Summary and Purpose:
This position provides event planning and coordination support to the Conferencing and Event Services office at Aquinas College. This position focuses on event planning, generating and maintaining external revenue streams, and managing internal campus event planning and coordination. The position must maintain positive relationships with both internal and external clients.
Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks/Essential Functions:

• Provides event consultation, planning, and development for both internal and external clients for a variety of campus facilities and space.
• Develops external relationships and partnerships for potential revenue streams and maintains a consistent portfolio of external business and revenue opportunities.
• Ensures effective day-to-day operations of the Conference and Event Planning Department.
• Assists in the management and maintenance of the Department software systems and event management tools (EMS, event diagramming, etc).
• Provides exceptional customer service for event inquiries, both internal and external.
• Prepares and finalizes invoices for events, collects payments for event rentals, and prepares and verifies contracts between rental clients and approved vendors.
• Prepares vendor contracts and provides preferred vendors lists to external clients, ensuring the campus is used following guidelines and policies.
• Understands and implements Aquinas College policies and procedures as they relate to space usage and rental agreements.
• Attends periodic meetings with other department managers and directors.
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Education Requirements

• Associate's degree in Event Planning, Management, Hospitality, or related field OR a minimum of 3-5 years office work, preferably in event planning
• Experience managing external vendors and/or service providers
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EMS (scheduling software) preferred
• Use of typical office equipment (computer, fax machine, phone, copier, etc)

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability and willingness to work a varied schedule
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage relations and handle conflict resolution required
• Ability to maintain professionalism when interacting with staff and clients required
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Bending and stooping
• Walking across campus/driving to several on-campus event locations

MISSION, VISION, VALUES:
Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.
Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares individuals for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global community. Aquinas College is recognized by its values: Faith, Service, Learning and Community.
Aquinas College prides itself as a leader in sustainability, and this requires the participation of every member of the college community. In this regard, employees and their supervisors are expected to engage in the process of "appreciative inquiry" to identify ways that each position can advance sustainability in the employment experience.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the Aquinas College Service Statement:
The College serves our community with excellence and respect through an institutional commitment to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism and responsiveness.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition. Aquinas College provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College values: Faith, Learning, Service and Community.
Aquinas College offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid vacation each year, 16 paid holidays, paid sick time and short-term disability, and college-paid life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, Aquinas employees and their dependents are eligible for free tuition at Aquinas after one year of full-time employment.