Director, Conferences and Catering

Reporting to the Executive Director of Hospitality and Campus Services (HCS), the Director of Conferences and Catering provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Conferences and Catering, marketing and external revenue generation, and the facilities management of the President’s House. This position ensures the successful delivery of high-quality, high-profile events and conferences; maintains profitable operations; and delivers exceptional guest experiences in alignment with university goals, reputation, and external revenue growth.

Duties/Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations (45%)

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for the Conferences and Catering department, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery for approximately 4,500 events annually.

• Collaborate with the Executive Catering Chef and Catering Manager on creative, cost-effective menu development aligned with event goals and client expectations.

• Provide ongoing leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development for team members.

• Oversee the President’s Residence housekeeper and coordinate facilities access, maintenance needs, and scheduling based on the President and family’s requirements.

• Maintain profitable operations with a focus on efficiency, service quality, and external revenue growth.

• Lead budget development, financial management, compliance, and analysis of industry trends and pricing strategies.

Marketing, Sales & External Revenue Development (30%)

• Develop and implement strategic marketing plans targeting diverse markets to grow external business.

• Oversee marketing campaigns across digital, web, social media, print, and advertising partnerships (e.g., Unique Venues).

• Manage website content, respond to RFPs and inquiries, and analyze marketing campaign performance.

• Build and maintain client relationships to support new business development and repeat engagements.

• Create and deliver compelling proposals, sales presentations, and site tours; negotiate sales agreements.

• Establish annual pricing, seasonal promotions, and target-market strategies in collaboration with marketing and sales teams.

• Partner across Student Life to expand group sales initiatives and generate new revenue opportunities, including summer camps, meal plans, conference groups, and specialty programs.

Event Execution & Campus Partnerships (25%)

• Provide leadership and direction for the planning and execution of VIP and high-visibility university events, including Advancement programs such as the Foundation Board Dinner and Evening of Distinction.

• Collaborate with HCS leadership, campus departments, and external partners to ensure seamless, high-quality event operations.

• Coordinate multi-day conferences and large-scale programs that generate substantial external revenue.

• Demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness in designing events that enhance the university’s image, support fundraising success, and strengthen donor relations.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with university leadership, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, dignitaries, and community partners to support successful events and institutional priorities.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Associate’s degree in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, or related field

• Four years of related experience in sales and marketing

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills

• Computer proficiency as required by the department

• Willingness to travel

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership, team-building, and staff development skills.

• Ability to plan, manage, and execute high-volume, high-visibility events with professionalism and attention to detail.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders including university leadership, donors, dignitaries, faculty, staff, and external clients.

• Strong knowledge of event management, catering operations, and conference planning best practices.

• Ability to develop and implement strategic marketing, sales, and external revenue initiatives.

• Financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, pricing strategy, and performance analysis.

• Demonstrated creativity, problem-solving ability, and resourcefulness in designin