Description

Director of External Events 

Position Summary 

The University of Tennessee is seeking an external events director for the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. We are looking for a creative and strategic events director to create a statewide engagement strategy. This role will perform a variety of duties related to the coordination, development, and delivery of externally facing events tied to the launch of the new Baker School and the 100^th birthday celebration of Senator Howard Baker. The position will develop, implement and execute strategic event plans, from ideation to successful execution. This position supervises full time event coordination staff and ensures that all events are executed according to established policies and procedures, and at established service quality standards. The position will develop event policies and procedures and be responsible for developing program content specific to each event. The position will be responsible for developing metrics for measuring success and monitoring activities to ensure intended outcomes. The position will establish program event goals and will ensure a consistent brand throughout the execution of all Baker events. The position will be responsible for altering and adapting, as needed any processes and content, for program events. The majority of the responsibility will be operations management and oversight of all events to include: brand recognition, customer experience, staffing, meals, transportation, vendor coordination, program delivery support and other responsibilities that relate directly to Baker business needs for events.

Qualifications

Develop the statewide external events strategy and goals for the Baker School. --Ensure Brand recognition in events strategy --Establish policies and procedures for all Baker events to include defining service quality and expectations --Develop program specific content for each major event --Establish strategic outreach plans for building network of VIP stakeholders to include politicians, donors, guest speakers, corporate partners, etc. --Develop communications plan for promotion, marketing and event supplementals (programs, signage, etc) --Establish strategic fundraising plan into events.

Provide oversight of the statewide external events strategy, serving as the creative and operational lead for all major externally facing event initiatives. --Develop metrics and monitor outcomes and measure successes and compliance. Reassess policies and procedures based on results with a goal of providing consistent and high-quality events. --Coordinate pre-event planning and briefings with Baker event staff --Ensure the delivery of services and goods with internal and external vendors --Provide direct logistical, customer service and operational/administrative event leadership --Provide project management of any major initiatives necessary to advance our event strategy.

Supervise Staff and Department Operations --Supervise and lead the Events team, including events coordinator and student workers ensuring full coverage for all events. --Provide direction to event staff ensuring a consistently high level of service --Provide tactical and operational decision making on a daily basis. --Oversee the maintenance of contact lists with current information --Manage the overall calendar for the Events team ensuring that all Events are logged and scheduled with requirements established. --Oversee departmental Event Budget and establish individual program budgets and provide oversight for all event expenses ensuring appropriate expenditures and within defined budgets --Manage the process for obtaining event spaces and/or equipment rentals ensuring consistency across all events --Oversee the contract process with internal and external vendors.

Candidates must have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as outstanding oral and written communication skills. A strong attention to detail is required. Strong problem-solving skills and time management skills are required. Candidates must exhibit excellent adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and an ability to work with many different types of individuals including executives, faculty and corporate customers.

Candidates must be knowledgeable in all aspects of complex event management, with strong customer service experience. Must be a proven leader with supervisory experience who can set priorities and carry out initiatives to drive successful outcomes.

Candidates must have the ability to manage high performing teams, customer service, creativity, and conflict management. They must be an effective decision-maker with the ability to manage competing priorities, to analyze and interpret data to solve problems, and to effectively communication across all stakeholders (internal and external).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public relations, Events or Hospitality Management, Business or a related field with at least 5 years of business work experience required, preferably in hospitality or higher education areas. Preference will be given to individuals with direct experience in event management, customer service and working on cross-functional teams.

Must be able to work nights and weekends with occasional weekend travel. Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle.

Job: Executive/Administrative
Primary Location: US-Tennessee-knoxville
Organization: Baker School
Schedule: Full-time
Job Posting: Aug 18, 2023, 2:47:27 PM