Senior Manager of Events Management

Tennessee State University Office of Campus Operations invites applications for the role of Senior Manager of Events Management.

The Senior Manager of Events Management serves as the operational leader of Tennessee State University's events enterprise, responsible for executing a centralized, policy-driven, and revenue-generating events ecosystem across all university campuses and venues. Reporting to the Executive Director of Campus Operations, this role is accountable for the day-to-day execution, performance, and continuous improvement of all event-related activities, including internal events, external rentals, conferences, camps, and institutional programs.

The Senior Manager will lead the standardization of event processes, enforce university-wide governance and compliance, and drive auxiliary revenue growth through strategic utilization of campus assets. This position operates with delegated authority to manage event operations, ensure policy adherence, and deliver a consistent, high-quality client experience aligned with institutional priorities.

This role is also responsible for leading operational transformation, including system adoption (Ad Astra), process redesign, and service model implementation to support a scalable and sustainable events enterprise.

Core Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership and Event Execution
   • Provide direct operational oversight for all campus event activities from intake through execution and post-event closeout.
   • Serve as the primary operational decision-maker for event delivery, issue resolution, and service coordination.
   • Lead planning and execution of complex, high-profile, and large-scale events, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and operational readiness.
   • Oversee all event lifecycle components, including intake, approvals, planning meetings, logistics coordination, and post-event evaluation.
   • Ensure consistent execution across all venues, maintaining quality control, service standards, and compliance.
2. Governance, Policy Enforcement, and Compliance
   • Enforce all university event policies, space use guidelines, and operational procedures consistently across all event categories (internal, affiliate, external).
   • Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), intake protocols, audit frameworks, and service playbooks.
   • Ensure compliance with life safety, accessibility (ADA), risk management, and institutional policies.
   • Serve as the central authority for policy interpretation and enforcement, with the ability to escalate exceptions as required.
   • Implement and manage event audit and documentation standards to reduce institutional risk and ensure operational transparency.
3. Revenue Generation and Financial Accountability
   • Drive auxiliary revenue growth through strategic management of campus venue utilization and external partnerships.
   • Develop and implement pricing strategies, tiered fee structures, and cost-recovery models aligned with university financial objectives.
   • Monitor and report on revenue performance, booking trends, utilization rates, and financial outcomes.
   • Support budget planning and provide input on event-related financial forecasting and resource allocation.
   • Negotiate contracts, service agreements, and vendor partnerships to ensure value optimization and cost control.
4. Events Ecosystem and Cross-Functional Coordination
   • Lead coordination across Campus Operations, Facilities, Campus Police, Housing, Dining, IT, Athletics, and Student Affairs to ensure seamless event delivery.
   • Operate within a centralized events ecosystem model, ensuring alignment, communication, and accountability across all stakeholders.
   • Standardize service expectations and coordination protocols across departments supporting events.
5. Systems, Data, and Platform Management
   • Lead operational adoption and utilization of event management platforms (Ad Astra and related systems).
   • Oversee data integrity, reporting accuracy, and system-based workflows for all event activity.
   • Support the transition from legacy systems to integrated platforms, ensuring process alignment and user adoption.
   • Utilize data to inform decision-making, performance tracking, and continuous improvement efforts.
6. Staff Leadership and Performance Management
   • Provide direct supervision and leadership to event staff, including full-time, student, and temporary personnel.
   • Establish clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and service standards.
   • Conduct evaluations, provide coaching, and support professional development and cross-training.
   • Develop staffing models that support peak event periods, summer programs, and high-volume operations.
7. Client Experience and Continuous Improvement
   • Lead a client-first service model focused on responsiveness, professionalism, and hospitality.
   • Develop and implement client satisfaction metrics, feedback tools, and service benchmarks.
   • Resolve operational issues and client concerns with timely, solution-oriented approaches.
   • Continuously evaluate operations to identify opportunities for efficiency, consistency, and service enhancement.
8. Camps and Summer Program Operations
   • Oversee operational coordination of summer camps and programs, including residential and day programs.
   • Ensure compliance with registration, housing, safety, and campus use requirements.
   • Coordinate staffing, logistics, and service delivery during peak summer operations.

Performance Expectations (Key Metrics)

The Senior Manager will be evaluated based on the following:

• Revenue Growth: Year-over-year increase in event-related auxiliary revenue
• Venue Utilization: Increased booking rates and optimized use of campus spaces
• Client Satisfaction: Measurable improvements in client experience and repeat business
• Policy Compliance: Consistent enforcement and reduction in policy exceptions or violations
• Operational Efficiency: Improved turnaround times, process consistency, and service delivery
• System Adoption: Successful implementation and utilization of event management platforms
• Staff Performance: Demonstrated team accountability, development, and service excellence