Manager, Event Operations NICHE (Sales)

WSU Careers; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

WSU Tech seeks a Manager, Event Operations – Hospitality & Community Events to lead planning and execution of external, corporate, community, private, and revenue-generating events across the venue portfolio. You will ensure venues are ready, logistics are coordinated, staffing is in place, and the day runs smoothly.

The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, ability to manage multiple events, and willingness to work evenings and weekends based on schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required or preferred.
• Experience in event planning, operations, hospitality, or venue management preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to manage multiple events and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and day-of execution of external, corporate, community, private, and revenue-generating events.
• Develop event plans, timelines, layouts, staffing needs, setup/teardown plans, and checklists.
• Coordinate venue availability, scheduling, logistics, and operations across locations.
• Act as primary operational contact during events and ensure smooth execution.
• Coordinate with facilities, IT/AV, security, custodial, parking, culinary and hospitality, and campus partners.
• Communicate with customers and vendors to meet expectations and requirements.
• Maintain accurate event schedules and records.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Problem-solving

Time management

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Bring events to life and create experiences people remember.

WSU Tech is looking for a Manager, Event Operations – Hospitality & Community Events to lead the planning and execution of external, corporate, community, private, and other revenue-generating events across our growing venue portfolio.

This position will take events from planning to execution, making sure venues are ready, logistics are coordinated, staffing is in place, and the day runs smoothly. The Manager will work closely with customers, vendors, and internal teams to create successful events and provide an exceptional experience from start to finish.

Compensation: Base salary starting at $51,480, commensurate with experience, plus eligibility for additional earnings under an incentive compensation plan.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the planning and day-of execution of assigned external, corporate, community, private, and revenue-generating events.
• Develop event plans, timelines, room layouts, staffing needs, setup and teardown plans, and operational checklists.
• Coordinate venue availability, scheduling, logistics, and operational needs across WSU Tech locations.
• Serve as the primary operational contact during assigned events and make decisions to keep events running smoothly.
• Coordinate with Facilities, IT/AV, Security, custodial, parking, Culinary and Hospitality, and other campus partners as needed.
• Communicate with customers and vendors to ensure event expectations, requirements, and details are understood and addressed.
• Maintain accurate event schedules, records, and operational documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve the customer experience, venue utilization, event efficiency, and repeat business.
• Support a consistent approach to event planning and operations across WSU Tech’s venue portfolio and provide support for other events as needed.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, event management, business, operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience in event planning, event operations, hospitality, venue management, or a related field preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple events, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to make decisions and resolve issues in the moment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and other nontraditional hours based on event schedules.

Benefits

https://wsutech.edu/whyhere/

WSU Tech is committed to inclusive and equitable practices to create an environment and culture where students and employees thrive. We acknowledge that through valuing diverse identities, experiences, talents, and gifts, we excel by fulfilling our mission to create a talent pipeline, establish workforce equity, and improve economic prosperity for our community. WSU Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.