Verified Job
Jobs
Director, Events & Conference Services
Jobs
#506729
Full Time
Job Description
Goucher College, named one of the best national liberal arts colleges, most innovative colleges, and best colleges for study abroad by U.S. News & World Report, is seeking a Director of Events and Conference Services.
Reporting to the CFO/Senior VP for Finance and Administration, the Director of Events & Conference Services oversees a team responsible for delivering high-quality events at Goucher College and the Center for Performing Arts. This role focuses on providing a customer-centric experience while managing business operations. The Director will lead and develop a team of event specialists, foster collaboration with campus partners and vendors, and ensure customer satisfaction to drive repeat business. The ideal candidate will possess strong collaboration skills, excellent communication abilities, and a technical theater background.
In this role, you will:
• Lead Event Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement customer-focused operating plans to secure and manage external events, including performances, conferences, weddings, and athletic competitions, across both campus and virtual spaces. Regularly review success metrics and work with leadership to meet annual revenue and performance goals.
• Oversee Technical Operations: Manage the technical functions of key venues (Kraushaar Auditorium, Merrick Lecture Hall, and Athenaeum) while leading the Audio/Video Technician team. Act as the main contact for external event clients and collaborate with academic and facilities staff to meet technical requirements.
• Build & Maintain External Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with non-profit partners, managing contracts, pre-event preparations, and ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships. Lead event staff and coordinate both internal and external Goucher-hosted events.
• Drive Process Improvement: Work with the Events & Conferencing team to implement new standard operating procedures for in-person and virtual events. Create protocols for resources such as staffing, signage, and décor to ensure smooth event execution.
• Measure & Enhance Client Satisfaction: Conduct post-event surveys to assess client satisfaction across various event components (e.g., staffing, climate, lighting, parking) and use feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Coach & Develop Your Team: Implement a development plan for event staff to improve customer service and professional skills. Provide mentorship to sales staff to achieve departmental sales goals.
• Facilitate Cross-Department Collaboration: Lead weekly coordination meetings with Campus Safety, Facilities, and other key teams to ensure successful event delivery.
• Elevate Event Marketing: Oversee marketing efforts and manage social media platforms to promote Goucher’s event spaces to external clients and internal departments. Ensure events align with the College’s mission and broader initiatives.
• Enhance Facilities & Revenue Opportunities: Work with College stakeholders to develop and maintain event calendars, coordinate shared space use, and recommend facility improvements that enhance the campus’s event market position and maximize ROI.
Education and Experience needed:
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree is required. Master’s Degree in Arts Administration or similar field is preferred.
• Experience: 5 years of progressively responsible experience in event management for the performing arts or a background in managing events within a college or university environment. Must have technical theater experience. Experience required with negotiations, contract execution, the actual coordination of event activities. Understands the basics of running an audio system or lighting system. Experience with an Event Management System (EMS). Experience running productions in a performing arts theatre is preferred.
Compensation and Benefits:
We offer competitive pay, and robust benefits package including medical, retirement and tuition/education benefits for employees and their dependents.
Pay Range:
$85,000.00-$115,000.00
Application Instructions:
Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Please submit the following application materials:
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 3 references
APPLY today
Goucher College is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the USA. No Visa sponsorship is offered for this position.
Goucher College is committed to increasing the diversity of our community and seeks applicants dedicated to applying principles of equity and inclusion in all areas of the campus community.
Reporting to the CFO/Senior VP for Finance and Administration, the Director of Events & Conference Services oversees a team responsible for delivering high-quality events at Goucher College and the Center for Performing Arts. This role focuses on providing a customer-centric experience while managing business operations. The Director will lead and develop a team of event specialists, foster collaboration with campus partners and vendors, and ensure customer satisfaction to drive repeat business. The ideal candidate will possess strong collaboration skills, excellent communication abilities, and a technical theater background.
In this role, you will:
• Lead Event Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement customer-focused operating plans to secure and manage external events, including performances, conferences, weddings, and athletic competitions, across both campus and virtual spaces. Regularly review success metrics and work with leadership to meet annual revenue and performance goals.
• Oversee Technical Operations: Manage the technical functions of key venues (Kraushaar Auditorium, Merrick Lecture Hall, and Athenaeum) while leading the Audio/Video Technician team. Act as the main contact for external event clients and collaborate with academic and facilities staff to meet technical requirements.
• Build & Maintain External Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with non-profit partners, managing contracts, pre-event preparations, and ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships. Lead event staff and coordinate both internal and external Goucher-hosted events.
• Drive Process Improvement: Work with the Events & Conferencing team to implement new standard operating procedures for in-person and virtual events. Create protocols for resources such as staffing, signage, and décor to ensure smooth event execution.
• Measure & Enhance Client Satisfaction: Conduct post-event surveys to assess client satisfaction across various event components (e.g., staffing, climate, lighting, parking) and use feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Coach & Develop Your Team: Implement a development plan for event staff to improve customer service and professional skills. Provide mentorship to sales staff to achieve departmental sales goals.
• Facilitate Cross-Department Collaboration: Lead weekly coordination meetings with Campus Safety, Facilities, and other key teams to ensure successful event delivery.
• Elevate Event Marketing: Oversee marketing efforts and manage social media platforms to promote Goucher’s event spaces to external clients and internal departments. Ensure events align with the College’s mission and broader initiatives.
• Enhance Facilities & Revenue Opportunities: Work with College stakeholders to develop and maintain event calendars, coordinate shared space use, and recommend facility improvements that enhance the campus’s event market position and maximize ROI.
Education and Experience needed:
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree is required. Master’s Degree in Arts Administration or similar field is preferred.
• Experience: 5 years of progressively responsible experience in event management for the performing arts or a background in managing events within a college or university environment. Must have technical theater experience. Experience required with negotiations, contract execution, the actual coordination of event activities. Understands the basics of running an audio system or lighting system. Experience with an Event Management System (EMS). Experience running productions in a performing arts theatre is preferred.
Compensation and Benefits:
We offer competitive pay, and robust benefits package including medical, retirement and tuition/education benefits for employees and their dependents.
Pay Range:
$85,000.00-$115,000.00
Application Instructions:
Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Please submit the following application materials:
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 3 references
APPLY today
Goucher College is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the USA. No Visa sponsorship is offered for this position.
Goucher College is committed to increasing the diversity of our community and seeks applicants dedicated to applying principles of equity and inclusion in all areas of the campus community.
