The Director of Operations, Event Management Services at Lindenwood University oversees the planning, budgeting, and execution of internal and external university events. They lead event planning teams, negotiate contracts, and align event operations with university and ROI objectives. This role also facilitates potential partnership opportunities and provides guidance to event management personnel.

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.
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.

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

Benefits

Upon hire, 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.