The University of Akron · 19 hours ago
Associate Director, Conferences & Event Services - Sales & Marketing
Akron, Ohio
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
3+ years expThe University of Akron is seeking an Associate Director for Conferences & Event Services focused on driving revenue and brand positioning as a premier event destination. The role involves strategic sales, marketing, vendor management, and execution of on-campus events while providing leadership to student staff and collaborating across departments.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Develops and implements multi-channel sales and marketing plans for local, regional, and national conferences and events to take place on campus
Identifies and pursues new business opportunities through RFPs, trade shows, site visits, and outbound sales missions
Grows and nurtures a robust network of meeting planners, vendors, tourism bureaus, and community stakeholders
Negotiates contracts—facility rentals, catering, AV, accommodations—ensuring profitable margins
Oversees event budgets, revenue forecasting, sponsorship packages, and financial performance tracking
Works closely with Finance to report KPIs such as booking rates, revenue per event, client satisfaction, and ROI metrics
Manages external vendors (caterers, AV, maintenance) to ensure alignment and quality delivery
Serves as primary liaison for clients before, during, and after events—conducting site visits, drafting agreements, and resolving issues promptly
Assists in recruitment, training, development, and performance management of the conference services team
Ensures seamless internal operations: coordinating room scheduling, housing plans, Risk Management, Facilities, Dining, Public Safety, and Campus Services
Directs logistics execution from pre-event planning to post-event wrap-up
Maintains scheduling databases and works closely with scheduling coordinators to optimize space usage
Ensures compliance with government regulations, institutional policies, and risk management protocols
Conducts competitor benchmarking, market trend analysis, and client satisfaction surveys
Presents data-backed insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership
Collaborates with University Communications to maintain high-impact website content and sales collateral
Develops promotional materials, email campaigns, proposals, and recap presentations for internal and external audiences
Supports event oversight, including evenings and weekends, as needed—especially during peak times like summer camps and off-season rentals
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business, Hospitality, Communications, or related field
3+ years in sales, marketing, or event management—preferably in higher education, hospitality, or conference event services
Demonstrable success in revenue growth, sponsorship sales, and ROI measurement
Proven experience with budgeting, contract negotiations, and vendor relationship management
Supervisory experience leading a student staff and directing marketing and sales initiatives
Preferred
5+ years in higher education event services, conference center, or hospitality
Strong understanding of CRM/event management systems (e.g., Banner, Cvent)
Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and customer service skills
Company
The University of Akron
The University of Akron is a public research university that focuses on polymers, advanced materials, and engineering.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$5.33MKey Investors
US Department of EnergyGar Foundation
2024-10-31Grant· $2M
2018-03-02Grant· $0.03M
2016-11-01Grant· $3M
Leadership Team
Sarah Kelly
Vice President Human Resources/CHRO
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