Director, Conference and Event Services

Saint Anselm College, a private, liberal arts college in the Benedictine tradition, is seeking an experienced Director of Conference and Event Services. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Facilities and Auxiliary Services, the Director of Conference and Event Services provides strategic vision and leadership for all campus conferences and events, with a particular emphasis on securing new external clients and increasing revenue-generating activities. The Director is responsible for the solicitation, planning, coordination, and successful execution of high-quality events in alignment with the College’s goals and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the College’s conference and event services.
  • Develop and revise services, policies, and procedures in alignment with institutional objectives and resources.
  • Serve as the primary liaison (“one-stop shop”) for clients, coordinating logistics with campus partners including Audio/Visual and IT, Facilities, Housing, Dining, Campus Safety & Security, Athletics, and others.
  • Chair the Campus Calendar Committee to ensure that all stakeholders in various College departments understand and effectively schedule around the various annual and College’s signature events.
  • Serve as the campus contact for all television networks in support of all large political events.

• Staff Supervision
  • Recruit, train, and supervise professional and student staff, fostering a service-oriented and efficient team environment.

• Event Execution
  • Lead and manage all major campus events to ensure seamless coordination and delivery in collaboration with internal service providers.
  • Communicate and resolve issues promptly with event organizers and clients.

• Business Development and Marketing
  • Create and implement a comprehensive marketing plan targeting external clientele, including promotional materials (website, brochures, advertising).
  • Cultivate new conference and event business through professional networks, trade shows, community contacts, and convention & visitor bureaus.
  • Respond to RFPs and conduct campus tours for prospective clients.

• Client and Contract Management
  • Schedule and manage all conference needs across campus facilities and residence halls.
  • Generate contracts and manage compliance with insurance and College policy requirements.

• Financial Oversight
  • Develop and maintain department operating and capital budgets.
  • Oversee billing, accounting, and maintain comprehensive financial records for all events and conference operations.

• Technology and Resources
  • Administration of campus events software (EMS) Events Management Software
  • Recommend and oversee the acquisition of new equipment and software to support operational efficiency.

• Professional Development
  • Engage in continuing education and networking through relevant organizations such as the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International (ACCED-I).
  • Stay current with trends and developments in conference and event management.

• Other Duties
  • Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and goals of the department and the College.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably in higher education or a comparable environment.
• Proven experience in marketing, sales, and event or conference services; familiarity with higher education settings strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational, supervisory, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Creative thinker with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software and scheduling platforms. (Microsoft Suite, EMS, SchoolDude, StarRez, etc.)
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be detail-oriented and deadline-driven

Successful candidates will be able to assist the college in advancing its Catholic identity and strategic priorities, which include institution-wide diversity and inclusiveness.