Associate Director of Business Development (17541)

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About the Department/Unit

Summary/Objective

The Associate Director, Conference Business Development is a member of the University Conference & Guest Services team within the Auxiliary Services/Finance division. This position is responsible for managing information systems that improve the overall offering of conference services, as well communicating and reporting on the development of those systems. This position also supervises (5) front-line Conference Coordinators, who oversee the day-to-day conference and events year-round. This position supports the CRM and automation software platforms that are applicable to growing revenue. This position is responsible for marketing and sales of the daily conference operations for internal and external clients. This position will also implement excute high level internal and external client contracts. This position works under the general supervision of the Director of University Conference & Guest Services and uses independent decision-making responsibilities on a day-to-day basis. Requires some non-traditional hours during peak operational periods.

Essential Functions

1. Systems Administration: Manage and develop CRM system to support larger communications strategies within the department and to more effectively drive and track sales. Collaborates with UCGS Coordinator team to ensure they are knowledgeable on the various systems within AU to complete tasks such as space reservation, contracts, dining and access.
2. Human Resource and Supervision: Supervise (4) four of the Conference Operations Coordinators, the (1) one Communication & Guest Services Coordinator. Supervise the day-to-day operations of the summer conference marketing and sales initiatives in relation to client hand-off to the University Conference & Guest Services Coordinators. Advise and train the (5) Coordinators who supervise the 70 summer student staff.
3. Marketing: Recruit prospective conference groups and facilitate tours of residence halls and other campus facilities, whether in person or virtual. Create a marketing plan and branding campaign with the focus on different conference populations including, but not limited to: AU students, interns, internal conferences, intern groups, youth conferences, adult conferences and executive conferences.
4. Communications: Develop and maintain intake practices, including the successful implementation of proposal responses and communications campaigns within the Customer Relationship Management software (CRM), as well as the eventual hand-off of new business to operations team for quotes and contracting. Communicate with university partners, including dining services, scheduling, and information technology teams to ensure partner resources are available to the conference operations team as well as the clients.
5. On-Call Emergency Response / After Hours Responsibility: Participate in 24 hour “on-call” coverage for conference operations during the summer months in rotation with the Director and Assistant Director of University of Conference & Guest Services within the campus-wide Campus Life on-call system. Refer all crises/emergencies to Public Safety and the OCL Contact on duty.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Supervise (5) full-time entry level staff.

Work Environment

• September through February— 3 days at work ; 2 days at home; rotating every other Friday.
• March-August— 4 days at work 1 day at home due to conference peak season. Hours 8am-4pm or 9am-5pm.
• Requires some non-traditional hours during peak operational periods.
• Travel once a year to a marketing conference.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time
• Project Leader/Advisor B
• Exempt

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s degree preferred in Business Administration and/or Marketing) or equivalent in education, training and/or experience and experience in event planning, summer conferences, marketing, or higher education administration required.
• 4-6 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree or equivalent.
• Computer experience, particularly in database and spreadsheet applications, required. Must be able to prioritize, balance, and complete multiple tasks with direct but minimal supervision.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive

Others

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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