The Catholic University of America

The Director, University Events will assist with the management of high-impact and special University events including, but not limited to Commencement, groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon cuttings and dedications, honorary degree ceremonies, university holiday events and other annual and one-time University gatherings.  The director will work closely with the Office of the President to coordinate functions requested by the president that are considered major university events. The director will serve as an events protocol/etiquette resource to the university community (i.e. invitation wording and forms of address, flag protocol for events, event program development and coordination of the president’s event attendance and participation with the Office of the President).

The director will provide expertise and guidance to those both within the university community and external guests to assist in the successful and efficient planning and execution of meetings and events occurring on campus. The director will provide planning tools to internal and external event planners and ensure that information is current and accurate, providing guidance and education to members of the university community.

The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: $75,000-$80,000. 

• Event Planning and Execution:
  • Lead the planning and execution of high-impact university events such as Commencement, presidential functions, and dedication ceremonies.
  • Collaborate with key departments, including University Advancement and Admissions, to support their critical development and recruitment events.
• Staff Supervision and Development:
  • Recruit, hire, train, and supervise two professional staff members.
  • Foster a collaborative environment focused on professional growth and mentorship.
• Client and Vendor Management: Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external clients, coordinating with campus service providers (e.g., catering, public safety) and managing relationships with external vendors to ensure seamless event execution.
• Protocol and Policy:
  • Act as the university's subject matter expert on event protocol, etiquette, and best practices.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain event guidelines, checklists, and policies to ensure a consistent standard of service.
• Campus Resource and Collaboration: Serve on university committees, advise leadership on the effective use of campus spaces, and support special projects and Board of Trustees meetings as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree (Event Management, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred) required.
• Master’s degree preferred. 

• Two (2) to four (4) years related professional experience in a college or university, non-profit organization or other program-related entity to include event planning and hospitality.

• Knowledge of student unions/centers, conference services, campus/student activities, and/or meeting planning required.

   

• Experience in event management, specifically conference programs, marketing, sales, event budget management, revenue generation, public relations and/or special events management.

• High degree of professionalism, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong communication skills are required.

• Experience with Microsoft Office required. 

• Experience managing staff and/or student workers strongly preferred. 

• Professional association participation with the event planning industry, e.g. Association of Collegiate Conference and Event Directors-International (ACCED-I), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), International Special Events Society (ISES), Convention Industry Council (CIC) preferred.

• Demonstrated desire for professional growth preferred.

• Knowledge of and experience working with event management software programs.
• Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability and desire to learn and effectively use university scheduling software system.
• Ability to learn university’s webpage management software, and ability to efficiently navigate various and multiple social media platforms.
• Preferred Certifications: Collegiate Conference and Events Professional (CCEP) offered by ACCED-I; Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), offered by ISES; Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), offered by CIC.
• Ability to work with a diverse array of clients.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to adapt to new computer applications and new and emerging media.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with the public.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems, draw valid conclusions and develop alternate recommendations.
• Ability to deliver a high level of service to customers.
• Ability and willingness to work collegially and collaboratively with other campus departments and entities.
• Ability to achieve assigned objectives, within budget and desired timeframes.
• Ability to interpret and apply university and departmental policies and procedures.
• Requires a sustained commitment to serve the needs of students.
• Ability and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining effectiveness.
• Ability to positively respond to stressful conditions.