Iowastate

Assistant Director for Event Operations

Ames, IA · Director · Full-time

No sponsorshipDetected 12 days ago

AccessibilityHRCustomer SupportLeadershipCollaboration

About the role

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience
What if your next career move put you at the center of thousands of unforgettable moments each year? From major campus traditions and keynote speakers to conferences, banquets, student organization events, concerts, and community gatherings, the Iowa State University Memorial Union is where people come together—and we're looking for a dynamic leader to help

Lead, mentor, and evaluate professional staff, establish priorities, and ensure departmental goals and service standards are achieved.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational standards that promote efficient, safe, and high-quality event services.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus partners, community organizations, vendors, and external stakeholders.
Develop business strategies, revenue-generating initiatives, and space utilization plans that support long-term operational sustainability and growth.
Collaborate on marketing and promotional efforts to increase facility usage, event activity, and customer engagement.
Manage budgets, financial planning, equipment replacement schedules, and technology investments for event operations.
Utilize assessment data, customer feedback, and operational metrics to drive continuous improvement and enhance service delivery.
Establish and maintain standards for event execution, space readiness, safety, accessibility, and customer satisfaction.
Partner with facility operations leadership to ensure seamless coordination between building operations, event services, and customer needs.
Oversee event technology, audiovisual systems, and event management software platforms that support successful event delivery.

Experience leading operational improvements, implementing new initiatives, or managing organizational change with a focus on future growth and innovation
Experience managing event operations, conference services, venue operations, student union operations, hospitality operations, or similar large-scale service environments
Department/Program & College Description:
The Iowa State University Memorial Union (MU) was established as a living memorial to Iowa Staters who gave their lives in military service and has served as the heart of campus life since opening in 1928.
Over nearly a century, the Memorial Union has evolved through numerous additions, renovations, and restorations to meet the changing needs of Iowa State University while preserving its historic character and traditions.
Today, the Memorial Union is one of Iowa State University's premier events and engagement venues, hosting thousands of meetings, conferences, banquets, ceremonies, performances, and student organization events each year.
Event Operations is composed of a talented team of event professionals who bring the Memorial Union to life each day.
while having the opportunity to mentor dedicated professionals, foster innovation, and help shape the future of event services at the heart of Iowa State University

Signature events such as the annual Norman Borlaug Lecture, Destination Iowa State, multicultural celebrations, leadership conferences, student organization fairs, Homecoming activities, and visits by nationally recognized speakers, political leaders and entertainers make the MU a vibrant hub of campus activity.

Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Wellbeing program
For nearly a century, the MU has brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and guests through meaningful experiences that foster connection, learning, and community.

From major campus traditions and keynote speakers to conferences, banquets, student organization events, concerts, and community gatherings, the Iowa State University Memorial Union is where people come together-and we're looking for a dynamic leader to help make it all happen.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.
Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel.
515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

This listing is sourced directly from Iowastate's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.