Director of Special Events

Director of Special Events
University of South Carolina Upstate
STA01392PO23
Spartanburg, SC

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, the Director for University Events and Facilities Scheduling is responsible for the leadership and day-to-day management of the department full cycle. The director oversees the planning and coordination of all annual campus-wide events in which university administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, and prospective students are in attendance. Builds relationships and partnerships with Athletics, Student Affairs, Dining, IT, Facility Services, University Advancement, local leaders, school districts and others, to grow and support a conference services program which generates revenue, but more importantly serves to introduce USC Upstate to a broader audience, including prospective students.
• Provides strategic planning and leadership, supervising a team of full-time and part-staff members to ensure that each is well prepared to provide excellent customer service to the campus community as well as all visitors. Determines needs, work assignments and work schedules that includes frequent interaction with Facilities Management to provide support services. Hires, develops and evaluates personnel. Oversight of departmental administrative, financial and event functions.
• Works closely with on-campus constituents and external clients that request University facilities and provides comprehensive support services for events/conferences including room arrangements, supervisors, security, and the coordination of technical services. Works closely with support service departments to facilitate efficient and effective utilization of campus facilities and manages necessary details to communicate event needs to these departments.
• Collaborate with campus leadership and constituencies to ensure that campus-wide events including commencement, convocation and executive events are planned and executed to the highest standards and expectations. Manage all aspects of logistics and planning including food services, space needs, staffing, audio-visual equipment, furniture and all other event management duties to support the needs of clients across campus. Actively participate in the planning committees for all major events on campus supporting academics, students, and staff activities.
• Develops and maintains an up-to-date inventory of all special events assets, including furniture, lighting, and audio-visual equipment, and regularly test and evaluate systems to ensure high levels of performance and function for events and conferences. Administers an annual budget and develop polices and systems for enforcement and oversight of in inventory control consistent with university procurement and accounting procedures.
• Serves as the Functional System Administrator for the 25Live enterprise application requiring frequent collaboration with campus constituents for events. Provides overall management of the University non-academic scheduling and is responsible for ensuring a high level of quality customer service in a high volume, multi-faceted environment.
• Develops a long-term business strategy fostering a portfolio of client groups that promotes University initiatives. Programs will occur both during summer and academic year sessions, where practical. Oversees customer relations and nurtures strong relationships with clients while continually seeking revenue opportunities. Responsible for client acquisition and retention, contract management, all other logistics planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree and 1-year related experience, of progressively responsible administrative experience in an appropriate setting (e.g., corporate, civic, hospitality, university), or a bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience; or equivalency. A valid driver’s license, good driving record and a successful background check is required.

Salary:
$59,581 – $70,000; Salary commensurate with education and experience.

For more information and/or to apply, go to https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/158873

The University of South Carolina is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition Program
• Dependent Scholarships
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities