"Associate Director for Conference and Event Services"

Job Details

Overview

Student Life is seeking an entrepreneurial and results-driven associate director to elevate the conference and events experience at Salem State University. Reporting to the associate dean for student life, you will be the key operational leader overseeing the daily operations of conference and events services and the designated representative for all internal and external clients for this high-impact area.

Key responsibilities include preparing and negotiating agreements and vendor contracts, overseeing the summer conference housing program, facility and classroom rentals for external organizations, major on-campus events, and managing the execution of deliverable required by clients. As associate director, you will provide strategic leadership and direct supervision of your team, which includes classified, professional, graduate, and student staff, while actively championing their recruitment and development.

This position demands a profit-driven focus and a commitment to exceptional service, which involves negotiating contracts, managing vendor relations, developing event budgets, and coordinating essential support across all university departments (e.g., Public Safety, Dining, Facilities). The ideal candidate will possess superb organizational and project management abilities and exceptional customer service skills to ensure every event is a successful and seamlessly executed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree
• A minimum of 5 years direct experience in conference and events management or related experience in programming or facilities management
• Experience managing budgets and negotiating agreements
• Experience collecting event data and providing reports measuring participant satisfaction and event impact
• Previous supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven years direct experience in conference and events, programming, or facilities management in a higher education or non-profit setting
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills
• A keen attention to detail, ensuring accurate work and successful execution of client deliverables

Working Location

This is an onsite position in Salem, MA with on-campus, in-person responsibilities, which may require occasional work on evenings and weekends. Virtual schedule to be determined by the needs of the department.

Application Instructions

Please apply online and attach resume and cover letter.

Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university.

This position is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship.

EEO Statement

The university considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

ADA Statement

Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. For accommodation information or requests please email eo-hr@salemstate.edu.

Recruitment Agencies

Salem State University does not partner with or accept candidates from outside staffing agencies. All hiring is managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team.