Assistant Director, Event/Conference Services

Fort Lewis College; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO seeks an Assistant Director of Event & Conference Services to provide leadership and strategic oversight for all campus events and conferences. This role reports to the Director of the Student Union and leads a full‑time coordinator, coordinating high-visibility events including Commencement and Homecoming.

The successful candidate will develop long‑term event strategies, manage space scheduling, ensure compliance with safety and accessibility standards, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term goals and strategies for campus events and conference operations aligned with institutional priorities and strategic plan.
• Leads collaboration with departments across campus and community partners to enhance campus event services and reputation.
• Serve as the primary planner and coordinator for institutional events, including Commencement and other major campus programs.
• Oversee scheduling systems and ensure accurate coordination of space utilization across campus.
• Collect, analyze, and report on event and conference data to inform strategic decisions.

Skills

Event planning

Supervisory experience

Budget management

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director of Event & Conference Services providesleadership and strategic oversight for all event and conferenceoperations at Fort Lewis College. Serving as the institution’s leadevent planner, this position plays a pivotal role in coordinatinghigh-impact, inclusive, and memorable events that support theCollege’s mission and strengthen campus and community engagement.Reporting to the Director of the Student Union, the AssistantDirector oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation ofcollege-wide events—including Commencement—and manages thecoordination of internal and external events and conferences. Thisindividual ensures the delivery of exceptional service, operationalexcellence, and a welcoming environment for all event participants.This position must be creative and solution-based, orientedprofessional, skilled in building partnerships, leading teams, andmanaging complex projects in a fast-paced, collaborativeenvironment.

Job Description:

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement long-term goals and strategies for campusevents and conference operations aligned with institutionalpriorities and strategic plan
• Leads collaboration with departments across campus andcommunity partners to enhance campus event services andreputation
• Exercises independent judgment and decision-making in planningand executing complex events with high visibility and institutionalimpact and serve as the primary planner and coordinator forinstitutional events, including Commencement and other major campusprograms (A few examples are: Homecoming week, Faculty and StaffWelcome, Move-In, Town Halls, Day of Healing)
• Serve as a key advisor on event-related policy, strategicpartnerships, and revenue generation opportunities
• Develop and implement a sustainable summer conference strategythat balances internal and external use of campus facilities
• Lead cross-functional teams to advance institutionalinitiatives that strengthen community engagement and studentbelonging.
• Supervise and mentor one (1) full-time Event & ConferenceCoordinator, promoting a culture of professional growth,accountability, and service excellence
• Oversee scheduling systems and ensure accurate coordination ofspace utilization across campus
• Collect, analyze, and report on event and conference data toinform strategic decisions and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to enhancevisibility and branding for key institutional events
• Develop and maintain 25Live (campus scheduling software) andIRIS (summer conference software)
• Monitor and report program outcomes for events and summerconferences and make data-driven recommendations about departmentgrowth and improvement
• Develops, implements, and maintains event policies, procedures,and standards that ensure compliance with College, state, andfederal regulations
• Makes recommendations on resource allocation, staffing, andoperational priorities
• Oversees contracts, billing, and financial reconciliationrelated to external events and conferences
• Identifies opportunities for revenue generation and costrecovery through strategic use of campus facilities
• Ensures all event operations meet risk management, safety, andaccessibility standards
• Assist the strategic planning committee with data and metricsto identify, track, and improve goals related to the strategicplan
• Prepares annual reports and assessments for leadership review,identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities
• Utilizes creative problem-solving to deliver high-qualityexperiences within budgetary and resource constraints
• Demonstrate exceptional communication and customer serviceskills when engaging with our diverse community of students,faculty, staff, and guests.
• Exhibit a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion,and student success, fostering a culture of belonging within ourcommunity.
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of digital accessibilityincluding the American with Disabilities Act and Section 508.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Specialized Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college oruniversity

• Three (3) or more years of professional experience in eventplanning, conferences, hospitality, or related field

• Two (2) or more years of supervisory experience managingprofessional staff

• Demonstrates success in planning and executing large-scaleevents, including concept development, logistics coordination, andpost-event assessment

• Experience with project or program development andimplementation

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfort learningnew technology systems

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with thecapacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

• Budget development and fiscal management experience

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, andexperience working effectively with diverse population

Preferred Education, Specialized Skills andExperience:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Two (2) or more years of experience working in highereducation
• Experience managing or implementing facility scheduling orevent management software
• Experience working in a collegiate setting with directsupervision of student staff.

• Demonstrate experience with Student Learning Outcomes andAssessments.

Reports To / Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position reports to the Director of the Student Union
• This position supervises a Coordinator for Events andConference.
• This position supervises student employees.

