Senior Director of Events and Programming

Job Description

Job Description

Employer: American Jewish University (AJU)
Job Title: Senior Director of Events and Programming
Status: Full Time, (40/hours per week) Exempt
Location: On Site, Brandeis-Bardin Campus (BBC) Simi Valley
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

About American Jewish University 

American Jewish University (AJU)’s mission is singularly focused on the future of Jewish life in North America—training and educating the next generation of rabbis, educators, professionals, and lay leaders, and creating innovative, dynamic pathways for Jewish learning and living. The Simi Valley campus spans over 2,700 acres of rolling hills and is the home of the iconic Brandeis-Bardin Campus (BBC) which is a premier venue for social and corporate functions. 

Position Overview

The Senior Director of Events & Business Development is responsible for driving the strategic growth, financial performance, and operational excellence of the Brandeis-Bardin Campus event business. This leadership role oversees business development, sales, client experience, hospitality operations, budgeting, and team leadership to maximize earned revenue while delivering exceptional experiences for guests and partners. The position develops long-term growth strategies, builds strategic partnerships, and leads a high-performing team that advances AJU's mission and expands the utilization of the Brandeis-Bardin Campus.

Strategic Responsibilities 

Business Development & Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute the annual business development and event revenue strategy for BBC.
• Identify and cultivate new corporate, nonprofit, production, retreat, and special event clients.
• Build strategic partnerships that increase year-round utilization of campus facilities.
• Expand repeat business through exceptional client relationship management.
• Establish annual sales goals, KPIs, and revenue forecasts.

Sales Growth & Leadership

• Lead all sales, marketing, and client acquisition efforts to maximize campus utilization and earned revenue.
• Develop pricing strategies and sales initiatives that optimize profitability.
• Analyze market trends, competitive positioning, and customer demand to identify new revenue opportunities.
• Personally lead negotiations for high-value contracts and strategic partnerships.

Financial Management 

• Partner with leadership to develop and manage the annual department operating budget. 
• Monitor monthly financial performance against budget. 
• Drive profitability while maintaining exceptional service standards. 
• Recommend capital investments that enhance revenue generation. 
• Prepare business performance reports and financial forecasts for executive leadership.

Leadership and Talent Development 

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing events and hospitality team.
• Establish a culture of accountability, customer service, innovation, and collaboration. 
• Set clear performance expectations and measurable goals. 
• Build leadership capacity within the department through coaching and mentorship.
• Serve as a member of the BBC leadership team.
• Contribute to the long-term vision and strategic development of the Brandeis-Bardin Campus.
• Identify emerging market opportunities that support AJU's mission while increasing earned revenue.
• Partner with executive leadership on AJU and campus-wide initiatives and major institutional events.

Operational Excellence 

• Ensure operational excellence across all events from contract execution through post-event evaluation. 
• Develop scalable processes that improve efficiency and client satisfaction. 
• Collaborate with Facilities, Camp, Programming, Security, Food Service, and other AJU departments to ensure seamless execution. 
• Continuously improve systems, policies, and workflows supporting campus events.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality, event management, venue management, business development, or related field.
• Demonstrated success leading revenue-producing operations.
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Proven record of increasing revenue through strategic sales and partnerships.
• Strong people leadership with experience developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent executive communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with operational execution.
• Mastery of quality standards associated with event management, food production, and customer service.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Must have high attention to detail and sense of urgency.
• Must tech savvy and be able to communicate effectively.
• Must have a positive, professional and service-oriented leadership style.
• Must be able to maintain predicable and reliable attendance. 
• Following health, regulatory and safety regulations to maintain a secure environment.
• Valid driver's license required (operation of company vehicle to transport between areas of the campus is required for this position).
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be able to work evenings and on weekends, including holidays. 

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• The role requires the ability to remain standing or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull and carry objects (25 lbs.), such as catering supplies. 
• Occasional movement throughout campus and to off-site locations may be required.

Compensation

• Salary Range:$120,000 - $150,000 annually.
• American Jewish University offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan participation; paid time off; and other employee benefits.

Please note that this job description is not meant to cover or include all the tasks, duties, and responsibilities the employee may be required to perform, and may be subject to change at the company’s discretion, with or without notice or contemporaneous update to this document. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to the extent required by and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law; contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodation. Nothing in this job description modifies the at-will nature of employment. If you require accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact View email address on us.fitly.work.

American Jewish University (AJU) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all forms and areas of the university. Please visit our full diversity statement at -ix-diversity/