Conferences & Events Manager

Quinnipiac University invites applications for the position of Conferences & Events Manager, a key role responsible for leading the planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of conferences, summer programs, and campus events. In this highly collaborative role, the manager serves as the primary client partner from contract through program completion, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience for both internal and external stakeholders.

About Quinnipiac

Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university enrolls 9,700 students in over 100-degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Computing & Engineering, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and the College of Arts & Sciences. Quinnipiac’s 22 Division I teams have achieved national and conference titles, including a 2023 NCAA national championship in men’s ice hockey and NCAA Tournament appearances by multiple programs. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized for public opinion research, and the university is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review, and The Wall Street Journal (#51 nationally, #2 in Connecticut for graduation rate, salary impact, and career preparation). Quinnipiac is expanding programs for traditional and adult learners, developing strategic partnerships, and recently opened South Quad with three state-of-the-art buildings. The university is guided by core values of lifelong partnership, community care, inclusivity, and bold innovation.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute a high-volume portfolio of one-day events, multi-day conferences, and summer academic and athletic residential programs.
• Serve as the primary client relationship manager from post-contract through program completion.
• Provide consultative planning support through site visits and planning calls, advising clients on menu selection, agenda development, and event flow.
• Coordinate housing, dining, meeting space, athletic facilities, and support services in partnership with campus stakeholders.
• Utilize the project management system to track complex program logistics, ensuring operational readiness and proactive issue resolution.
• Independently manage 75+ events annually, balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Support business development efforts by assisting with front-end inquiry intake procedures to maintain strong conversion rates.
• Assist with site visits, proposal development, and contract preparation as needed.
• Support program registration using the preferred platform to collect participant data, process payments, and distribute pre-event communications.
• Cultivate repeat business and long-term client relationships through high-quality service delivery and proactive account management.
• Contribute to summer operations planning, staffing models, and space optimization initiatives.
• Assist in the development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures and service guidelines.
• Supervise, train, and provide day-to-day direction to student and seasonal staff as assigned.
• Provide on-site operational leadership during programs, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Model and promote a professional, service-oriented, and inclusive team culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing conferences, events, or summer programs in a university or comparable environment.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-day residential programs and high-volume summer operations.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and client relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and event management, housing, or scheduling systems.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a revenue-generating auxiliary, conference services, or similar operation.
• Familiarity with contract administration, risk management, and campus compliance requirements.
• Experience supervising student or seasonal staff.
• Working knowledge of campus housing, dining, and facilities operations.

Schedule

This position requires schedule flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and extended hours during peak summer and event periods. On-campus presence is required during active programs and events.

Benefits

Quinnipiac University offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time faculty and staff, including tuition remission and a culture that is inclusive and driven by excellence.