Director, Event Management

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information:

Title:

Director, Event Management

Classification Title:

5009 - Events Administrator Associate

Job Location or Region:

Urbana-Champaign - 133

Job Description Reason:

Vacancy

Appointment Type:

Permanent

Position Number:

UD4574

Position Class Code:

5009A-EVENTS ADMIN ASSOC (LU)

Employee Group:

C - Civil Service Web/Dpt Tm Entry

COA:

1 - Urbana

Organization Code:

336000

Organization Name:

Intercollegiate Athletics

College/Administrative Unit:

NU-Div Intercollegiate Athletics

HR Information:

Full Time Equivalent (FTE):

1

Is this position Security Sensitive?

Is this a Protection of Minors position?

Purchasing Authority of $5,000 or more?

Supervisory Authority of 20 or more?

Regular Driver?

Organizational Relationship:

Chancellor

Director of Athletics

Deputy Director of Athletics

Sr. Associate Director of Athletics, Facilities & Event Management

Associate Director of Athletics, Event Management

Director, Event Management

Assistant Director, Event Management

PRIMARY POSITION FUNCTION/SUMMARY

The position is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of home athletic events across multiple sports within Illinois Athletics. This position ensures the delivery of safe, efficient, and engaging gameday experiences for student-athletes, fans, visiting teams, officials, and partners. The role supports the department's commitment to excellence, operational integrity, and a life-changing student-athlete experience.

•

Event Planning & Operations

• Coordinate and manage the planning, logistics, and execution of home athletic contests for assigned sports, ensuring events run smoothly, safely, and in compliance with NCAA, Big Ten, and institutional regulations.

• Develop and maintain detailed event operations plans, including timelines, staffing assignments, equipment needs, credentials, and venue setup/tear-down procedures.

• Serve as primary game day contact and site supervisor for assigned sports, overseeing all operational aspects such as facility readiness, emergency preparedness, ADA compliance, and crowd management.

• Act as liaison to visiting teams, officials, conference personnel, and other external groups, ensuring a high level of hospitality and professional service.

• Coordinate event logistics with internal departments including facilities, security, ticketing, marketing, video board production, concessions, and custodial services.

45%

•

Championship Director

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of postseason championship events across multiple sports and competition venues.

• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to coordinate event operations, enhance the championship experience, and support the successful delivery of postseason competitions.

• Serve as the primary liaison for championship staff, coaches, student-athletes, officials, and institutional representatives by providing clear communication, resolving operational issues, and delivering exceptional customer service.

• Oversee all aspects of championship logistics, including event scheduling, venue preparation, equipment management, signage, and coordination with host sites and facility personnel.

• Develop and manage championship event budgets by tracking expenditures, procuring supplies and equipment, and coordinating with vendors to ensure cost-effective operations.

20%

•

Staff Supervision & Training

• Recruit, schedule, train, and supervise part-time event staff, student workers, interns, and volunteers to support gameday operations.

• Provide clear pre-event instructions, on-site leadership, and post-event debriefs to improve performance, safety, and service delivery.

• Maintain event staffing schedules, payroll records, and ensure adherence to university policies and procedures.

• Assist in the professional development of event management staff by promoting accountability, strong communication, and a championship mindset.

10%

•

Facility & Risk Management

• Partner with Facilities and Operations teams to assess venue readiness, perform pre-event inspections, and ensure all equipment, signage, and seating arrangements are properly staged.

• Implement safety and risk management protocols, including emergency action plans, weather delays, crowd control strategies, and coordination with campus police and medical personnel.

• Assist in managing access control, credentials, parking logistics, and traffic flow for events, ensuring security and efficiency for participants and guests.

10%

•

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with sport administrators, coaches, and campus partners to align event operations with sport-specific needs and expectations.

• Support department-wide special events, including championships, tournaments, community engagement events, donor functions, and facility dedication ceremonies.

• Build positive relationships with campus departments, vendors, sponsors, and community members to enhance event impact and resource coordination.

10%

•

Administrative Support & Reporting

• Maintain accurate event records including staffing rosters, incident reports, financial reconciliations, and post-event evaluations.

• Provide input on budget planning, facility improvements, and process enhancements related to event management.

• Attend department meetings, contribute to unit-wide planning, and assist with other duties as assigned to support the goals of Illinois Athletics.

5%

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a closely related field.

• Four (4) year (48 months) of professional work experience in Events Planning, Conference Management, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or any other related field.

• Demonstrated experience with collegiate athletics event planning.

Specialty Factors:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in budget and/or financial management

• Demonstrated experience in risk and Crisis management

• Master’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated experience with Division I collegiate athletic event planning.

Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required.

Championship Mindset & Expectations

Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff;

Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience;

Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations;

Commitment to the Athletics Department and University's mission and values;

Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and

Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Providing this information helps ensure that the essential functions of the position are fully documented for the benefit of employees, applicants, and the university.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations:

Fast-paced, high-visibility environment with frequent evening, weekend, and holiday work. May work in inclement weather.

Manager Approval

Manager Approver

Taylor, Katie

Date Approved/Finalized

8/6/2026