PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Assistant Director is an essential member of the Conferences and Events team, overseeing the scheduling, coordination, and safe operation of events across the Lewis & Clark campus. This position ensures smooth logistics for internal college activities and manages external venue rentals — including academic and educational programs, corporate and non-profit events, weddings, performances, and other social, cultural, and community gatherings.

This role focuses on facilities operations, logistics, and risk management, coordinating closely with Campus Safety, Facilities trades, and institutional partners in support of both complex and routine events. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment, navigating competing priorities, communicating decisively under pressure, and building collaborative relationships to support events of all sizes. Within a coordinated team model, the Assistant Director manages a portfolio of Lewis & Clark and third-party clients, contributing to both operational delivery and revenue performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Event Planning and Coordination

Oversee venue scheduling and space utilization, coordinating the booking of events and event support services in EMS Campus to balance academic priorities, institutional needs, and external use.
Guide faculty, staff, and student planners through the full event planning process — including scheduling, resource coordination, logistics, safety, accessibility, and post-event wrap-up — ensuring they understand their responsibilities at each stage.

Risk Management and Compliance

Assess event-specific risks and proactively apply and enforce safety, legal, and institutional policies in coordination with appropriate campus partners.
Manage contracts, permits, insurance certificates (COIs), and vendor agreements, ensuring compliance with College requirements and risk standards.

Venue Rentals and Client Relationship Management

Own and manage a defined portfolio of external clients and day-use event activity, balancing client service, operational feasibility, and revenue goals—particularly during peak summer periods.

Student Staff Supervision

Train, mentor, and help direct student employees.

Operations and Process Improvement

Maintain and continuously refine documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and inventory to support consistent and effective event and lodging operations.