Director of University Events

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 07/20/2026. Position Summary: The Director of University Events provides strategic leadership for the university events operation, ensuring events reflect the presidential standard of hospitality and university branding necessary to advance institutional priorities, align with strategic resource management, and provide a clear return on institutional investment. University events include events that (1) engage a large portion of external constituents, (2) serve to accomplish a strategic university initiative or objective; or (3) require substantial investment of university time and funding in execution. The Director is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the university events program, including commencement, donor events, recognition ceremonies, alumni events, and other institutionally significant events. The position develops event strategy, manages departmental resources, supervises staff, advises university leadership on the effective use of events, and collaborates with campus partners to ensure successful event execution and measurable outcomes. University events are held on campus, throughout Colorado, and nationally, with a high degree of exposure to internal and external constituents. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Alumni Community Relations and serves as a member of the university advancement events team. Job Duties: 45% Event Leadership and Executive Event Management – Provides strategic leadership and oversight for the university events program, ensuring the events advancement institutional priorities and reflect the highest standards of hospitality and brand excellence. *Must be willing to work evenings and weekends* -Direct the university’s biannual commencement in consultation with the Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Registrar, Graduate School, and other campus partners and external vendors -Serve as the university’s primary leader for commencement planning, execution, assessment and continuous improvement -Direct annual recognition ceremonies, major donor events, and other institutionally significant events as assigned -Direct fundraising and alumni engagement special events in consultation with development, alumni relations and University Advancement Leadership -Provide strategic oversight and guidance for events managed by the Assistant Director -For all assigned events, serve as the project manager with direct responsibility for venue selection, catering, event marketing, guest communication, registration, vendor agreements, budgets, programming, technology, hospitality and décor -For all assigned events, ensure accurate and complete event and constituent records, to include tracking of pre-and post-event communication -For all assigned events, ensure completed event budgets, accurate financial records, and full compliance with all university, state, and foundation accounting and purchasing policies -For all assigned events, coordinate delivery of event support and effort across advancement, conference services, facilities, procurement and other administrative units 15% Strategic Leadership and Department Planning – Develops and implements the vision, standards, policies and long-term strategy that guide the university’s centralized events operation. -Develop and implement the university events strategy in alignment with institutional and advancement priorities -Establish and maintain event standards, policies, procedures, service models, and operational best practices -Evaluate emerging trends, technologies and industry best practices relevant to event management, commencement production, hospitality and constituent management -Determine staffing plans and resource allocation decisions for the university events program -Lead unit planning, assessment and continuous improvement initiatives -Advise university advancement staff on the effective role of events in fundraising, marketing and other institution-level campaigns -Serve as a subject matter expert on event-related software, including understanding current use technologies and best practices as it relates to managing and marketing events -Advise on the strategic participation of university leaders, to include drafting of speaking points, pre- and post-event communication, and VIP endorsements -Advise on event sponsorships, including creation of event sponsorship proposals -Oversee annual calendar of university events and advise on the communication and marketing of opportunities to internal and external constituents 15% Staff Leadership and Supervision – Provides leadership, supervision and coaching for university events staff while establishing unit priorities and performance expectations -Directly supervise the Assistant Director of University Events -Provide leadership, coaching, goal setting, performance evaluation and professional development -Establish unit performance measures and workload priorities -Oversee student staffing and volunteer engagement strategies or the university events program -Ensure operational continuity and effective communication within the university events team 15% Budget, Reporting and Resource Management – Oversees unit resources, financial planning, and assessment efforts to ensure responsible stewardship and continuous improvement of university events Develops reporting to provide a clear return on investment in the form of increased university brand awareness, enhanced constituent relationship development, and other stated event objectives. -Develop and manage program operating budgets and event budgets -Approve event budgets and resource allocations -Monitor expenditures and revenues to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with university, foundation and state policies -Analyze event performance, participation, engagement and return on investment metrics -Develop reporting and assessment frameworks to inform future planning and decision making 10% Campus Consultation and University Partnerships – Builds collaborative relationships across campus and within the community to support successful event outcomes and strengthen institutional partnerships. -Consult with faculty, staff, administrators and campus partners regarding event planning, logistics, hospitality and university event protocols -Represent university events on institutional committees, planning groups, and cross-campus initiatives -Build and maintain relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, vendors, community partners, and external organizations Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum of 5 years directly related experience in event planning and management (or related experience) preferred, with a broad understanding and proven history of hospitality, stewardship, volunteer management and communication techniques. Certified Event Planner preferred Abilities: -Outstanding organizational skills -Ability to prioritize work, and work independently, anticipating the needs of all special events. -Proficient in Microsoft Office -Above average communication skills, writing and proof reading, telephone and speaking skills -Above average customer service ethics organizational skills and attention to detail -Knowledge and experience with Raiser’s Edge is desired Special Considerations: -Available to work weekends and evenings -Available to travel as needed -Able to carry events supplies -Able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds -Ability to manage several projects simultaneously -Ability to prioritize workload -Ability to exercise good judgment when dealing with confidential information and interaction with donors