Director, University Events

Position Number: 6710726
Location: Seattle, WA
Position Type: Conference and Events Administration

Director, University Events

Seattle University

Director, University Events

FLSA Status: Exempt

Months Per Year: 12

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid Eligible*

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.

Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

The Director of University Events provides leadership for the operational, systems, and process functions that support Seattle University's comprehensive event program. This position oversees the event team responsible for event coordination and operations, campus scheduling, and event systems-ensuring university events are planned and executed with excellence, consistency, and alignment to Seattle University's Jesuit mission and strategic priorities.

Serving as the operational counterpart to the Assistant Vice President and Senior Director of University Events, the Director builds and maintains the structures, tools, and data-informed practices that drive efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement. The role leads the development and implementation of event policies, systems, and reporting frameworks; evaluates key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcomes; and ensures that university events are delivered through streamlined processes that optimize resources, strengthen collaboration, and uphold a best-in-class experience for the Seattle University community.

Essential Functions

Systems, Policy & Continuous Improvement (35%)

Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing improvement of university event systems, processes, and policies that ensure efficient, compliant, and high-quality event operations.
Oversee event scheduling, system administration, and technology platforms (e.g., EMS, Social Tables, and related tools), ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with institutional priorities.
Develop, document, and maintain standardized planning tools, templates, checklists, and workflows to promote consistency and accountability across the event lifecycle.
Utilize event data, metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate efficiency, measure outcomes, and inform strategic and operational decisions.
Prepare and maintain dashboards and reports that summarize event activity, usage trends, and resource allocation.
Ensure university event policies comply with institutional, local, and federal regulations, including accessibility, safety, and risk management requirements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for campus event policy interpretation, scheduling guidance, and process improvement.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen coordination, optimize systems, and elevate the quality and effectiveness of university event operations.
Collaborates with the Senior Director and Assistant Vice President to create and implement annual plans that align with university-wide strategic priorities and strengthen the impact of the University Events team.

Event Operations & Execution (35%)

Oversee the operational planning, scheduling, and coordination of university-wide events, ensuring they are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget.
Partner with the Senior Director and Assistant Vice President to align operations with event strategy and institutional priorities.
Supervise the event manager team responsible for execution of campus scheduling, event logistics, and day-of event operations.
Establish and maintain clear operating procedures for event preparation, setup, and breakdown, ensuring compliance with university policies and safety standards.
Manage timelines, resource coordination, and vendor communications to ensure seamless delivery of each event.
Support implementation of risk management and compliance measures, including permits, insurance, alcohol service, and facility use requirements.
Monitor operational performance and implement adjustments as needed to improve efficiency, service quality, and overall event success.
Provide onsite support for events as necessary.

Operations & Team Leadership (20%)

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate event managers, coordinators, and operations staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Provide clear expectations, training, and professional development opportunities that strengthen individual and team performance.
Partner with the Senior Director to align staffing structures and workload distribution with institutional needs and priorities.
Oversee operational budgeting and resource tracking for events under the team's purview, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparent reporting.
Promote an inclusive and equity-minded work environment that values diverse perspectives and supports a sense of belonging across the team and campus partners.

Campus & Vendor Partnerships (10%)

Build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships with campus partners including Facilities Services, Catering, Public Safety, Information Technology, Marketing and Communications, and other units supporting event operations.
Serve as the operational liaison to external vendors, contractors, and service providers, negotiating and managing agreements to ensure cost-effective, high-quality support.
Collaborate with partners to anticipate and plan for campus-wide event needs, including peak times such as Commencement, Fall Welcome, and other major gatherings.
Represent University Events in cross-campus meetings and planning efforts related to event scheduling, operations, and service delivery.
Contribute to the cultivation of a culture of excellence, gratitude, and collaboration through efficient, mission-aligned event delivery.

Other duties as assigned in support of the priorities and mission of University Advancement and Seattle University.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of progressive experience in event management, operations, or related fields such as advancement, hospitality, or higher education.

At least 2 years of experience supervising professional staff or leading cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated success in managing complex event operations, scheduling systems, and logistical coordination for diverse audiences and event types.
Proven ability to develop and implement efficient systems, policies, and procedures that improve consistency, compliance, and effectiveness.
Experience using data and performance metrics (KPIs, reporting, dashboards) to evaluate operations and inform decisions.
Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
All candidates must show a demonstrated commitment to diversity and the university's mission, vision, and values.
Ability to work nights and weekends to support events as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education or mission-driven organizations.
Proficiency with event management and CRM systems (e.g., EMS, Social Tables, Raiser's Edge, Cvent, or similar tools).
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, optimize processes, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
Skilled in vendor negotiation, contract management, and partnership coordination.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to build trust and collaboration across departments and teams.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance

Salary Range: $85,000 - $89,000

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

Hybrid Eligible

This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university's discretion.

To apply, please visit: https://seattleu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/8/home/requisition/2989?c=seattleu

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