Associate Director of University Events

Position Summary

The Associate Director of University Events is an integral member of the Office of University Events (OUE), managing vendor-partner relationships and production of all signature event experiences strategically designed to elevate visibility and engage constituents while promoting the University's mission and goals. This position leads all facets of signature high-level events, including logistics, operations and budgets; assists with strategic planning and the creation of annual goals and metrics. It is essential that this event planner possess excellent judgement, integrity, flexibility, creativity, a positive attitude and the ability to collaborate and consult. The Associate Director of University Events reports to the Executive Director of University Events within the University Advancement division.

Event Management and Execution - 70%

• Leads the planning and execution for all highly visible, University-wide events and collaborative programming efforts including but not limited to Commencement, Homecoming, President's Welcome Back, Howdy Rowdy BBQ, Holiday Fest, Roadrunners Who Soar, Presidential Fireside Chats and the President's Speaker Series

• Manages and fosters collaborative, inclusive partnerships with university departments, community organizations and service providers, and vendors in direct support of the successful planning and implementation of initiatives, events and projects

• Responsible for all aspects of the event experience including stage management, program timing and scheduling, mapping out staffing assignments, catering, audiovisual services, special accommodation needs and seating coordination

• Directs the other OUE team members on event support logistics and projects and delegates tasks accordingly

• Develops goals and metrics to measure and assess event success

• Provides support on budget development and management related to all large scale and small-scale university events

• Negotiates contracts with vendors, event sites and service providers, and manage vendor relationships

• Prepares planning agendas and run of show materials for senior leaders and fellow OUE team members

• Conducts post-event analysis and reports to assess impact and identify opportunities for improvement

• Works closely with the Assistant Director of Event Marketing & Communication on ensuring look & feel is not just felt in the decor but on signage and promotional materials

• Works closely with the Associate Director of Audiovisual Operations on ensuring the technical programming matches vision and overall timing

Commencement Leadership - 20%

• Serve as the lead for all Commencement event operations include logistics, venue rental, volunteer management, graduate coordination and vendor contracts

• Chair of Commencement Committee and assigns and manages all marshals, name readers and Big Voice

• Responsible for enforcing ceremony protocol and guidelines

• Oversee Tassel graduation management software

• Exceptional organization and management of all internal and external partnerships as they relate to Commencement

• Assists in the creation of the Commencement program and high-level communications

Leadership and Management - 10%

• Represents the OUE department on various committees and task forces as appropriate regarding special events and event management on campus.

• Supports and guides other committees on event and operation logistics such Roadrunners Who Soar, MLK Breakfast, Community Collab Summit and Homecoming.

• Manages student internship program within the School of Hospitality focusing on recruitment, retention and training of student interns

• Provides guidance and strategy around 3rd party pop up events

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, communication or related field.

• Minimum five years' experience in event management and customer service relations with progressive responsibilities

• Excellent customer service skills and strong commitment to creating a service-focused environment

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize work to maximize productivity, and respond effectively to change

• Budget development and management experience

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to foster collaborative working relationships and deliver positive internal and external public relations

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team

• Proficiency with seating assignment and floor plan creation platforms (ie: Social Tables or Smartdraw)

• Experience working in university advancement, alumni relations or commencement

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to the University.

Schedule Information

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Exempt
• Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Evenings and Weekend Work: nights and weekends for events required
• Schedule: Hybrid schedule requiring in person work on our Denver, CO campus with the flexibility of some remote work opportunities (subject to supervisor approval)
• Travel: traveling for events required

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The anticipated hiring range is $75,000-$85,000

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

Please apply by visiting our career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/ and searching for JR104473.

For full consideration, the following documents must be submitted:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received through September 29, 2025 at 11:59 PM MST.