Assistant Director University Engagement & Events
- Fort Collins, CO
- $75,000-80,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202501147AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib III
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $75,000 - $80,000
Employee BenefitsColorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
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Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 09/01/2025
Description of Work UnitThe Division of University Marketing and Communications (MarComm) oversees Marketing and Brand Management; News and Media Relations; Social Media, Video and Photography; and Community Engagement. MarComm provides central marketing, media and community relations, design, photography, video, social media to build a strong, compelling and effective brand position for the entire university and its units. This work unit also supports the operational, strategic, marketing and communications needs of CSU Spur, the CSU System administration, including the Office of the Chancellor and the CSU System Board of Governors.
Position SummaryThe Principal University Engagement & Events Program Manager is a member of the team responsible for the conceptualization, planning, execution, and evaluation of presidential, strategic, academic, community, and university-based institutional engagements throughout the year. The Principal University Engagement & Events Program Manager will work on high-level and complex engagements involving members of the University and System's leadership, executives, VIPs, elected officials, and community partners and members through collaboration with colleagues across campus and the greater community. At the direction of, and in partnership with, the Director(s), the Principal University Engagement & Events Program Manager assists with strategic planning, event production and execution, communication, risk management, budgeting, and other engagement tasks.The ideal candidate has a sound understanding and professional experience in event management, taking an idea and/or directive to execute a comprehensive engagement plan. Candidates must have a demonstrated ability to manage projects independently, oversee the event team, volunteers, and student employees assigned to the project, and work collaboratively with campus and community-wide partners. The work environment is demanding and fast-paced, requiring a strong skillset in prioritization, process, communication, and a customer/hospitality-focused approach. This position requires a flexible work schedule, including mornings, evenings, and weekends, and the ability to travel. The role has physical components including lifting, carrying, and setting up heavy items, extensive periods of time standing/walking/movement, and other physical duties as assigned.This position reports to the Director of University Engagement & EventsThis is a full-time, 12-month, in-person position.
Required Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional engagement and event management.
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience working with executives and VIPs, maintaining confidentiality and composure.
- Demonstrated ability to engage and effectively work with a variety of partners.
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate needs, respond to emerging issues, and evaluate processes to enhance future work.
- Ability to travel in and out of the state and work non-standard hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.
- Ability to work in a physical setting and lift up to 50lbs.
- Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a driver's license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
- Experience managing institutional events in a university/college.
- Experience managing industry entertainment and/or community events.
- Demonstrated professional experience in team, staff, and volunteer management.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the mission, history and vision of Colorado State University and familiarity with the University's premier programs.
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities, and the ability to adapt to mitigate issues quickly.
- Budget management skills.
- Evaluation and reporting skills.
- Demonstrated exemplary written, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Diplomatic communication skills with the ability to work with varied audiences.
- Skilled in customer service, handling complaints and managing conflicts.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Adobe, and experience working in a CRM or other relational databases.
Duty/Responsibility
- Develop and manage event timelines, budgets, and reports, working with the Director.
- Provide oversight of event managers, student employees, volunteers, and day-of event staffing and groups based on need.
- Gather, track, and analyze event statistics, demographics, and feedback to create reports and inform strategic decision making.
- Work with the MarComm communications, marketing, and digital and social media teams, and other campus and community partners to create and manage communications plans which promote events to key markets and constituencies.
- Work with MarComm's Finance team to negotiate and execute vendor, performance, and other types of event-related contracts and agreements in compliance with University protocols and policies.
- Ensure event compliance and safety, working with campus officials to develop safety plans, implementing creative solutions to address environmental concerns.
- Create and manage relationships and collaborate with university and community partners and vendors to plan and execute engagements that represent the University's brand, mission, vision, and institutional/divisional priorities.
- Facilitate effective communication among engagement stakeholders, including University administration, academic departments, and community partners.
- Serve as a visible and active representative of CSU and MarComm with internal and external partners; serve as a member of designated committees and planning groups on behalf of the division.
- Maintain strong knowledge of Colorado State University programs, research, priorities, events and brand messaging to provide informed engagements.
- Assist with University & Community Engagement's institutional initiatives which require the full team's participation to ensure success.
- Work as part of a fast-paced team, with flexibility to work mornings, nights, and weekends as required.
- Lifting and physical demands are routine and imperative for event success. There will be physical demands that require lifting, placing, decorating, organizing, set-up, tear-down, transporting of event items.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Duty Category University Engagement & Events
Duty/ResponsibilityAt the direction of, and in partnership with, the Director of University Engagement & Events:
- Lead, plan, execute, and evaluate all logistics for, including but not limited to:
o University Commencement
o President's Fall Address
o CSU Employee Appreciation and Milestone events
o Provost Awards
o Rams Remember Rams
o Democracy @ CSU
o Presidential tailgates
o Other one-time and annual engagement events
- Serve as the primary lead for commencement including, but not limited to,
o Committee manager and liaison
o Academic liaison
o Budget oversite in collaboration with the Director
o Researcher of best/next practices
o Attend national commencement conferences/meetings * Other duties as assigned.Percentage Of Time 40Application DetailsSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsTo apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver's License
Search Contact Nancy Baca, nancy.baca@colostate.edu
EEOColorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy StatementColorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.References RequestedReferences RequestedMinimum Requested 3
Maximum Requested 3Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * * Are you willing and able to work in a physical setting and lift up to fifty pounds?
- Yes
- No
- * Are you willing and able to travel in and out of state and work non-standard hours including early mornings, evenings and weekends?
- Yes
- No
- * Do you have a valid drivers license or will you have the ability to obtain a drivers license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date?
- Yes
- No
- * The successful candidate must demonstrate U.S. employment eligibility by proposed start date; CSU will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Will you have U.S. employment eligibility by the proposed start date?
- Yes
- No
- Resume