Work Environment:

• Event oriented work environment that are subject to movingequipment.
• Moderate noise from phones, office traffic, social functions inthe building.
• Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period.
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Willingness to work in a content changing environment withinterruptions throughout the day.
• Individuals should be able to work alone or with people; duringday/night/weekend/holiday hours.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to communicate effectively with other individuals(i.e., co-workers, students, public, alumni, community-basedclients, and other stakeholders) through public speaking, email,and phone.
• Use and normal maintenance of office machines (e.g., copier,computer, printer, etc.).
• Handling of equipment weighing over 50 lbs. including floor towaist and overhead lifting.
• Ability to lift, push and move equipment weighing over 50lbs.
• Ability to bend, stoop, stretch, reach, carry, grasp and turnobjects.
• Ability to climb stairs; and stand, sit and walk for extendedperiods of time.
• Frequent use of phone and repetitive use of hand & fingersto take messages, operate office equipment, use computer keyboard& computer mouse and to perform other office task.
• Acceptable eyesight to read printed material & a computermonitor.
• Acceptable hearing to communicate with others in person orthrough telephonic means.
• Acceptable verbal and conversation skills to effectivelycommunicate with others via the phone, at meetings and in outdoorsettings.
• Ability to use and operate utility vehicles.

Travel:

• Less than 5% is expected for this position

FLSA Status/ Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Exempt
• Full Time (FTE 1.0)
• Permanent
• 12 Month Position
• Typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm butcertain events and trips will also require working during theevenings, weekends and over holiday periods.

Salary

The s alary range is $60,000 to $63,000., and a comprehensive benefits package

Application Process

A complete application packet includes:

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for theposition
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three current, professionalreferences

Applicant materials received by 11/15/26 will receive fullconsideration.

The successful candidate will be required to submit original,official college transcripts and pass a background check.

About Fort Lewis College:

On a sage-brushed mesa overlooking downtown Durango and the LaPlata Mountains, Fort Lewis College is Southwest Colorado’s premierpublic undergraduate research institution. With more than half ofthe 3,300 students identifying as people of color, FLC’s academicprogramming and campus life thrive on nurturing safe, diversespaces for intellectual exploration and helping people achievetheir career goals. A Native American-serving, Non-TribalInstitution, FLC is committed to promoting economic development inneighboring tribal communities and connecting students with theeducation they need to be the change in the world they want to see.Degree programs span the arts, business, education, healthsciences, humanities, and social and natural sciences. Courseworkbuilds on the natural, cultural, and historical resources foundaround the Four Corners region. Students work closely with facultyon research projects with real-world implications. Like themountain town it resides in, FLC promotes a culture of work-lifebalance for students, faculty, and staff. Skyhawks enjoyunparalleled access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle thanks to 300days of sunshine a year and more than 300 miles of hiking andbiking trails in and around Durango

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Fort Lewis College is required by the Clery Act of 1990 tonotify prospective employees, current employees, students andapplicants where to access our Campus Security Report. The reportis updated and published annually in accordance with the HigherEducation Amendments of 1998, Federal Student Right-to-Know, theFederal Drug-free Schools and Campuses Act of 1989. This reportcontains information about:

• Fort Lewis College's alcohol and other drug policy
• Sexual assault policy
• Campus security policies
• Campus/community resources
• The Colorado Riot Offense Statute restriction onenrollment
• Where to find registered sex offender information
• Crime statistics for the previous three calendar years
• Reporting crimes

The Campus Security Report can be accessed in twoways:

By going to the internet website at: www.fortlewis.edu/AnnualSecurityReport Fort Lewis College Student Affairs Office will also provide a papercopy of the annual security report upon request. You can reach themat [phone].

Equal Opportunity

Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age,color, religion, national origin, sex*, disability, sexualorientation, gender identity, gender expression, family or domesticstatus, political beliefs, veteran status, pregnancy, or geneticinformation. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment shall beextended to all persons. The College shall promote equalopportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action efforts toincrease the diversity of students, faculty, and staff. The Collegeis dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralisticfaculty and staff committed to teaching and working in amulticultural environment. To file a report, get resources, readpolicies, or make an appointment, See www.fortlewis.edu/CARE.

Discrimination Questions?

Office of Compliance and Community Standards

David Pirrone, Director of Compliance

210 Berndt Hall

1000 Rim Drive

Durango, Colorado 81301

[phone] [e-mail]

Questions about Title IX sex discrimination?

Office of the Title IX Coordinator

Madeleine Gillman, Assistant Director of Compliance and Title IXCoordinator

210 Berndt Hall

1000 Rim Drive

Durango, Colorado 81301

[phone] [e-mail]

ADAA Accommodations

Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Actof 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation uponrequest to enable the person to complete an employment assessment.To request an accommodation, please contact Kristin Polens by phone[phone] or email [e-mail] at least five businessdays before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate yourrequest and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked toprovide additional information, including medical documentation,regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed.Please ensure that you have this information available well inadvance of the assessment date.