Director of Campus and Community Engagement - Our Lady of the Lake University

Director of Campus and Community Engagement

On a foundation of faith, wisdom and trust in Divine Providence, Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) empowers graduates to transform their communities, families, and professions. Founded in 1895 by the Sisters of Divine Providence, OLLU stands as San Antonio's oldest regionally accredited institution of higher learning. A private, Catholic university, it currently enrolls approximately 1,800 students across undergraduate and graduate programs. With its main residential campus in San Antonio and additional locations in Houston and the Rio Grande Valley (La Feria), and online programs, OLLU extends its mission across Texas, the border region, and the nation.

Academic Programs

OLLU offers a portfolio of more than 30 undergraduate majors and minors, 14 master’s programs and three doctoral programs. Courses are delivered through diverse formats to support traditional and non-traditional students alike.

Job Description

The Director of Events and Community Engagement is a strategic and dynamic leader responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing high-impact events that advance OLLU\'s mission, visibility and engagement and raise the President\'s visibility. This role elevates OLLU\'s brand and establishes community relations with the immediate community. It enhances fundraising, donor relations, and alumni engagement efforts as well as enriches student life through exceptional event experiences.

Reporting to the Vice President for Marketing, Communications & Engagement, the Director oversees campus-wide events, university ceremonies, and community initiatives. The position also manages event logistics, budgeting, vendor partnerships, facilities coordination, and staff oversight, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience for internal and external stakeholders.

Through strategic event planning, stakeholder collaboration, and innovative programming, the Director fosters a vibrant campus culture, strengthens OLLU\'s relationships with community partners, local businesses and nearby non-profits.

Performance Evaluation Metrics / Essential Functions

Benchmark: Develop and implement a comprehensive event strategy that enhances OLLU\'s branding and community outreach efforts.

• Plans and oversees university special events, including dedications, lectures, commencement, scholarship luncheons, press conferences, presidential receptions and faculty & staff recognition events.
• Leads signature events that elevate OLLU\'s reputation, such as the Confetti 5K Run/Walk, Fiesta Flambeau Parade entry and participation, and Campanas de America concert.
• Oversees event logistics, including vendor management, catering, sound and lighting, security, staffing, marketing, and facilities coordination.
• Collaborates with campus departments and external partners to develop innovative programming that aligns with OLLU\'s mission and values.
• Monitors industry trends to ensure high-quality, innovative event experiences for the OLLU community.

Measurement Method: Performance Management Systems that measure performance as well as feedback from supervisors, peers, and sometimes clients.

Metric: Campus & Community Engagement

Benchmark: Serves as a liaison between OLLU and community organizations, fostering partnerships that enhance university visibility and impact.

Works with student organizations, faculty, and administrative departments to ensure a robust campus events calendar that supports recruitment, retention, and engagement. Provides strategic guidance for campus-wide events, ensuring alignment with OLLU\'s mission and community-building efforts. Develops good relations with local businesses and non-profits. Promotes a positive image of OLLU by coordinating high-profile community outreach events that engage local businesses, civic leaders, and alumni. Produces a Contact List of local businesses, non-profits, and community partners that include a point of contact, a description of the entity, detailed information, and logging touchpoints.

Measurement Method: Performance Management Systems that measure performance as well as feedback from supervisors, peers, and sometimes, clients.

Metric: Budget & Financial Oversight

Benchmark: Develops and manages event budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources while maintaining financial accountability.

Secures sponsorships, in-kind donations, and funding for major events in collaboration with Institutional Advancement and the Development Office. Negotiates vendor contracts to secure cost-effective and high-quality services for university events. Oversees financial tracking, reporting, and compliance related to event planning and execution.

Measurement Method: Performance Management Systems that measure performance as well as feedback from supervisors, peers, and sometimes, clients.

Metric: Facilities & Logistics Management

Benchmark: Coordinate university event spaces to optimize usage for internal and external audiences.

Supervises professional staff and student workers responsible for event set-up, breakdown, and equipment management. Works with Facilities Management to handle large-scale event logistics, including stage setups, seating arrangements, technical support, and security coordination. Manages the Event Management System, linen inventory, and event-related assets to enhance operational efficiency.

Measurement Method: Performance Management Systems that measure performance as well as feedback from supervisors, peers, and sometimes, clients.

Additional Metrics: Team Leadership & Operational Excellence

Leads and mentors a team of event professionals and student employees, ensuring effective training and professional development. Fosters collaboration across departments to streamline event execution and maximize impact. Provides regular event assessments and reports to measure success and identify improvements. Maintains confidential records of event attendees, donor participation, and stakeholder engagement for strategic decision-making.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience:

Bachelor\'s degree in event management, business administration, nonprofit management, public relations, or a related field (Master\'s preferred).

Minimum of five years of event planning and management experience, preferably in higher education, nonprofit fundraising, or community engagement.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, event management software, donor databases, and CRM platforms required.

Exceptional oral, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, including donors, alumni, students, and community leaders required.

Strong ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and coordinate complex event logistics.

Proven experience in leading teams, working with university administration, and developing strategic partnerships.

Experience managing event budgets, securing sponsorships, and negotiating vendor contracts required.

Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required for major events.