Director of Conference & Events
Ferrum, VA
Full Time
Manager/Supervisor
The Director of Conference & Events provides oversight and coordination of campus events, conferences, camps, summer programs, and guest services operations. This position serves as the primary operational contact for internal and external events, ensuring exceptional customer service and a positive experience for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.
The Director of Conference & Events manages event logistics, facility scheduling, summer conference operations, guest accommodations, and event technology needs. The position plays a critical role in maximizing campus utilization while supporting the College's strategic goals for auxiliary revenue generation and community engagement.
The annual salary range for this position is 45,000 to 50,000.
Job Functions:
1. Coordinate and oversee all campus events, including College-sponsored programs, meetings,
conferences, camps, weddings, alumni events, and external rentals.
2. Serve as the primary coordinator for event setup and execution, including room configurations,
equipment placement, event logistics, and customer service support.
3. Manage the College's event management software, including event requests, scheduling, facility
reservations, assignments, reporting, and user training.
4. Work closely with campus departments to ensure successful planning and execution of events and
programs.
5. Coordinate summer conference and camp operations, including client communication, contract
implementation, scheduling, and daily operational oversight.
6. Assist with conference contract administration, client relations, billing coordination, and event-related
invoicing.
7. Manage guest accommodations, including reservations, room assignments, customer communication,
and operational readiness.
8. Ensure guest rooms and event spaces are prepared, inspected, and maintained to provide an
exceptional visitor experience.
9. Develop and maintain positive relationships with conference groups, vendors, community
organizations, alumni, and external customers.
10. Provide on-call support for campus events, conferences, and guest services operations as needed.
11. Assist in identifying and pursuing new conference, camp, and event opportunities that enhance
institutional visibility and generate auxiliary revenue.
12. Coordinate audio/visual support for events, including basic troubleshooting and operational oversight of event technology.
13. Collaborate with Facilities Management, Dining Services, Athletics, Residence Life, Campus Safety,
and other campus partners to ensure seamless event execution.
14. Hire, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate student workers supporting conferences, events, and
summer programs.
15. Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to changing operational needs and customer expectations.
16. Perform other duties as assigned by the AVP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.
Qualifications:
Required:
Preferred:
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The Director of Conference & Events manages event logistics, facility scheduling, summer conference operations, guest accommodations, and event technology needs. The position plays a critical role in maximizing campus utilization while supporting the College's strategic goals for auxiliary revenue generation and community engagement.
The annual salary range for this position is 45,000 to 50,000.
Job Functions:
1. Coordinate and oversee all campus events, including College-sponsored programs, meetings,
conferences, camps, weddings, alumni events, and external rentals.
2. Serve as the primary coordinator for event setup and execution, including room configurations,
equipment placement, event logistics, and customer service support.
3. Manage the College's event management software, including event requests, scheduling, facility
reservations, assignments, reporting, and user training.
4. Work closely with campus departments to ensure successful planning and execution of events and
programs.
5. Coordinate summer conference and camp operations, including client communication, contract
implementation, scheduling, and daily operational oversight.
6. Assist with conference contract administration, client relations, billing coordination, and event-related
invoicing.
7. Manage guest accommodations, including reservations, room assignments, customer communication,
and operational readiness.
8. Ensure guest rooms and event spaces are prepared, inspected, and maintained to provide an
exceptional visitor experience.
9. Develop and maintain positive relationships with conference groups, vendors, community
organizations, alumni, and external customers.
10. Provide on-call support for campus events, conferences, and guest services operations as needed.
11. Assist in identifying and pursuing new conference, camp, and event opportunities that enhance
institutional visibility and generate auxiliary revenue.
12. Coordinate audio/visual support for events, including basic troubleshooting and operational oversight of event technology.
13. Collaborate with Facilities Management, Dining Services, Athletics, Residence Life, Campus Safety,
and other campus partners to ensure seamless event execution.
14. Hire, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate student workers supporting conferences, events, and
summer programs.
15. Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to changing operational needs and customer expectations.
16. Perform other duties as assigned by the AVP for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of three years of experience in event management, conference services, hospitality, customer service, or related fields.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional customer service.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to supervise, train, and motivate student employees and temporary staff.
- Experience working collaboratively with diverse constituents, including students, faculty, staff, vendors, and external clients.
- Functional knowledge of audio/visual systems and event technology.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Event Management, Tourism, Marketing, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
- Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in conference services, event management, hospitality, or auxiliary services.
- Experience working in higher education, conference centers, hotels, camps, or event venues.
- Experience with event scheduling and facility management software.
- Knowledge of summer camp and conference operations.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Position requires evening, holiday, and weekend work as dictated by event schedules and departmental needs.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and reach for extended periods of time.
- Ability to safely move and handle materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Current valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to respond to after-hours event and conference needs when necessary.
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