Event Manager

Primary Purpose

The Events Manager in the College of Design, Art & Performance plans, schedules, and implements conferences and special events while supporting the design of the events. Reporting to the Director of the Dean's Office, the position partners with the Director to set event strategy and design, then independently manages each event from concept through post-event evaluation. This position serves as the primary liaison with internal units and external constituents, providing organizational leadership in developing, implementing, and overseeing conferences, workshops, events, and public functions. This position creates a positive experience for all participants and guests by leading with a hospitality and customer service focus.

Primary Job Duties 

• Point of contact for event planning efforts with members of the college, school, department, center and/or external community as appropriate. 

• Leads the execution of the College’s signature events such as the Annual Leadership Retreat, the Fall Welcome Reception, An Evening with The Arts, Holiday Reception, Spring Welcome Event, Career & Internship Expo, Spotlight, and Graduation Celebration.

• Responsible for managing and assisting with the planning of other College meetings, conferences, and/or special events, including social, student success, educational, community-focused, entertainment, and fundraising events. 

• Spearheads the outreach to participating employers for the annual Career & Internship Expo. Grows and expands the list of participating employers year over year.  Assists Student Success’ efforts with connecting students with internships and tracking placements.

• Partners with the college’s EPS, "Events & Production Services," department to translate event requirements into production specifications. Directs all event logistics and amenities, including registration, venues and room setup, catering, lodging, AV, lighting and sound, parking, transportation, tours, safety and security, decor, and event staffing. Serves as on-site lead on event day and resolves issues in real time so each event is delivered to specification.

• Manages and tracks the budget development for events. Secures bids and negotiates contracts with outside vendors; monitors and evaluates contract performance. Collaborates with the college’s Office Manager to pay invoices and deposits for event-related expenditures.

• Evaluates program and event histories, budget considerations, contractual provisions, and any planning committee recommendations to determine requirements as to space, facilities, technology, equipment, lodging, catering, and on-site management.

• Compiles and reviews statistical data; develops and prepares various periodical and ad hoc reports, summaries, and analyses, including overall event attendance and student attendance through BullsConnect or other similar modality.

• In partnership with the Marketing & Communications office & Student Success, will lead outreach to students for student-centered events and other initiatives.

• Performs other administrative and support duties as required in support of the mission and strategy of the unit.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and four years' experience or a combination of post-high school education and experience equal to eight years.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements

• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:

  • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;

  • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;

  • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;

  • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or

  • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree

• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.

• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

   

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Leadership abilities. 
• Project management and problem-solving skills.
• Vigilance, strong communication, and initiative-taking skills.
• Contract negotiation skills.
• Ability to build strong cooperative relationships within the organization and with community groups and businesses.