Director of University Events
John Brown University
Director of University Events
Full-time Position - Posted 7/30/25
Position Summary
The Director of University Events is the lead role in the University Events office which coordinates logistics for internal and external events on campus. The priorities of this office include ensuring university events are consistent with university image and quality standards and providing an excellent experience for external clients. The director is responsible for expanding the use of campus facilities by external groups as a source of income and public relations for the university.
Role Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to set objectives, determine priorities and make responsible decisions independently.
- Ability to work as a team player and a team leader.
- Ability to identify problems and develop appropriate creative solutions, work under pressure, multi-task, and adapt to an environment of frequent change.
- Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed.
- Trustworthy with confidential information.
- Commitment to the Articles of Faith, mission, and objectives of the University.
- Demonstrates an active Christian faith in personal example and in work-related responsibilities.
- Ability to represent the University and its values well to third parties and the public.
Position Responsibilities
- Event Strategy & Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and professional expertise in planning and executing high-quality university-wide events such as commencement, donor events, and annual banquets. Ensure events reflects JBU’s mission and values.
- Event Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact and consultant for both internal departments and external organizations hosting events on campus. Oversee contracts, billing, and communication related to campus facility usage.
- Logistics & Execution: Help manage logistical aspects of events, which may include program content, vendor coordination, food and beverage planning, décor, equipment setup, security, and on-site oversight—occasionally including evenings and weekends.
- Facility Marketing & Rentals: Market university facilities to external audiences for events, conferences, and camps to meet institutional goals for third-party engagement and revenue.
- Collaborative Planning: Partner with university departments including catering, facilities services, media services, and university marketing & communications to ensure cohesive and high-quality event execution.
- Resource & Inventory Management: Maintain organization and inventory of event materials and supplies. Oversee purchasing, storage, and availability of necessary resources.
- Policy & Reporting: Develop and maintain an Events Policy Manual in collaboration with the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. Manage event scheduling systems and export weekly reports.
- Relationship Management: Cultivate strong working relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and successful event experiences.
- Additional Duties: Fulfill other responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and operations of the university.
Essential skills and experience
- High school diploma or GED
- 1-2 years of experience planning a variety of types of events for a mid-size organization, preferably including logistical, communication and customer service responsibilities.
- Superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of scheduling, event coordination and administration.
- Experience in budget management and use of spreadsheet software.
Preferred skills and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality or related field
- 3+ years of relevant job experience in the events management field
Reporting to this position: University Events Assistant (part-time), summer camp staff, work-study students and periodic volunteer staff teams.
Physical demands and work environment
- Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk; stand; sit; use hands; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.
The employee is expected to adhere to all University policies.
Biblical Diversity and Intercultural Engagement
JBU desires to increase the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students to honor how all humans are created in the image of God, to reflect better the diversity of the Kingdom of God, to further our Christian commitment to justice, and to increase the quality of our educational experience. JBU is pursuing the goal of teaching and working in an intercultural environment and encourages applications from people interested in serving a diverse body of students. For more information, visit our Biblical Diversity and Intercultural Engagement webpage..
About JBU
Information describing the university is available online.
Apply
To apply, please upload the following documents to the "Upload Your Documents" page:
- Cover Letter
- Your resume
- Staff Application (completed and signed)
Only complete materials will be reviewed. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by the university.
Contact information:
Office of Human Resources
John Brown University
2000 West University Street
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
Phone: 479.524.7197
e-mail: jobs@jbu.edu
