Business Operations and Event Manager

Position Summary:

Western seeks a Business Operations and Events Manager in our Academic Affairs office with a penchant for optimizing systems, improving efficiency, and bringing events from concept to flawless execution.

Job Description:

Western Colorado University invites applications for the part-time or full-time (30 or 40 hours/week) position of Academic Affairs Business Operations and Event Manager. This position reports to the Executive Assistant in the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs, overseeing essential functions in event coordination, budget management, and personnel support.

Responsibilities: The Academic Affairs Business Operations and Event Manager will oversee several critical functions within the Office of the Provost. This includes managing and implementing data systems and communication processes, which entail overseeing external communications, organizing the SharePoint server, and enhancing procedural optimizations. The role also involves planning and executing events, developing event budgets, securing venues, and managing logistics to ensure successful university events. Additionally, the manager will be responsible for overseeing the budget management and purchasing activities for multiple academic units to maintain efficient financial operations. The position also includes assisting with human resources tasks such as job searches and coordinating travel arrangements. Moreover, the manager will support special projects, including preparing materials for the Board of Trustees and accreditation visits, ensuring all documentation and requirements are meticulously handled.

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree; ability to collaborate using Office 365 and other tools for team projects; have Workday or BANNER experience and/or software used on campus; be familiar with higher education processes; and have 3 years prior work experience as an administrative assistant, an office assistant, a receptionist, or performing similar work in an office setting.

Preferred Qualifications: Proficiency in Office 365, Workday, Zoom, and Teams. Experience supporting executives in a higher education setting and an understanding of higher education processes are highly desirable.

Compensation: $24.00/hr (FLSA non-exempt and overtime eligible.) Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full-time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

How to Apply: Required attachments for online application include a letter of application addressed to Provost Young, a resume, and contact information for three references.

Note: In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please direct questions Katie Walters at kwalters@western.edu.

Application deadline is May 1, 2025. We would love to have the right candidate start work May 12, 2025.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community.  With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEI Committee charge.

The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world class ski community.  K-12 students are served by the award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community