Director of Conferences and Events - Northwood University : Job Details

Location : Midland, MIJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 03359Division: Finance and AdministrationDepartment: Conference Center & EventsOpening Date: 08/07/2024Closing Date: ContinuousRoles Create exceptional, memorable experiences for guests by delivering seamless, high-quality conference and event services in a manner that exceeds expectations and enhances the image of Northwood University.Reports to: Vice President of Finance and Administration Responsibilities

• Coordinate academic facility usage with Academic Department representative.
• Develop and maintain facilities usage and event policy including pricing and in-kind guidelines.
• Prepare, review, and present for approval, invoices, contracts, facility use agreements, and ensure proper risk management documents are obtained.
• Monitor event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise.
• Develop and direct marketing and sales plans for conferences and events.
• Provides guidance on departmental standards for all campus-wide event support and manage realistic project scope expectations throughout entire event process when working and supporting event program requests.
• Provides streamlined experience for various campus departments related to catering, risk management, facilities, production and technology support, and review of reservation and event booking contracts.
• Provide counsel and support to student events such as Auto Show, Style show, and Stafford Dinner.
• Read trade publications, attend seminars, and consult with industry conference and event professionals to keep abreast of meeting management standards and trends.
• Trains and supports student staff on systems, platforms, and event process.
• Identify, monitor, and track maintenance of conference facility as applicable.
• Establish criteria for and assist to resolve scheduling conflicts with conference and event spaces.
• Maintains event management tools and resources and online platform for ease of access to all campus community. Manage 25 Live process and personnel.
• Prepare operating and capital budgets.
• Manages multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and provide detailed and concise and responsive communications.
• Provides executive-level professional correspondence and communicating across stakeholder groups with superior interpersonal skills.
• Maintains the highest level of quality, professionalism, and integrity in all departmental tasks.
• Maintains event tracking for vendors, facilities, and services to include monthly inventory resource reporting.
• Demonstrates the ability to resolve and manage conflict proactively and projects a positive attitude in all interactions.
• Provide operational support and prepare availability grids and timeline tracking.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required (Master's degree preferred) in areas directly related to any of the following areas of study: event management, hospitality, hotel management, or marketing.
• Three years of professional experience (Five years preferred) working in event planning and/or production, preferably in a university environment or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to assess, evaluate, and trouble-shoot complex event work- flow and operations.
• Experience in program management, event and project management, marketing, or facility-usage management at a university or equivalent industry experience.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, and practices of event management. Ability to communicate university policy and event compliance protocols with various constituents.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills including social perceptiveness and diplomacy with individuals at all levels in all levels of communication - in person, in writing, or by telephone.
• An appreciation for the history and traditions of Northwood Universityand the Northwood Idea
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex tasks including prompt and persistent review of project deadlines and event needs.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills and experience with the ability to multi-task with flawless attention to detail managing in-time responsiveness.
• Ability to managing students/ and or team and take ownership of all assignments to ensure all milestones are clearly communicated and met while developing positive rapport with students, administrators, and faculty.
• Knowledge of and experience working with websites and graphic guides/tools preferred.

Expectations

• Work independently and collaboratively across various campus departments.
• Realize goals that align with student, faculty, staff, and visitor expectations.
• Serve as lead member in the overall planning and visioning of conferences and events.
• Responsible for administrative procedures.

Northwood University has an institutional philosophy which emphasizes free enterprise in a context of limited government and individual responsibility. The ideal candidate will have a strong attraction to the mission and core values of Northwood University. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the University's outcomes at