Manager of Event Services

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent healthcare

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Winter recess

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University is seeking a Manager of Event Services to coordinate and support comprehensive event services across the Student Centers. You will advise student organizations and university departments, guiding clients from initial consultation through successful execution while promoting safety, hospitality, and excellence.

You will provide on-site management for complex events, assess risks, coordinate with vendors, and support divisional signature events and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 1+ years of progressive professional experience in higher education hospitality, conference services, or related field.
• Experience in hospitality management, higher education, nonprofit organizations, or related field preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and client service skills required.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients to understand event goals, timelines, and plans, considering space, policies, and resources.
• Provide on-site management for complex events, verify needs, coordinate transitions, and ensure service quality.
• Assess event-related operational and safety risks, ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
• Coordinate with vendors and campus partners on room setups, AV, staffing, catering, and costs.
• Support division events and leadership initiatives with logistics and coordination.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Customer service

Relationship building

Problem solving

Professionalism

Teamwork

Project management

Adaptability

Attendance

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 1+ years experience

Associate’s degree + 3 years experience

High School diploma + 5 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Event management software

Job description

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $20.68 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes

• excellent healthcare
• retirement plans
• tuition assistance
• paid time off
• winter recess

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Manager of Event Services is responsible for coordinating and supporting comprehensive event services within the Student Centers, including Thwing Student Center, Eldred Hall, and satellite spaces. As a primary resource for student organizations, Case Western Reserve University departments, external clients, and Division of Student Affairs partners, this position provides event planning expertise, operational coordination, and project management support to guide clients through the event planning process from initial consultation through successful execution.

As a member of the division of student affairs, the manager of event services supports the university’s educational mission by advising student organizations throughout the event planning process, fostering collaborative partnerships across campus, and providing operational support for divisional signature events and initiatives. This position contributes to the effective use of university facilities, resources, and services while advancing a culture of safety, hospitality, and excellence.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the primary event services contact for student organizations, university departments, external clients, and division of student affairs partners. Consult with and advise clients to understand event goals, identify operational needs, establish timelines, and develop comprehensive event plans. Provide guidance related to space utilization, logistics, university policies, risk considerations, and available resources to ensure successful event outcomes. (35%)
• Provide on-site event management support for complex, high-pro¿le, or large-scale events. Conduct pre-event readiness checks, verify facility and operational needs are met, coordinate event transitions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure clients receive consistent, high-quality service throughout the event lifecycle. Collaborate with student centers operations sta¿ to support successful event execution and make real‑time operational decisions and adjustments as needed. (15%)
• Assess event‑related operational and safety risks by reviewing space utilization, occupancy capacities, egress routes, event layouts, food service requirements, alcohol service, insurance documentation, accessibility, and other operational considerations. Identify and evaluate event‑related risks and recommend appropriate operational plans to support safe and compliant events. Develop event diagrams and operational plans that ensure compliance with university policies and applicable local, state, and federal regulations while supporting safe and successful event execution. (10%)
• Coordinate event support services with vendors and campus partners regarding event requirements, including room setups, audiovisual needs, staffing, security, custodial services, catering, accessibility accommodations, and other event support services. Serve as the liaison between clients and campus partners to ensure effective communication, coordination, and execution. Provide clients with accurate information regarding service needs, operational requirements, and anticipated event‑related costs to support informed decision‑making. (10%)
• Support division of student affairs signature events, leadership initiatives, and special projects by providing event consultation, logistical planning, operational coordination, and execution support. Partner with the director, associate director of engagement, divisional leaders, and campus partners to ensure events align with divisional priorities, operational standards, and the goals of the division of student affairs. (10%)
• Support student learning and leadership development by advising student organizations throughout the event planning process. Foster responsible decision‑making, collaboration, and organizational leadership by providing guidance related to budgeting considerations, event logistics, and responsible event management while building positive relationships with student leaders and campus partners. (10%)
• Maintain pro¿ciency with event management systems and related technology to support scheduling, reporting, communication, and operational e¿ciency. Develop event documentation, resource plans, and service estimates to support e¿ective event planning and coordination. Collect and analyze event data, client feedback, and service metrics to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and enhance the client experience. (7%)

Nonessential Functions

• Participate in university, division of student affairs, and Student Centers committees or initiatives as assigned. (1%)
• Participate in professional development and training opportunities related to event management, customer service, risk management, higher education, and operational excellence. (1%)
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous interaction with Student Centers staff to coordinate event services, operational needs, and client support.

University: Regular interaction with university departments, division of student affairs staff, Campus Facilities, Public Safety, Grounds, Auxiliary Services, Access Services, and other campus partners to coordinate event resources, services, and operational support.

External: Regular interaction with contractors, vendors, preferred service providers, catering partners, audiovisual providers, clients, visitors, and community partners to coordinate event requirements and deliver successful event experiences.

Students: Frequent interaction with student organizations, student leaders, and student employees to provide event consultation, guidance, and operational support while fostering a positive, welcoming, and educational experience.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have employee supervision responsibilities.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree and 1 or more years of progressive professional experience, preferably in higher education hospitality, conference services, student affairs, or a related environment; or Associate’s degree and 3 years of progressive professional experience in event management or related field; or High School education and 5 years of professional experience in event management or related field required. Experience in hospitality management, higher education, nonprofit organization, communications or related field preferred.

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate e¿ectively with students, faculty, staff university partners, vendors, and external clients.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple events, priorities, timelines, and operational requirements simultaneously.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service while balancing university policies, operational needs, safety considerations, and available resources.
• Ability to build positive relationships and create a welcoming environment while maintaining appropriate boundaries and making sound decisions.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to assess situations, identify solutions, and
• make informed decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• High level of professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, and sound judgment when interacting with the campus community.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, colleagues, campus partners, and external vendors while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Ability to manage projects independently, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and remain ¿ex flexible in support of organizational needs.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, customers, and visitors face‑to‑face and through various communication methods.
• Pro¿ciency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
• Pro¿ciency with event management systems, scheduling software, or related technology preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment with frequent movement throughout Student Centers facilities and other campus event locations. Ability to walk, stand, and be present in active event environments for extended periods of time. Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. Availability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed to support events and operational priorities.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.