Director – Conference and Event Services

The Director of Conference & Event Services provides strategic leadership, management, and oversight for all aspects of Conference and Event Services, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing large-scale and high-profile events, as well as overseeing logistics, catering, and scheduling for special events, summer conferences, camps, and other non-academic activities held on the main campus.

In addition, the Director administers the University Events Calendar and manages the rental and use of campus facilities by external organizations. The position requires strong organizational and leadership skills, with frequent evening, weekend, and after-hours supervision to ensure the successful delivery of events and services.

1.   Provides leadership within Conference and Event Services by:

• Developing short and long-term strategic and operational goals for CES while establishing priorities and ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Maintaining current with all industry trends, and best practices through training, and professional development and through membership in professional organizations. Attends trade shows, conventions and/or conferences.
• Ensuring CES staff remains current with all industry best practices through training and professional development.
• Supervises Manager, Administrative Assistant and Set-up coordination team within Conference and Event Services.
• Conducts regular staff meetings, as needed, with CES team, Facilities Management, Catering, Campus Safety and other University departments and core constituencies for event services.
• Provides guidance to University constituents on event planning in order to secure preferred vendors and best pricing

2.   Administer departmental functions:

• Direct all aspects of campus events for internal and external clients, including intake, logistics, A/V, and client relations. Ensure seamless coordination across Catering/Dining, Facilities, IT, Campus Safety, Housing and other campus partners.
• Provides oversight to ensure event success.
• Establish and manage vendor relationships in compliance with applicable procurement policies as it relates to CES.
• Monitor and assess vendor quality for catering, décor, equipment rental and other units necessary.
• Develop annual departmental budget while monitoring expenditures regularly. Authorize supply purchases.
• Ensures exceptional service to the campus community and external constituents.
• Handles escalated customer complaints and making appropriate referrals as needed.
• Develops and monitors policies and procedures for staff and University constituents as it relates to CES.
• Administers and maintains the EMS system
• Establish and manage annual budgets, revenue targets, and cost-recovery models.

3.   Coordinate external/community use of campus facilities:

• Creates, establishes, and maintains pricing and guidelines for facility use.
• Negotiates in collaboration with CES Manager external use of facilities, including room rentals, summer conferences, and commercial filming as necessary.
• Provides oversight of and enforces policies and procedures for facility use including contracts and ensuring insurance requirements are received.
• Responsible for generating increased revenue opportunities.
• Prepares and submits quarterly reports
• Work closely with internal departments to coordinate services for external & summer rentals

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Hospitality, or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 5-8 years previous experience.
• Advanced analytical skills.
• Demonstrated administrative and supervisory skills

Bilingual preferred in Spanish and/or Creole.

Benefits: Barry University offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, tuition assistance, paid time off and work/life balance initiatives such as wellness programs, spirituality in the workplace, and training and development.

Barry University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.