University Events Operations Manager

Position Purpose: The University Events Operations Manager ensures every Brand Experience-managed event is executed safely, efficiently, and consistently by coordinating facilities, logistics, operational assets, concessions, staffing resources, and event systems. This position serves as the operational bridge between event planning and event execution, enabling the Office of Brand Experience to deliver exceptional experiences for students, faculty, staff, alumni, clients, and guests. 

Position Summary: The University Events Operations Manager is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations of the Purser Center and supporting the operational execution of university events managed by the Office of Brand Experience. Working collaboratively with the University Event Planner, this position ensures a seamless transition from event planning to operational execution. The Operations Manager coordinates vendors, campus partners, operational staffing resources, building management coverage, concessions, fleet logistics, equipment, and operational assets while serving as the primary operational lead during assigned events. 

Operational Readiness: 

• Coordinate operational readiness of the Purser Center and all Brand Experience-managed event locations. 

• Ensure facilities, equipment, operational assets, and event spaces are prepared for successful execution. 

• Coordinate with Facilities, Security, Custodial Services, and campus partners to resolve operational needs. 

• Implement established operational procedures, safety protocols, and service standards. 

Event Execution & Building Management: 

• Serve as the primary operational lead during assigned Brand Experience-managed events. 

• Coordinate seasonal Building Manager schedules and event coverage. 

• Execute events using approved EMS documentation and event plans. 

• Direct setup, event execution, teardown, and venue restoration. 

• Make operational decisions during assigned events and escalate significant issues appropriately. 

Operational Staffing Coordination: 

• Coordinate operational staffing resources, including contract labor, student employees, and temporary event staff. 

• Provide day-of-event direction and operational guidance. 

• Support onboarding and training of event personnel. 

• May assume supervisory responsibilities as departmental operational needs evolve. 

Concessions Operations: 

• Coordinate concessions operations for university events and external rentals. 

• Maintain inventory, equipment readiness, purchasing recommendations, and food safety compliance. 

Operational Assets & Inventory: 

• Maintain and track operational assets, including furniture, décor, signage, radios, commencement inventory, registration supplies, branded materials, concessions equipment, and storage areas. 

• Coordinate inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement recommendations. 

Event Logistics & Fleet Coordination: 

• Coordinate loading plans, delivery schedules, vehicle reservations, equipment transportation, vendor arrivals, and movement of event assets between campus locations. 

Continuous Improvement:

• Conduct post-event operational reviews and recommend process improvements. 

• Support ongoing refinement of operational procedures and planning-to-execution workflows. 

Core Competencies: 

• Operational Planning 

• Event Logistics 

• Customer Service 

• Communication 

• Organization 

• Problem Solving 

• Adaptability 

• Safety Awareness 

• Resource Coordination 

• Team Collaboration 

Decision-Making Authority:

• Make operational decisions during assigned events. 

• Modify staffing assignments based on operational needs. 

• Coordinate vendor activities and operational logistics. 

• Address facility issues affecting event execution. 

• Escalate significant financial, contractual, legal, or reputational matters to the Executive Director of Brand Experience. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 

• Minimum of three years of experience in event operations, venue operations, hospitality, higher education events, or a related field. 

• Experience coordinating multiple events simultaneously. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with EMS or comparable event management software. 

• Experience coordinating university ceremonies or institutional events. 

• Experience with concessions, inventory management, and logistics. 

Key Performance Expectations: 

• Event spaces operationally ready on time. 

• Accurate event setups and breakdowns. 

• High operational asset readiness. 

• Positive stakeholder satisfaction. 

• Inventory accuracy. 

• Safety compliance. 

• Effective concessions management. 

• Timely operational documentation. 

• Continuous process improvement. 

Working Conditions: 

• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and seasonal workload fluctuations. 

• Lift up to 50 pounds. 

• Work up to 12-hour event shifts. 

• Frequent walking, standing, and equipment movement.