Christopher Newport University
Executive Director of University Events
Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia, United States, 23600
Overview
Working Title:
Executive Director of University Events Position Number:
FA258 FLSA:
Exempt Appointment Type:
Full Time Sensitive Position:
No Campus Security Authority:
Yes Designated Personnel:
Yes Statement of Economic Interest:
No Restricted Position:
No Statement of Economic Interest Statement:
This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest. Chief Objective of Position:
The Executive Director of University Events provides strategic leadership and oversight for the planning, coordination, and execution of high-profile university events. These include events hosted both on and off campus by the Office of the President, University Advancement and donor engagement functions, Office of Admission, Athletics, and signature campus-wide ceremonies such as Convocation, Graduations, Winter and Spring Commencements, and other milestone events and celebrations. The Executive Director collaborates closely with campus-wide partners and senior leadership to ensure all events are thoughtfully designed and flawlessly executed, reflecting the university’s mission and values. The role requires exceptional attention to detail, the ability to manage complex logistics, and a commitment to delivering high-quality experiences that elevate the institution’s visibility and reputation.
Responsibilities
Strategic Event Leadership: Provide visionary leadership for the planning and execution of high-profile university events, including presidential functions, donor engagements, donor domestic and international trips, admission and athletic events, fine and performing arts events, and signature ceremonies such as Commencement and Convocation. Briefing and coordination: Ensure that the Office of the President is appropriately briefed and prepared for events, including run of show, guest lists, menus, and more. Cross-campus alignment: Collaborate with senior leadership and campus partners to ensure events align with the university’s mission, values, and strategic objectives. Strategic programming: Develop and implement long-term strategies for event programming that enhance institutional reputation and stakeholder engagement. Events at the President’s Residence: Plan, coordinate, and oversee all events hosted at the President’s residence, from small-scale lunches and dinners to large receptions, managing planning timelines, vendor coordination, setup, and day-of execution. Residence operations: Work closely with the Office of the President, ensuring the Chief of Staff and the First Lady are consulted and involved in all aspects of residence-based event planning and execution, including run of show, guest lists, menus, and more. Venue standards: Ensure events at the residence reflect appropriate tone, protocol, and hospitality standards. Cross-campus collaboration: Foster strong partnerships with all campus departments to support their event goals, ensuring consistency, quality, and excellence across all university events. Strategic engagement: Proactively identify opportunities for departments to engage in events they do not directly sponsor to strengthen relationships and maximize visibility and impact. Partner briefing: Ensure all campus partners are appropriately briefed and prepared for events, including run of show, guest lists, menus, and more. Auxiliary Services collaboration: Work with Auxiliary Services (Scheduling, Catering, Parking) as needed to minimize disruption to campus activities. Operational planning and execution: Oversee all logistical aspects of event planning, including venue selection, vendor negotiations, catering, A/V, and on-site management; develop timelines, checklists, and SOPs; implement risk management strategies. Data-driven improvement: Collect and analyze feedback to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement; stay informed on industry trends to elevate event quality. Budget and resource management: Develop and manage event budgets; negotiate contracts to optimize value and quality in accordance with purchasing guidelines. Communication and marketing: Collaborate with communications to promote events; ensure consistent branding and messaging across communications; manage invitations and materials in coordination with relevant offices. Board of Visitors communications: Support BoV meetings and functions, coordinate annual retreats, manage invitations, and align with presidential priorities and standards for Board engagement. Staff development and supervision: Lead and develop the University Events team, providing professional development and clear performance expectations. Other duties: Advise on university protocol, coordinate special events with the Office of the President, and manage safety and standards for events and staff; report incidents as required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA)
Extensive knowledge of event planning and the ability to lead large-scale, high-profile events with attention to detail and professionalism. Strong initiative, adaptability, resilience under pressure, and ability to meet deadlines. Excellent organizational and project management skills. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with external partners. Proficiency in logistical planning, including venue coordination, vendor management, catering, A/V, décor, signage, and security planning. Understanding of institutional protocol and ceremonial standards for formal academic and presidential events. Ability to supervise and develop staff, set expectations, and foster a high-performance culture. Ability to remain composed under pressure and troubleshoot in real time to ensure a seamless guest experience. Commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all stakeholders. Willingness to travel and work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed.
Education and Experience
Required Education:
Must have a Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree and work experience at a level which equates to an advanced degree. Experience Required:
Experience with senior leadership and high-level stakeholders (presidents, trustees, donors, dignitaries), including budget management, event management software, and CRM systems. Additional Consideration - Experience:
Experience working in a college or university setting.
