What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Conferences and Events position at Drake University?
Position Number: 998458
Unit/Department: Conferences and Events
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate
Department Summary:
The Director of Conferences and Events is a strategic leader responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of university-wide events, external conferences, and community engagements. This role enhances Drake University’s visibility, fosters internal and external partnerships, and drives revenue through high-quality event experiences.
The Director will lead a team to deliver exceptional service, manage logistics, and ensure alignment with the university’s mission and brand. This position requires a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and detail-oriented professional with a passion for relationship-building and strategic growth.
Job Summary:
- Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for university conferences and events.
- Create and execute a 3-year revenue growth plan targeting a 7% annual increase.
- Establish performance metrics and reporting systems to track event success and financial outcomes.
- Campus Engagement
- Forge strong, collaborative relationships with campus constituents including academic departments, student organizations, and administrative units.
- Serve as a liaison to ensure alignment of event goals with institutional priorities.
- Community Outreach
- Initiate and cultivate partnerships with key community stakeholders such as Des Moines Public Schools and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
- Expand Drake’s presence in the local community through co-hosted events and shared initiatives.
- Operational Oversight
- Oversee the scheduling, budgeting, staffing, and execution of all university-hosted and third-party events.
- Ensure compliance with university policies, safety regulations, and accessibility standards.
- Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts to optimize service and cost-efficiency.
- Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing events team.
- Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's and 3 years of experience in Events Management or related activities.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's and 5 years of experience in Events Management or related activities.
Job Duties:
- 40% - Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department
- 20% - Recruits, trains, and supervises student conference staff
- 15% - Develops plans and coordinates large scale, high profile events and summer conference/off season rental opportunities generating net revenues to the goal agreed upon with the supervisor
- 5% - Develops the conference/event business through relationships as well as marketing
- 5% - Works with campus community and external clients to schedule all conference needs into the appropriate campus facilities and residences based on date and type of program, projected number of attendees, dining service needs and other requirements such as meeting and group spaces
- 5% - Coverage of external events and conferences on evenings and weekends when necessary
- 5% - Other duties as assigned
Salary and Benefits:
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.