Associate Director of University Events

Christopher Newport University, United States

Updated: about 18 hours ago
Location: Newport News, VIRGINIA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Working Title Associate Director of University Events
Position Number FA278
FLSA Exempt
Appointment Type Full Time
Sensitive Position No
Sensitive Position Statement
A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check.
This is NOT a sensitive position.
Campus Security Authority No
Campus Security Authority Statement
This position is NOT designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.” A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.
Designated Personnel No
Designated Personnel Statement
A “designated position” could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing. This is NOT a “designated position.”
Statement of Economic Interest No
Statement of Economic Interest Statement
This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.
Restricted Position No
Restricted Position Statement
A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding. This is NOT a restricted position.
Chief Objective of Position
In consultation with the Director of University Events, Executive Director of University Events, and Senior Administration, and collaboration with the University Events Team, designs, plans, implements, and staffs an annual set of over 150 special events to include: commencement, convocations, admission events, advancement/fundraising events, Board of Visitors’ meetings and events, presidential meetings and events, ceremonial events and anniversaries, welcome week and getting started week events, president’s dessert series, family weekend, homecoming, holiday events, high-profile faculty events, high-profile athletics events, faculty/staff appreciation events, dedications, groundbreakings, and other events, as assigned.
Work Tasks
  • Plan and staff presidential-priority university events from concept to execution.
  • Assist in ensuring that scheduled activities are smoothly integrated with daily University operations. Works closely with Facilities Support, Catering, and other University service departments to coordinate services and staffing schedules with other campus events.
  • Develop and oversee logistical arrangements including facility and menu negotiations, managing event follow up, and making recommendations for improvements from post-event evaluations.
  • Collaborate with team members, engagingly with open communication to empower and contribute to a successful events team.
  • Ensure events are aligned with the University’s mission, vision, and values as guiding principles.
  • Develop and maintain a tracking system with detailed reports to document facility use, support and income opportunities.
  • Maintain accurate records of events, including the purpose of event, vendors, guest lists, attendance counts; providing partner departments with final data following each event.
  • Manage the RSVP process, data management and mailing list creation for all events.
  • Develop and maintain detailed guidelines and protocols for appropriately managing events and develops and implements procedures needed to support the efficient use of institutional resources.
  • Leads strategic planning and execution of events that support current and future comprehensive campaigns, to include audience engagement strategies, and institutional priorities.
  • Responsible for identifying, developing, and driving solutions to challenges in consultation with the Director of University Events.
  • Attends weekly meeting; providing detailed event information for meetings.
  • Work with Director of Scheduling, Events and Conferences providing information to Scheduling, Events and Conferences, Auxiliary Services and the University.
  • Maintain and update the University events webpage, social media channels, as well as utilizing Slate for online registration sites, forms, and emails.
  • Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, and supervision of staff and interns, as necessary.
  • Manage and serve as host for events at the President’s House, including rentals and outside events.
  • Create original graphic and written content for invitations, signage, print and digital collateral materials.
  • Prepare, execute, and monitor event budgets and financial data to control costs and ensure financial goals are achieved and operations meet budgetary parameters.
  • Maintain relationships with vendors and coordinate vendors’ and contractors’ services as needed.
  • Provide consultation and support, as required, to on-campus events that involve the Office of the President.
  • Assist other campus departments in assessing and evaluating on-campus events to support or improve events, as directed by the Executive Director or President.
  • Provide backup to Alumni Relations events, as needed.
  • Safeguards the confidentiality of departmental or office administration by exercising discretion in communicating information to faculty, students, staff, and handling confidential departmental records and files.
  • Provides exceptional customer service to the CNU community, welcomes visitors, and answers questions regarding University events.
  • Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Fully support the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
  • This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
  • Review and communicate safety issues to assure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work related absence.
  • Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state and federal guidelines.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
  • Knowledge of the methods, best practices materials, equipment and techniques used for event preparation, coordination and executive.
  • Knowledge of traditional etiquette, ceremonial protocol and conventional social amenities.
  • Ability to analyze situations and develop solutions; travel and work non-traditional hours; manage people and projects.
  • Ability to foster positive internal and external public relations.
  • Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with strong conflict resolution skills.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Strong computer skills.
  • Basic website maintenance, phone and email skills.
  • Ability to apply critical thinking and drive strategic decision-making; while exercising flexibility and work calmly and efficiently under pressure.
  • Ability to demonstrate high ethical standards, tact, and diplomacy to work within the university’s hierarchy; maintains confidentiality.
  • Capacity to recognize public relations matters about the standards of the president and the trustees’ philosophy.
  • Excellent fiscal management skills.
Required Education
A Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree and experience that equates to an advanced degree is required at time of start date.
Additional Consideration - Education
Experience Required
  • Experience coordinating a wide-variety of events.
  • Basic experience with graphic design to create invitations, flyers, emails and social media marketing.
  • Experience planning and/or executing Admission or Advancement/fundraising events.
  • Experience managing budgets
  • Experience with the physical set-up and break down of events.
  • Experience as the lead planner for events.
Additional Consideration - Experience
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite or similar products and app-based event management/check-in tools.
  • Experience with the methods, materials, equipment and techniques used for lighting and sound at events.
  • Experience in a College or University setting.
Salary Information Starting at $67,300, Commensurate with Education and Experience
CNU Information
Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.
Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu .
Is this position telework eligible? No
Telework Eligibility Disclaimer

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number AP407P
Number of Vacancies 1
Posting Date 06/25/2025
Review Begin Date 07/16/2025
Application Instructions
Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.
This position will be posted until filled, however for priority consideration, please apply by July 16th, 2025.
Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/19370
EEO/Diversity Statement(s)
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement

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