Manager of Event Services

About the role

The Manager of Event Services at Case Western Reserve University is responsible for coordinating and supporting comprehensive event services within the Student Centers, including Thwing Student Center, Eldred Hall, and satellite spaces. This position serves as the primary event services contact for student organizations, university departments, external clients, and division of student affairs partners.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary event services contact for student organizations, university departments, external clients, and division of student affairs partners.
• Consult with and advise clients to understand event goals, identify operational needs, establish timelines, and develop comprehensive event plans.
• Provide guidance related to space utilization, logistics, university policies, risk considerations, and available resources to ensure successful event outcomes.
• Provide on-site event management support for complex, high-profile, or large-scale events.
• Collaborate with student centers operations staff to support successful event execution and make real-time operational decisions and adjustments as needed.
• Audit event-related operational and safety risks by reviewing space utilization, occupancy capacities, egress routes, event layouts, food service requirements, alcohol service, insurance documentation, accessibility, and other operational considerations.
• Develop event diagrams and operational plans that ensure compliance with university policies and applicable local, state, and federal regulations while supporting safe and successful event execution.
• Cook with event support services with vendors and campus partners regarding event requirements, including room setups, audiovisual needs, staffing, security, custodial services, catering, accessibility accommodations, and other event support services.
• Serve as the liaison between clients and campus partners to ensure effective communication, coordination, and execution.
• Support division of student affairs signature events, leadership initiatives, and special projects by providing event consultation, logistical planning, operational coordination, and execution support.
• Partner with the director, associate director of engagement, divisional leaders, and campus partners to ensure events align with divisional priorities, operational standards, and the goals of the division of student affairs.
• Support student learning and leadership development by advising student organizations throughout the event planning process.
• Maintain proficiency with event management systems and related technology to support scheduling, reporting, communication, and operational efficiency.
• Develop event documentation, resource plans, and service estimates to support effective event planning and coordination.
• Collect and analyze event data, client feedback, and service metrics to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and enhance the client experience.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1 or more years of progressive professional experience, preferably in higher education hospitality, conference services, student affairs, or a related environment; or Associate's degree and 3 years of progressive professional experience in event management or related field; or High School education and 5 years of professional experience in event management or related field required.
• Required Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, university partners, vendors, and external clients; strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple events, priorities, timelines, and operational requirements simultaneously; ability to provide excellent customer service while balancing university policies, operational needs, safety considerations, and available resources; ability to build positive relationships and create a welcoming environment while maintaining appropriate boundaries and making sound decisions; strong problem-solving skills with the ability to assess situations, identify solutions, and make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment; high level of professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, and sound judgment when interacting with the campus community; ability to work collaboratively with students, colleagues, campus partners, and external vendors while contributing positively to a team environment; ability to manage projects independently, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines; ability to adapt to changing priorities and remain flexible in support of organizational needs; ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, customers, and visitors face-to-face and through various communication methods; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); proficiency with event management systems, scheduling software, or related technology preferred; ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest; ability to meet consistent attendance.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Ability to build positive relationships and create a welcoming environment
• Strong problem-solving skills
• High level of professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, and sound judgment
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, colleagues, campus partners, and external vendors
• Ability to manage projects independently, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and remain flexible in support of organizational needs
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, customers, and visitors face-to-face and through various communication methods
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Proficiency with event management systems, scheduling software, or related technology

Benefits

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Pay

The starting wage rate is $20.68 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Schedule

This position contributes to the effective use of university facilities, resources, and services while advancing a culture of safety, hospitality, and excellence.