Event Operations Assistant

Position Title:  Event Operations Assistant

Department:  Continuing Education and Professional Development

Reports To:  Executive Director, Continuing Education

Appointment:  Full-time; 40 hours per week (12-month position)

Status:  Exempt

The Event Operations Assistant is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position within the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Development. The position reports to the Division’s Executive Director.  This role offers an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who excels at logistics, enjoys helping others, and thrives in a fast-paced environment built around service, community engagement, and lifelong learning.

For nearly 70 years, Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD) has connected Bradley University with the greater Peoria community through non-credit educational programs and services for youth, professionals, and lifelong learners.  The Division works with Bradley’s academic colleges, departments, and units to support their educational outreach goals.  

The Event Operations Assistant plays an essential role in supporting the nationally recognized Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Bradley University (OLLI), CEPD’s largest program.  OLLI membership has reached an all-time high of 1,300 individuals and continues to grow because of its strong community relationships, dedicated volunteers, and donor-supported initiatives.  

This position will focus on dedicated operational support to deliver the high-quality experiences OLLI members expect, ensuring CEPD can provide seamless logistics, excellent customer service, and the organizational capacity necessary to maintain OLLI’s reputation as one of Bradley’s most visible and community-facing units.  The Event Operations Assistant works closely with CEPD staff, OLLI volunteers, campus partners, vendors, and members of the public to support the day-to-day operations of OLLI programs, events, and activities.  Specifically, the Event Operations Assistant will:

• Assist with the seamless execution of OLLI programming by coordinating logistics across multiple locations in the community, supporting volunteer instructors and facilitators, and maintaining a consistent, high-quality participant experience.
• Serve as the operational lead and primary troubleshooter for OLLI special events and fundraisers, making quick decisions, resolving issues in real time, adjusting logistics to keep programs running smoothly, and ensuring sponsors and donors are recognized appropriately.
• Support volunteer engagement by helping organize volunteer roles for OLLI programs, special events, and fundraisers and providing guidance and real-time direction on event days.
• Contribute to marketing and outreach by capturing event moments, gathering content, and assisting with the social media posting calendar to highlight programs, thank sponsors, and showcase OLLI’s community engagement.
• Assist the Executive Director, Associate Director, and Program Director with special projects, strategic initiatives, and daily operations.
• Coordinate with administrative staff and provide clear direction to ensure accurate communication of program details to participants.  

Specific requirements include:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven customer service experience
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and ability to follow through on assignments
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in an event-driven environment with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work early mornings and evenings aligned with program calendar
• Ability to drive a 14-passenger shuttle or multi-passenger van for local trips and off-site events (simple physical required; cost covered by Division)
• Demonstrated ability to support live events and strong technology skills with event equipment (projectors, microphones, laptops, AV systems, Zoom/streaming tools)
• Strong situational awareness, communication skills, and ability to make sound decisions under pressure during live events
• Physical ability to support event operations, including carrying materials up to 50 pounds, moving chairs/tables, placing signage, and preparing rooms
• Comfort using registration systems, event check-in tools, and communication platforms with willingness to learn new digital tools as needed
• Outstanding organizational skills, attention to details, and problem-solving skills
• Basic writing and content editing skills, especially for event updates or social media support 
• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite and comfort learning additional software
• Demonstrated respect and sensitivity for cultural and age diversity

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in event support, customer service, hospitality, or related operations
• Interest in working with older adult