Associate Vice President for Conferences and Events

Overview:
The Associate Vice President for Conferences and Events plays a pivotal role in leading a revenue generating operation for the year-round use of campus for conferences, events, and gatherings hosted by the university. This position is responsible for strategically attracting external partners for use of campus and plan, execute, and enhance the university’s event experiences. The AVP collaborates with various stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners, to create memorable and impactful events that align with the institution’s strategic mission and values of pipeline development, alternative revenue growth, lifelong learning, and continuous alumni engagement.

About Quinnipiac:
Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university currently has an enrollment of 9,000 students in more than 130 degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Computing, and Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Our 21 Division I teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting multiple conference titles. This includes a 2023 NCAA National Championship win in ice hockey, a three-time defending national champion women's rugby team, and a trip to the Sweet 16 for our women's basketball team. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized as a leader in public opinion research, and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review's "The Best 388 Colleges." The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, attraction of diverse communities, development of innovative corporate partnerships, and construction of an ambitious set of capital projects. For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Implementation

• Leads a collaborative approach and guides the university in the year-round use of campus engaging and cultivating support from internal constituents for a wide range of events including but not limited to: corporate retreats, performance space, athletic tournaments and professional conferences, society events, expansion of youth camps, adult learning, etc.
• Oversees and provides strategic guidance to a team of event planning professionals who have responsibility for convocation, Bobcat (parent and alumni) weekend, commencement, and presidential and development events.
• Creates comprehensive staffing plans, at times hiring external vendors or securing staff overtime, to ensure the success of large-scale events.
• Identifies and builds infrastructure and systems with ITS, facilities, HR, and other units that allows for the success of the year-round use of campus.
• Develops long- and short-term strategies to enhance the university’s conference and event offerings.
• Sets measurable goals with a pre-determined margin for fundraising, attendance, and participant satisfaction.
• Collaborates with other university departments to align event planning with broader institutional objectives.

Marketing, Promotion and Revenue Generation

• Develops a sophisticated P&L and create a significant revenue generating unit with notable year over year growth
• Develops marketing plans to attract business clients, participants and promote the year-round use of campus for university events.
• Collaborates with the Marcom team to create compelling event materials.
• Utilizes digital platforms, social media, and traditional channels to reach target audiences.

Event Logistics and Execution

• Spearhead the implementation of an online registration, billing system, standard room use rate sheet, shared calendar for key rental spaces, Tech/AV support plan, and RA training plan for U18 camp attendees, etc.
• Establishes events calendar and use conditions and priorities around summer use of new buildings.
• Oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of conferences, workshops, seminars, and other events.
• Manages event budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships and identifies revenue-generating opportunities.
• Coordinates with the CXO on a plan for food services, especially when university classes are not in session.
• Ensures seamless logistics, including venue selection, catering, transportation, and audiovisual needs.

Participant Experience and Engagement

• Works with internal constituents to develop and enhance delivery of experience.
• Using exit surveys and other quantitative and qualitative data to enhance participant experience and event effectiveness.
• Implements improvements based on participant input.

Collaboration and Relationship Building

• Works closely with academic departments, student organizations, and external partners.
• Builds strong relationships with industry professionals, alumni, and community members.
• Represents the university at relevant conferences and industry gatherings.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensures compliance with university policies, legal requirements, and safety protocols including the creation of a legal toolkit (liability insurance, health forms, background checks, etc.).
• Addresses any potential risks related to events.
• Develops contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervises a team responsible for event planning, logistics, and execution.
• Provides mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required in business management, marketing, hospitality, food and beverage, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred

Qualifications:

• 7-10 years of experience in organizing, booking, and operating large- and small-scale events conferences and events planning in a senior level role
• Operational knowledge of development of risk management strategy related to hosting large-scale arena events and overnight camps
• Prior responsibility in daily profit and loss management and budget development and oversight
• Strong leadership skills
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks under pressure
• Experience in higher education or similar institutions is highly desirable
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and a commitment to diversity and inclusion

Special Instructions to Applicants:

TO APPLY:

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a resume, cover letter addressing how your experience supports the requirements of this position and Quinnipiac' commitment to diversity and inclusion, and contact information for three references on the application form.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time faculty and staff which includes tuition remission and a culture that is inclusive and driven by excellence.

Quinnipiac University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Advertised: July 11, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: