Director, Executive Events

Job Summary

The Director for Executive Events is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of high-profile executive events on behalf of The University of Akron, including those hosted by the Offices of the President, Board of Trustees, Advancement, and the Alumni Association. This role serves as a key partner to senior leadership, ensuring events advance institutional priorities, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, and reflect the University’s brand and standards of excellence.

Essential Functions

• Conceive, plan, manage, and coordinate executive events, including detailed planning and budgeting, while serving as a liaison between participants and the Offices of the President, Board of Trustees, Advancement, and the Alumni Association.
• Serve as the primary liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including trustees, donors, alumni, students, community leaders, elected officials, and visiting dignitaries.
• Develop and maintain accurate and up-to-date mailing and invitation lists, as well as manage RSVPs using University-approved systems.
• Oversee or assist in the creation, production, and distribution of promotional and informational materials for executive events in accordance with University brand standards.
• Provide on-site leadership and real-time problem-solving during events to ensure seamless execution.
• Evaluate event outcomes and recommend enhancements to improve future executive programming.
• Draft related correspondence on behalf of the President, Board of Trustees and/or Vice President for University Engagement.

Education & Experience

• Requires a relevant bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of special events experience, including budget management related to special events.
• Strong communication, organizational and relationship skills and the ability to work well independently required.
• Experience working in a university or other higher-education setting is preferred, as is knowledge of university resources, procedures, staff and constituencies.

Leadership

• Functional guidance over nonexempt staff including general scheduling, assigning tasks and monitoring work activities.

Physical Requirements

• Light physical effort required involving stooping and bending; individual has limited discretion about walking, standing, etc. occasionally lifting of lightweight objects (up to 25 lbs.).

Application Instructions

To be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume, cover letter and 3 references.

Compensation

The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.

Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

United States of America (Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if Applicable)

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Cindy Harm
Email: charm@uakron.edu

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Equal Opportunity Employer

including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.