Position Summary:
The Assistant Director of Event & Conference Services provides leadership and strategic oversight for all event and conference operations at Fort Lewis College. Serving as the institution’s lead event planner, this position plays a pivotal role in coordinating high-impact, inclusive, and memorable events that support the College’s mission and strengthen campus and community engagement. Reporting to the Director of the Student Union, the Assistant Director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of college-wide events—including Commencement—and manages the coordination of internal and external events and conferences. This individual ensures the delivery of exceptional service, operational excellence, and a welcoming environment for all event participants. This position must be creative and solution-based, oriented professional, skilled in building partnerships, leading teams, and managing complex projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Job Description:
Essential Functions and 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
Exercises independent judgment and decision-making in planning and executing complex events with high visibility and institutional impact and serve as the primary planner and coordinator for institutional events, including Commencement and other major campus programs (A few examples are: Homecoming week, Faculty and Staff Welcome, Move-In, Town Halls, Day of Healing)
Serve as a key advisor on event-related policy, strategic partnerships, and revenue generation opportunities
Develop and implement a sustainable summer conference strategy that balances internal and external use of campus facilities
Lead cross-functional teams to advance institutional initiatives that strengthen community engagement and student belonging.
Supervise and mentor one (1) full-time Event & Conference Coordinator, promoting a culture of professional growth, accountability, and service excellence
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 and continuous improvement
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to enhance visibility and branding for key institutional events
Develop and maintain 25Live (campus scheduling software) and IRIS (summer conference software)
Monitor and report program outcomes for events and summer conferences and make data-driven recommendations about department growth and improvement
Develops, implements, and maintains event policies, procedures, and standards that ensure compliance with College, state, and federal regulations
Makes recommendations on resource allocation, staffing, and operational priorities
Oversees contracts, billing, and financial reconciliation related to external events and conferences
Identifies opportunities for revenue generation and cost recovery through strategic use of campus facilities
Ensures all event operations meet risk management, safety, and accessibility standards
Assist the strategic planning committee with data and metrics to identify, track, and improve goals related to the strategic plan
Prepares annual reports and assessments for leadership review, identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities
Utilizes creative problem-solving to deliver high-quality experiences within budgetary and resource constraints
Demonstrate exceptional communication and customer service skills 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 our community.
Maintain knowledge and awareness of digital accessibility…