Director Of Special Events

Posting Summary

Monday - Friday; 8:30am - 5pm; Some evenings and weekends as needed are required.

About USC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

Benefits for FTE Positions

Position Description

Director of Special Events
University of South Carolina Upstate
STA01392PO23
Spartanburg, SC
Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, the Director for University Events and Facilities Scheduling is responsible for the leadership and day-to-day management of the department full cycle. The director oversees the planning and coordination of all annual campus-wide events in which university administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, and prospective students are in attendance. Builds relationships and partnerships with Athletics, Student Affairs, Dining, IT, Facility Services, University Advancement, local leaders, school districts and others, to grow and support a conference services program which generates revenue, but more importantly serves to introduce USC Upstate to a broader audience, including prospective students.

Master's degree and 1 year related experience, of progressively responsible administrative experience in an appropriate setting (e.g., corporate, civic, hospitality, university), or a bachelor's degree and 3 years related experience; or equivalency. A valid driver's license, good driving record and a successful background check is required.

Good salesmanship, marketing, coordinating and event planning skills. Understanding of and commitment to the quality assurance in programming and coordination of functions. Excellent teamwork and communication skills- both written and verbal. Strong knowledge of various technologies and software's to assist in maintaining schedules, processing correspondence and meeting commitments is essential. Handles information including confidential appropriately.

Job Duties

Provides strategic planning and leadership, supervising a team of full-time and part-staff members to ensure that each is well prepared to provide excellent customer service to the campus community as well as all visitors. Determines needs, work assignments and work schedules that includes frequent interaction with Facilities Management to provide support services. Hires, develops and evaluates personnel. Oversight of departmental administrative, financial and event functions.

Works closely with on-campus constituents and external clients that request University facilities and provides comprehensive support services for events/conferences including room arrangements, supervisors, security, and the coordination of technical services. Works closely with support service departments to facilitate efficient and effective utilization of campus facilities and manages necessary details to communicate event needs to these departments.

Collaborate with campus leadership and constituencies to ensure that campus-wide events including commencement, convocation and executive events are planned and executed to the highest standards and expectations. Manage all aspects of logistics and planning including food services, space needs, staffing, audio-visual equipment, furniture and all other event management duties to support the needs of clients across campus. Actively participate in the planning committees for all major events on campus supporting academics, students, and staff activities.

Develops and maintains an up-to-date inventory of all Special Events assets, including furniture, lighting, and audio-visual equipment, and regularly test and evaluate systems to ensure high levels of performance and function for events and conferences. Administers an annual budget and develop polices and systems for enforcement and oversight of in inventory control consistent with university procurement and accounting procedures.

Serves as the Functional System Administrator for the 25Live enterprise application requiring frequent collaboration with campus constituents for events. Provides overall management of the University non-academic scheduling and is responsible for ensuring a high level of quality customer service in a high volume, multi-faceted environment.

Develops a long-term business strategy fostering a portfolio of client groups that promotes University initiatives. Programs will occur both during summer and academic year sessions, where practical. Oversees customer relations and nurtures strong relationships with clients while continually seeking revenue opportunities. Responsible for client acquisition and retention, contract management, all other logistics planning.

Other duties as assigned.

Position Attributes

Posting Detail Information

The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application.
USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.