate regarding special events and event management on campus.
• Manages student internship program within the School of Hospitality focusing on recruitment, retention and training of student interns

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, communication or related field.
• Minimum five years' experience in event management and/or customer service relations with progressive responsibilities
• Excellent customer service skills and strong commitment to creating a service-focused environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize work to maximize productivity, and respond effectively to change Budget development and management experience
• Ability to work nights/weekends and to travel for events as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to foster collaborative working relationships and deliver positive internal and external public relations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Experience successfully managing event/project budgets
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of AHEC and MSU Denver event space and policies and procedures to book space on the Auraria campus

Salary for Announcement
The salary range for this position is $65,000-$78,000 .
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, training, and qualifications. MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section.
Work Hours/Type Subject to negotiation and approval.

Instructions to Apply

Complete applications received by August 17, 2023 at 11:59 PM MST will receive full consideration, but applications will be accepted after this date until the position is filled. All applications must be submitted through the university's online application system, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/.

Please provide a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three professional references (at least one reference provided must be a supervisor, either current or former).
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Posting Representative Email

Benefits

MSU Denver is pleased to offer our current and potential employees a wide array of benefit options. To learn more, please visit the following link:

Employee Benefits Offerings

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 50% first generation students and over 45% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.