Career Center

Department: Norris University Center Admin
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Norris University Center, located at 1999 University Drive, offers spaces, services and guidance for student learning, community engagement and cultural inclusion. It is home to dining options, meeting rooms as well as a bookstore, box office, bank, art gallery and more. Learn more about Norris University Center here: https://www.northwestern.edu/norris/index.html

About Student Affairs: By pursuing justice, equity, and belonging, Student Affairs cultivates student programs, services, and skills; disrupts barriers; and partners across Northwestern and neighboring communities to create an inclusive culture in which all students can thrive. Learn more about the Division of Student Affairs here: https://www.northwestern.edu/studentaffairs/about/strategic-plan/strategic-themes.html

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Norris University Center, the Associate Director for Event Management is responsible for the overall supervision of events in the Norris University Center and its satellite locations including all aspects of event planning, production, and technical coordination. The role also serves as the Norris chief liaison to campus performance and special events. The Associate Director serves as a member of the Norris management team and directly supervises as many as three assistant directors and indirectly supervises 12 full time staff, and approximately 100 student employees.

Occasional evening and weekend hours may be necessary.

Pay Range: The salary range for the Associate Director for Event Management position is $78,000 - $80,000+ based on qualifications and experience.

Principal Accountabilities:

Programs and Events

• Guides, coordinates, and leads a vibrant event management team comprising staff and students across many skillsets and disciplines
• Directly supervises assistant directors in the areas of Tech Services, Production, and Planning; and staff who work in the Norris Performance Satellite Venues (PSV)
• Supervises building events, including but not limited to:
  • Oversight of all event needs from the idea stage through completion, for events and programs throughout Norris and our satellite locations
  • Attendance at events requiring a higher profile of management on site
  • Responding to floor emergency and client complaints or concerns
• Meets directly with clients to plan large-scale and high-profile events for the University including: Homecoming, Alumni Events, Development Office Events, President’s Office, Board of Trustees, Admissions, Wildcat Welcome, etc.
• Manages and directs the A/V technical aspects of event management
• Works collaboratively with the Catering Director to meet and exceed customer expectations of catering services throughout all Norris and PSV spaces
• Serves as the key role in managing and oversight of EMS scheduling and other scheduling platforms; implements and manages the priority scheduling program
• Monitors and helps prepare/approve all Norris invoices related to event activity
• Serves as the “face” of Norris events to both the internal NU community and external clients

Financial and Strategic Management

• Serves on the Norris Management Team, helps provide strategic direction for decisions regarding staff, finance, training, development, programs, facilities, etc.
• Prepares, submits for approval, and manages the annual appropriated and self-supporting budgets for areas of responsibility
• Develops, submits for approval and implements action plans for each area of responsibility which will support the Norris Mission and the general goals of the Center as established by the Executive Director, the administrative staff and the Norris Center Advisory Board
• In consultation with the Executive Director, oversees the hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff within areas of responsibility
• Prepares annual (and supplemental) report for all department areas as requested regarding building use, unit budgets, policies, etc.
• Serves on committee(s) of the Division of Student Affairs

Miscellaneous

• Performs related duties as required or assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years special events, development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required.

Minimum Competencies:

• Advanced knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs is required.
• Knowledge of and experience with one or more event scheduling software platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in higher education administration, marketing, business, or related field.
• Higher education experience, preferably in a college union/university center.

Preferred Competencies:

• Direct experience with EMS, Mazevo, Social Tables, 7Point, 25Live, and/or SchoolDude event scheduling software.
• Prior management of events across a variety of facilities and event spaces.
• Demonstrated experience in hiring, supervising, and coaching a diverse employee group.
• An understanding of student development theories.

Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

About Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a major private research university with 12 academic divisions located on three campuses in Evanston, Chicago, and Education City in Doha, Qatar. We have approximately 2,500 full-time faculty members, 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, and over 5,700 full and part-time staff. Northwestern University combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment. It provides students and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.

Connections working at Northwestern University