Assistant/Associate Director of Campus Events and Internal Client Lead

Assistant/Associate Director of Campus Events and Internal Client Lead Apply now Job no: 493330 Work type: Exempt Staff Location: Gambier, OH Categories: Kenyon College is conducting a search for a qualified applicant to fill the position of Assistant/Associate Director of Campus Events and Internal Client Lead. A member of the Campus Events team and reporting to the Director of Campus Events, the Assistant Director plays a key role in the broad range of academic and academic‑adjacent events that contribute to the intellectual and cultural life of the campus. This position leads the planning, coordination, and execution of the College’s major academic and ceremonial events, including Opening Convocation, Founders’ Day, Honors Day, Baccalaureate, and Commencement. The successful candidate will possess strong event planning, logistical, and operational management skills, including experience with budgeting, vendor coordination, and event execution. They should be collaborative, proactive, and capable of working independently while supervising student workers and supporting high‑profile campus events with creativity, flexibility, and integrity. Primary Responsibilities Lead the planning, coordination, promotion, and execution of the College’s major academic ceremonies, including Opening Convocation, Founders’ Day, Honors Day, Baccalaureate, and Commencement. Provide planning and operational support for faculty lectureships and academically sponsored programs. Support major campus programs and summer events during peak periods. Support campus partners in planning programs and events that contribute to campus life and student engagement, including but not limited to Academic Departments, Student Engagement, First‑Year Experience, and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Assist with the management and stewardship of Cromwell Cottage, the President’s residence. Including developing and maintaining inventory systems for catering supplies and event materials, as well as coordinating seasonal décor and supporting events hosted at the President’s home. Core Operational & Relationship Management Establish and maintain strong working relationships and clear communication with the Chair of the Faculty, Head Faculty Marshal, and Chair of the Faculty Lectureships Committee. Work collaboratively with the President’s Office, faculty, staff, and other campus partners. Provide exceptional guest service through effective on‑site event management. Maintain knowledge of campus venues, classroom capacities, audiovisual resources, and event equipment inventories. Develop and maintain relationships with external vendors and service providers, including photographers, videographers, caterers, rental agencies, and production partners. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment and decision‑making. Assist with financial and administrative processes, including invoice processing, budget management, and event financial tracking. Prepare and distribute event communications and materials for participants and stakeholders. Demonstrate professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment while collaborating with faculty, senior leadership, students, vendors, and other campus partners. Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise student event staff. Perform other duties as assigned. Key Attributes The ideal candidate for the Assistant Director of Campus Events role is highly organized, detail‑oriented, and skilled at managing multiple large‑scale, time‑sensitive projects in a fast‑paced environment. They possess strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills and demonstrate professionalism, diplomacy, sound judgment, and effective collaboration with faculty, senior leadership, students, vendors, and campus partners. Success in this role requires adaptability, problem‑solving skills, composure under pressure, and a strong commitment to customer service and hospitality. This is a full‑time, exempt position with full benefits. The position requires working designated weekends and evenings. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required. Previous experience in event planning and management is preferred. Working Conditions Work is generally performed in an office environment but also requires navigating between and within campus facilities, including up and down stairs, and outdoors in various weather conditions. Must possess a valid driver’s license and meet campus requirements to drive campus vehicles. Some evening and weekend work is required. Compensation and Benefits Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association , children of employees are eligible for 90% tuition waivers at twenty‑two other of the nation’s finest liberal arts colleges. We also offer health, dental and vision insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits , including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook. Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes all voices and perspectives. #J-18808-Ljbffr