Director, Event and Conference Services

Department: Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Louisville – Shelby Campus

Full-time, regular position

About the role

The Event and Conference Services team in the Department of Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Louisville is seeking a Director to provide overall leadership of the Shelby Campus Conference Center. The Director sets the vision, establishes strategic direction, develops operational goals and plans, and provides day-to-day leadership for successful operation of the unit, including conference center operations, sales and marketing, leasing management, and stewardship of Shelby Campus.

Responsibilities

• Unit Leadership – 20%
  • Hire, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate staff to meet business needs and ensure professional development.
  • Establish and maintain a healthy, inclusive, and positive work environment.
  • Communicate university and Delphi Center policies and ensure compliance.
  • Develop and optimize unit policies, procedures, and systems for continuous improvement in efficiency, effectiveness, productivity, and profitability.
  • Consult with university business operations, procurement, University Counsel, and other leaders to ensure compliance with policies.
  • Participate in Delphi Leadership Team meetings and activities to support division-wide initiatives.
• Finance and Operations – 20%
  • Develop and manage the unit’s financial budget.
  • Collaborate with the Delphi Center business office to monitor and update financial performance using Momentus and other tools for forecasting and data analysis.
  • Provide monthly and year-end financial reporting to the Vice Provost.
  • Oversee and manage all leasing operations, including sales, contract development, and execution for new and renewing tenants.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for tenants.
  • Maximize revenue potential by leasing unused or underutilized space.
  • Act as the university liaison for security, maintenance, and stewardship of Shelby Campus buildings and grounds.
  • Collaborate with university departments (e.g., physical plant, UPDC, campus police) and external partners (e.g., NTS).
• Sales – 60%
  • Formulate a multi-faceted sales and business development plan to maximize conference center occupancy and meet revenue and profitability goals.
  • Collaborate with the Delphi Center marketing department on communications, promotions, and social media.
  • Execute day-to-day sales operations, including responding to inquiries, converting prospects to bookings, conducting tours, writing proposals, and managing contracts.
  • Ensure seamless transitions from sales to execution.
  • Provide outstanding customer service to ensure client satisfaction and increase repeat bookings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and eight (8) years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in venue management, with at least two years in a leadership/supervisory role (preferred).
• Experience in a higher education venue (preferred).

Skills

• Thorough understanding of sales strategies and tactics with demonstrated success in sales and business development.
• Knowledge of event planning and catering best practices.
• Experience with budgeting and financial management of a program or department.
• High degree of competence using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat; experience with Visio is a plus.
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software; experience with Momentus (formerly Ungerboeck) is a plus.
• Competence using social media platforms for business development.
• Knowledge of and established relationships in the local business community (preferred).
• Leadership: Ability to inspire and lead a team toward a common vision, establish strategic goals, and demonstrate professionalism and integrity.
• Analysis and problem-solving: Ability to gather, analyze, and evaluate data to inform business decisions and generate solutions.
• Interpersonal and communication skills: Ability to build strong working relationships and communicate effectively with staff, colleagues, leadership, and external partners.
• Supervisory skills: Ability to communicate expectations, delegate tasks, provide training and mentoring, resolve conflicts, and deliver performance feedback.
• Organization and project management: Ability to manage time, resources, and multiple projects effectively while meeting targets.

Schedule

Full-time position with a 37.5-hour workweek. Flexible hours may be considered between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM (ET), Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

Pay

Targeted salary of $94,000. Compensation will be commensurate with candidate experience.