Other Details
Salary Information:
Commensurate with Education and Experience Is Telework Eligible:
No Posting Number:
AP409P Number of Vacancies:
1 Posting Date:
06/24/2025 Review Begin Date:
07/15/2025 Application Instructions:
Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application. This position will be posted until filled; for priority consideration, apply by July 15, 2025. Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check. Christopher Newport University will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Contact the CNU Human Resources Office for accommodations. Quick Link for Internal Postings:
cnu.edu/postings/19374 EEO/Diversity Statement:
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is committed to access and opportunity. Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX policies apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Working Title:
Executive Director of University Events Position Number:
FA258 FLSA:
Exempt Appointment Type:
Full Time Sensitive Position:
No Campus Security Authority:
Yes Designated Personnel:
Yes Statement of Economic Interest:
No Restricted Position:
No Statement of Economic Interest Statement:
This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest. Chief Objective of Position:
The Executive Director of University Events provides strategic leadership and oversight for the planning, coordination, and execution of high-profile university events. These include events hosted both on and off campus by the Office of the President, University Advancement and donor engagement functions, Office of Admission, Athletics, and signature campus-wide ceremonies such as Convocation, Graduations, Winter and Spring Commencements, and other milestone events and celebrations. The Executive Director collaborates closely with campus-wide partners and senior leadership to ensure all events are thoughtfully designed and flawlessly executed, reflecting the university’s mission and values. The role requires exceptional attention to detail, the ability to manage complex logistics, and a commitment to delivering high-quality experiences that elevate the institution’s visibility and reputation.
Responsibilities
Strategic Event Leadership: Provide visionary leadership for the planning and execution of high-profile university events, including presidential functions, donor engagements, donor domestic and international trips, admission and athletic events, fine and performing arts events, and signature ceremonies such as Commencement and Convocation. Briefing and coordination: Ensure that the Office of the President is appropriately briefed and prepared for events, including run of show, guest lists, menus, and more. Cross-campus alignment: Collaborate with senior leadership and campus partners to ensure events align with the university’s mission, values, and strategic objectives. Strategic programming: Develop and implement long-term strategies for event programming that enhance institutional reputation and stakeholder engagement. Events at the President’s Residence: Plan, coordinate, and oversee all events hosted at the President’s residence, from small-scale lunches and dinners to large receptions, managing planning timelines, vendor coordination, setup, and day-of execution. Residence operations: Work closely with the Office of the President, ensuring the Chief of Staff and the First Lady are consulted and involved in all aspects of residence-based event planning and execution, including run of show, guest lists, menus, and more. Venue standards: Ensure events at the residence reflect appropriate tone, protocol, and hospitality standards. Cross-campus collaboration: Foster strong partnerships with all campus departments to support their event goals, ensuring consistency, quality, and excellence across all university events. Strategic engagement: Proactively identify opportunities for departments to engage in events they do not directly sponsor to strengthen relationships and maximize visibility and impact. Partner briefing: Ensure all campus partners are appropriately briefed and prepared for events, including run of show, guest lists, menus, and more. Auxiliary Services collaboration: Work with Auxiliary Services (Scheduling, Catering, Parking) as needed to minimize disruption to campus activities. Operational planning and execution: Oversee all logistical aspects of event planning, including venue selection, vendor negotiations, catering, A/V, and on-site management; develop timelines, checklists, and SOPs; implement risk management strategies. Data-driven improvement: Collect and analyze feedback to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement; stay informed on industry trends to elevate event quality. Budget and resource management: Develop and manage event budgets; negotiate contracts to optimize value and quality in accordance with purchasing guidelines. Communication and marketing: Collaborate with communications to promote events; ensure consistent branding and messaging across communications; manage invitations and materials in coordination with relevant offices. Board of Visitors communications: Support BoV meetings and functions, coordinate annual retreats, manage invitations, and align with presidential priorities and standards for Board engagement. Staff development and supervision: Lead and develop the University Events team, providing professional development and clear performance expectations. Other duties: Advise on university protocol, coordinate special events with the Office of the President, and manage safety and standards for events and staff; report incidents as required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA)
Extensive knowledge of event planning and the ability to lead large-scale, high-profile events with attention to detail and professionalism. Strong initiative, adaptability, resilience under pressure, and ability to meet deadlines. Excellent organizational and project management skills. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with external partners. Proficiency in logistical planning, including venue coordination, vendor management, catering, A/V, décor, signage, and security planning. Understanding of institutional protocol and ceremonial standards for formal academic and presidential events. Ability to supervise and develop staff, set expectations, and foster a high-performance culture. Ability to remain composed under pressure and troubleshoot in real time to ensure a seamless guest experience. Commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all stakeholders. Willingness to travel and work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed.
Education and Experience
Required Education:
Must have a Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree and work experience at a level which equates to an advanced degree. Experience Required:
Experience with senior leadership and high-level stakeholders (presidents, trustees, donors, dignitaries), including budget management, event management software, and CRM systems. Additional Consideration - Experience:
Experience working in a college or university setting.
Other Details
Salary Information:
Commensurate with Education and Experience Is Telework Eligible:
No Posting Number:
AP409P Number of Vacancies:
1 Posting Date:
06/24/2025 Review Begin Date:
07/15/2025 Application Instructions:
Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application. This position will be posted until filled; for priority consideration, apply by July 15, 2025. Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check. Christopher Newport University will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Contact the CNU Human Resources Office for accommodations. Quick Link for Internal Postings:
cnu.edu/postings/19374 EEO/Diversity Statement:
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is committed to access and opportunity. Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX policies apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr