Director, Event Management

Since 1892, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) has operated on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to support its intercollegiate athletic programs. Today, DIA supports 21 intercollegiate varsity sports competing in the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, providing resources for over 500 student-athletes. This ecosystem includes over 35 departments with more than 300 staff members and 80+ varsity coaches, offering championship-caliber opportunities in academics, competition, and personal and professional development.

The DIA mission is to Unify, Develop, Inspire, and Achieve for the benefit of student-athletes, the university, and the broader community. Six strategic priorities guide the department: championship people and mindset; strategic innovation and investment; athletic success; financial sustainability; winning championships; and community engagement and enrichment.

About the role

This position reports to the Associate Director of Athletics, Event Management. The Director of Event Management is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of home athletic events across multiple sports, ensuring safe, efficient, and engaging gameday experiences for student-athletes, fans, visiting teams, officials, and partners. The role supports the department’s commitment to excellence, operational integrity, and a life-changing student-athlete experience.

Impact in Your First Year

• Within 3 months: Understand DIA Strategic Priorities and communication patterns.
• Within 6 months: Assume sport leadership and oversight; collaborate with other departments.
• By the end of the first year: Implement department enhancements and gameday improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a closely related field.
• Four years (48 months) of professional work experience in Events Planning, Conference Management, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with collegiate athletics event planning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in budget and/or financial management.
• Demonstrated experience in risk and crisis management.
• Master’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with Division I collegiate athletic event planning.

Skills and Abilities

• Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institutional rules relevant to the position.
• Demonstrate professionalism and integrity to build and maintain trust with student-athletes and staff.
• Prioritize and contribute to a life-changing student-athlete experience.
• Adhere to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations.
• Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional team travel.
• Maintain professional competency and skills required for the role.

Schedule

Fast-paced, high-visibility environment with frequent evening, weekend, and holiday work. May require working in inclement weather.

Pay

Salary range is $65,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Retirement Plan.
• Paid Time Off.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service position appointed on a 12-month basis, with an expected start date as soon as possible after September 8, 2026. The position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship.