Senior Director of Events and Programming

About the role

The Senior Director of Events & Business Development is responsible for driving the strategic growth, financial performance, and operational excellence of the Brandeis-Bardin Campus event business. This leadership role oversees business development, sales, client experience, hospitality operations, budgeting, and team leadership to maximize earned revenue while delivering exceptional experiences for guests and partners.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Business Development & Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute the annual business development and event revenue strategy for BBC.
• Identify and cultivate new corporate, nonprofit, production, retreat, and special event clients.
• Build strategic partnerships that increase year-round utilization of campus facilities.
• Expand repeat business through exceptional client relationship management.
• Establish annual sales goals, KPIs, and revenue forecasts.

• Sales Growth & Leadership

• Lead all sales, marketing, and client acquisition efforts to maximize campus utilization and earned revenue.
• Develop pricing strategies and sales initiatives that optimize profitability.
• Analyze market trends, competitive positioning, and customer demand to identify new revenue opportunities.
• Personally lead negotiations for high-value contracts and strategic partnerships.

• Partner with leadership to develop and manage the annual department operating budget.
• Monitor monthly financial performance against budget.
• Drive profitability while maintaining exceptional service standards.
• Recommend capital investments that enhance revenue generation.
• Prepare business performance reports and financial forecasts for executive leadership.

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing events and hospitality team.
• Establish a culture of accountability, customer service, innovation, and collaboration.
• Set clear performance expectations and measurable goals.
• Build leadership capacity within the department through coaching and mentorship.
• Serve as a member of the BBC leadership team.
• Contribute to the long-term vision and strategic development of the Brandeis-Bardin Campus.
• Identify emerging market opportunities that support AJU's mission while increasing earned revenue.
• Partner with executive leadership on AJU and campus-wide initiatives and major institutional events.

• Ensure operational excellence across all events from contract execution through post-event evaluation.
• Develop scalable processes that improve efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with Facilities, Camp, Programming, Security, Food Service, and other AJU departments to ensure seamless execution.
• Continuously improve systems, policies, and workflows supporting campus events.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality, event management, venue management, business development, or related field.
• Demonstrated success leading revenue-producing operations.
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Proven record of increasing revenue through strategic sales and partnerships.
• Strong people leadership with experience developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent executive communication and negotiation skills.
• Able to balance strategic planning with operational execution.
• Mastery of quality standards associated with event management, food production, and customer service.
• Able to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• High attention to detail and sense of urgency.
• Tech-savvy and effective communicator.
• Positive, professional, and service-oriented leadership style.
• Able to maintain predictable and reliable attendance.
• Able to lift, push, pull, and carry objects (25 lbs.), such as catering supplies.
• Able to move throughout campus and to off-site locations as needed.

Compensation

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 annually. American Jewish University offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan participation; paid time off; and other employee benefits. AJU participates in the federal government's E-Verify program to determine employment eligibility. To learn more about the E-Verify program, please CLICK HERE.