Events Director (Community Outreach Program Director) at LaGuardia Community College

Job Title: Events Director (Community Outreach Program Director)

Job ID: 29064

Location: LaGuardia Community College

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Founded in 1971 in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College is one of seven community colleges of the City University of New York/CUNY. LaGuardia offers more than sixty associate degree and certificate programs, as well as dozens of workforce training, ESOL, GED, and pre-college programs. In 2023, LaGuardia served approximately 25,000 students. More than one-third of our degree-seeking students were born outside of the United States, coming to LaGuardia from 136 countries and speaking forty-three heritage languages. More than half are first-generation college students. Sixty-nine percent live in Queens; the rest live in Brooklyn and beyond. Approximately two-thirds of our degree students receive financial aid. Since forty-five percent of them identify as Hispanic, the US Department of Education has designated LaGuardia a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Please visit www.laguardia.edu to learn more.

Reporting to the President's Chief of Staff, the Events Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the Campus experience by conceptualizing, planning, and executing a wide range of events to foster community engagement, enhance student life, and promote the College's mission and values. This position serves as the lead point of contact for event planning and campus events. Partners with internal and external stakeholders and provide direction and/or access to resources to ensure successful events. Manages event planning, including the preparation of work orders and site inspections. The Events Director will actively facilitate timely communications regarding event logistics to all relevant campus departments. Creates and implements systems for reviewing event profitability while monitoring expenses and maximizing revenue.

Responsibilities of the Events Director include, but are not limited to:

• Directs the planning, organization, and management of events initiated or co-hosted by the College. Events include events with commencement, cultural events, guest lecturers, symposiums, conferences, meetings, student, faculty, and staff events, and community partners;
• Develops and manages a comprehensive events calendar that aligns with the College's objectives and priorities.
• Coordinates all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, budget management, vendor negotiations, and on-site coordination;
• Ensure events are executed seamlessly, adhering to timelines and quality standards;
• Works closely with senior management to improve marketability and profitability of campus events and facilities; Researches, identifies, and capitalizes on business opportunities (i.e., rentals to advertising agencies, film and television production companies, regional athletic events, conferences, etc.);
• Pursues opportunities to increase and maximize College event revenues. Monitors customer preferences to solicit new or continuing business for the College and market opportunities to expand client pool;
• In collaboration with the College's Marketing and Communications Department, develops event branding, concepts, and designs. Directs logistical planning, including signage, décor, food service, audio visual services, and/or lighting requirements;
• Resolves problems related to scheduling conflicts, layouts, and setups. Determines appropriate resolutions for event problems. Communicates any issues or concerns to senior management;
• Schedules staff, services, and equipment for events in a timely manner. Provides direction and resources to ensure clarity of roles and successful campus event operations; Collaborates with other department supervisors and/or external vendors to schedule and plan work assignments based on event staffing needs and other requested services;
• Meets with prospective and current clients. Conducts tours of campus facilities. Addresses questions and provides solutions to clients' concerns and issues. Addresses client needs and makes suggestions regarding equipment, facilities, and other services;
• Prepares proposals for provision of services and rental of campus property. Determines price schedules and rates to maximize revenues and comply with applicable laws and CUNY policies;
• Negotiates contracts with non-campus users/clients.  Prepares detailed sales/event reports, including sales data worksheets, cost projections, and other financial information;
• Reviews contract details with senior management prior to delivery. Ensures the contractual terms, including payment terms/dates, are followed. Monitors expenses and labor costs to meet budget parameters. Monitors delivery of all goods and services to ensure contract terms are satisfied. Collects payment and submits all documentation and post-event reports to the Budget Department in a timely manner after the conclusion of an event;
• Leads teams of internal employees and volunteers and external contractors assigned to an event;Provides excellent customer service and seeks to improve customer satisfaction to create customer loyalty.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five years of experience managing special events, conference centers, stadium facilities, and/or similar large-scale, revenue-generating venue within an educational setting or higher education institution.
• Knowledge of entertainment productions and sales, marketing and business management.
• Experienced in organizing and managing events including conventions, corporate meetings, trainings, athletic events, and other large-scale special occasions.
• Experienced in overseeing large events and volunteers including athletic competitions, concerts, community events, and/or commercial film shoots.
• Experienced in the setup, execution, and teardown of events.
• Able to oversee and properly schedule staff, students, volunteers, and/or hourly workers.
• Able to solicit bids, draft contracts, and monitor contractors.
• Able to assess complex situations and make decisions and/or recommendations across departments and functions.
• Knowledge of equipment and terminology used in theatre and entertainment settings.
• Knowledge of EEOC, OSHA, ADA and other industry related legal issues.
• Ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative.
• Ability to work under difficult schedules and pressure and produce accurate results and ability to remain flexible and adjust to situations as they occur.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical and oral/written communication skills essential.
• Proficiency in computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

• Directs a program or service providing community outreach and services.
• Independently defines program goals, objectives, risks, and roles and responsibilities
• Collaborates with external organizations and community stakeholders to plan and execute program activities
• Represents the college or university to external organizations
• Develops and delivers direct service to external clientele
• Collects data on outcomes, and analyzes and reports results while planning new and improved services
• May manage an office staff of employees and/or volunteers
• Oversees operating budgets and performs financial analysis to support decision-making
• May identify and secure program funding
• Performs related duties as assigned.

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$83,878 - $129,310

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development.  We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off.  Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title.  Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information. 

Candidates should provide a resume and cover letter.

CLOSING DATE

November 20th, 2024

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply.  At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups.  Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.