Housing & Event Operations Manager

Department Summary:
Conference & Event Services (CES) delivers high-quality service, resources, and operational support for events hosted on the University of Denver (DU) campus. While upholding the University’s values and commitment to inclusive engagement, CES builds partnerships across campus and with external organizations to attract events aligned with DU’s mission. CES also serves as an important auxiliary revenue source for the University.

During periods of financial constraint and institutional budget pressure, CES helps generate diversified revenue streams that support DU’s strategic priorities. Revenue from conferences, camps, corporate meetings, and signature events contributes to academic innovation, student support services, facilities improvements, and other mission-driven initiatives.

Events hosted on campus also serve as valuable institutional touchpoints that advance:
• Student recruitment and enrollment growth
• Community engagement and regional partnerships
• Alumni engagement and donor cultivation
• Brand visibility and thought leadership positioning

CES therefore functions not only as a service unit but also as a strategic business operation whose performance contributes to the University’s financial sustainability and long-term success.

Position Summary:

The Housing & Event Operations Manager is a year-round leadership role within Conference & Event Services (CES) responsible for two core areas. During the summer, the position oversees residential housing and logistics for conferences and camps, supporting efficient operations, risk management, and housing revenue generation. During the academic year, the role manages event operations, coordinating with campus partners to ensure successful execution of internal and external events.

The role supports revenue generation and protection through reliable operations, strong partnerships, and high-quality client service that encourages repeat business. Schedule flexibility is required, including evenings, weekends, and periodic on-call responsibilities.

Working closely with CES sales and event management staff, the manager ensures contracted services align with on-site delivery, reducing operational risk and maintaining client confidence. The position reports to the Assistant Director of Event Operations. Success is measured through strong coordination, smooth conference transitions, effective partnerships, high client satisfaction, repeat bookings, timely problem resolution, and responsible cost management.

Essential Functions:

Manage Summer Conference Housing Operations: Plan and execute summer conference and camp housing across campus residence halls. Oversee hall preparation, inspections, turnover schedules, check-in/check-out procedures, access distribution, and conference desk operations. Coordinate with custodial, maintenance, and linen services to maintain facility readiness and ensure a smooth residential experience.

Supervise Summer Housing Staff and Ensure Compliance: Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate seasonal conference housing staff. Implement operational procedures including incident management and emergency response protocols. Ensure compliance with university policies, youth protection standards, and safety regulations while maintaining accurate documentation related to occupancy, incidents, and facility conditions.

Maximize Summer Housing Performance and Revenue: Develop operational strategies that optimize residential occupancy and support summer program revenue. Monitor metrics such as occupancy, service quality, and operational costs. Conduct post-program evaluations and operational debriefs to identify improvements, increase client satisfaction, and strengthen opportunities for repeat conference bookings.

Manage Academic Year Event Operations: Serve as an on-site operations manager for internal and external campus events. Coordinate logistics including room setups, AV, facilities support, dining services, custodial coverage, and public safety. Ensure execution aligns with event agreements and proactively resolve logistical challenges during events.

Strengthen Cross-Campus Collaboration and Client Experience: Build and maintain strong working relationships with campus partners such as Housing, Facilities, Dining, IT/AV, and Campus Safety. Serve as a key client contact during events, resolve complex logistical issues, document service adjustments, and lead post-event reviews to improve operational performance.

Maintain Flexible Operational Availability: Support conference and event operations through a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends, particularly during peak summer periods and major events. Participate in an on-cal