New

Director Special Events

University of North Texas - Denton
United States, Texas, Denton
1155 Union Circle (Show on map)
Jan 23, 2026
Title: Director Special Events Employee Classification: Dir Special Events Campus: University of North Texas Division: UNT-Office of the President SubDivision-Department: UNT-Office of the President Department: UNT-Office of the President-100000 Job Location: Denton Salary: 74,352 - 94,352 (commensurate with experience) FTE: 1.000000 Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible About Us - Values Overview Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year. We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team. Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu. Department Summary The Special Events Office within the Office of the President is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of high-visibility presidential and university events. The office supports the President's priorities by delivering events that reflect the institution's mission, values, and reputation, while ensuring consistent standards of excellence in hospitality, protocol, logistics, and presentation across a diverse portfolio of engagements. Position Overview This position is responsible for planning and directing the strategic and operational activities of special events hosted or supported by the President's Office. This position operates under the overarching goals of presenting the University's mission effectively and developing and maintaining goodwill with current and potential associates of the University. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in related field and six years of closely related professional experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Advanced written communication skills. Advanced Microsoft Office skills. Knowledge of accounting/budgeting procedures. Ability to work under pressure, to adjust to constant changes, to handle multiple tasks, and to coordinate the work of others. Ability to keep complex records, to assemble and organize data of complex nature, and to prepare and submit reports in acceptable formats. Ability to conceptualize, plan and organize multiple programs and assignments effectively. Ability to work on complex and confidential tasks utilizing judgment, tact, and resourcefulness. Skill in developing and maintaining good working relationships. Knowledge of policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function. Supervisory skills. Preferred Qualifications The preferred candidate will possess the following additional qualifications: * Master's degree in related field. * A demonstrated record of exceptional customer service in high-visibility, stakeholder-driven environments. * Extensive experience managing a complex expense budget in a university setting, including maintaining accurate, auditable records and databases. * Strong public-speaking skills, including experience delivering presentations to senior leaders, internal partners, and external audiences. * Experience supporting executive-level events, initiatives, or programs with significant reputational, logistical, or financial implications. * Experience managing complex, cross-functional project teams across competing priorities, fixed deadlines, and limited resources, using the ability to influence, motivate, and align contributors who do not have a direct reporting relationship to achieve shared outcomes. Required License/Registration/Certifications Job Duties EXECUTIVE EVENT STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP: Provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for all special events hosted by or supported by the Office of the President. Partners directly with the President and Chief of Staff to translate institutional priorities and the President's vision into high-impact, well-executed events that reflect the University's mission, values, and reputation. Determines event scope, format, standards, and priorities across a diverse portfolio of presidential, campus-wide, and VIP engagements. OVERSIGHT OF EVENT PLANNING AND EXECUTION: Directs the planning, coordination, and execution of large- and small-scale presidential and university events, including but not limited to dinners, receptions, meetings, VIP suites, groundbreakings, formal ceremonies, and special initiatives. Exhibits exceptional attention to detail, ensuring all elements of event presentation and execution (e.g., logistics, environment, service, decor, equipment, communications, transportation, and guest handling) meet executive-level standards. Researches and provides recommendations on event plans, timelines, and execution strategies. OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND DAY-OF DECISION MAKING: Oversees event operations and serves as the primary decision-maker during high-visibility and high-pressure events. Anticipates risks, resolves complex issues in real time, and ensures seamless execution. Delegates appropriately to staff, establishes clear roles and expectations, and serves as the senior liaison among facilities, vendors, hosts, campus partners, and guests. GUEST EXPERIENCE, PROTOCOL, AND PRESENTATION: Sets and enforces standards for hospitality, protocol, and guest experience at all presidential events. Ensures appropriate handling of VIP, political, and international guests in accordance with established guidelines. Personally engages in hosting and protocol-sensitive situations as required. Evaluates events and programs to ensure continuous improvement and consistency with executive expectations. COMMUNICATIONS, RECORDS, AND INSTITUTIONAL COORDINATION: Coordinates event-related communications originating from the President's Office, including invitations, promotional materials, messaging, and briefing documents. Ensures accuracy, consistency, and alignment with institutional branding and messaging. Maintains executive-level oversight of event records, budgets, databases, reports, and historical documentation. Coordinates closely with campus stakeholders, including Advancement, UBSC, Strategy/Government Relations, UNT System, and other units to align messaging, planning, and execution - (Essential) CAMPUS-WIDE EVENT STANDARDS AND ADVISORY ROLE: Serves as the University's senior resource for high-profile event standards, policies, and best practices. Consults with internal and external partners to ensure the University is represented appropriately and consistently. Provides guidance, training, and recommendations to campus event planners regarding protocol, branding, sustainability, budget responsibility, and risk management. Reviews and advises on elements of events hosted by other departments as needed. PEOPLE LEADERSHIP AND TEAM MANAGEMENT: Leads, supervises, and develops the Special Events team within the Office of the President, establishing clear expectations, priorities, and performance standards. Assigns work strategically, coaches staff, provides feedback, and fosters a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and high-quality customer service. Uses influence and leadership to align cross-functional partners and contributors who may not have a direct reporting relationship. BUDGET AND FISCAL STEWARDSHIP: Serves as department ID holder and is responsible for the financial management of special events, including budget development, expense tracking, approvals, and reporting. Ensures adherence to university, system, and state fiscal policies. Demonstrates strong stewardship of resources and holds the team accountable for budgetary compliance and accuracy. INSTITUTIONAL REPRESENTATION AND COMPLIANCE: Represents the Office of the President on university committees and in internal and external engagements. Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in all interactions. Identifies problems, analyzes causes, evaluates alternatives, and implements or recommends solutions. Maintains composure and professionalism in high-pressure environments. Ensures compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations set by the State of Texas, UNT System, UNT, and the Office of the President. Physical Requirements Communicating with others to exchange information. Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds. Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment. Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. Environmental Hazards No adverse environmental conditions expected. Work Schedule M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; nights and weekends as event schedule dictates Driving University Vehicle Yes Security Sensitive This is a Security Sensitive Position. Special Instructions Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. Benefits For information regarding our Benefits, click here. EEO Statement The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.