Department Summary:

The Director of Conferences and Events is a strategic leader responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of university-wide events, external conferences, and community engagements. This role enhances Drake University’s visibility, fosters internal and external partnerships, and drives revenue through high-quality event experiences.
The Director will lead a team to deliver exceptional service, manage logistics, and ensure alignment with the university’s mission and brand. This position requires a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and detail-oriented professional with a passion for relationship-building and strategic growth.

Job Summary:

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for university conferences and events.

• Create and execute a 3-year revenue growth plan targeting a 7% annual increase.

• Establish performance metrics and reporting systems to track event success and financial outcomes.

• Campus Engagement

• Forge strong, collaborative relationships with campus constituents including academic departments, student organizations, and administrative units.

• Serve as a liaison to ensure alignment of event goals with institutional priorities.

• Community Outreach

• Initiate and cultivate partnerships with key community stakeholders such as Des Moines Public Schools and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

• Expand Drake’s presence in the local community through co-hosted events and shared initiatives.

• Operational Oversight

• Oversee the scheduling, budgeting, staffing, and execution of all university-hosted and third-party events.

• Ensure compliance with university policies, safety regulations, and accessibility standards.

• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts to optimize service and cost-efficiency.

• Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing events team.

• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's and 3 years of experience in Events Management or related activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's and 5 years of experience in Events Management or related activities.

Job Duties:

• 40% - Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department
• 20% - Recruits, trains, and supervises student conference staff
• 15% - Develops plans and coordinates large scale, high profile events and summer conference/off season rental opportunities generating net revenues to the goal agreed upon with the supervisor
• 5% - Develops the conference/event business through relationships as well as marketing
• 5% - Works with campus community and external clients to schedule all conference needs into the appropriate campus facilities and residences based on date and type of program, projected number of attendees, dining service needs and other requirements such as meeting and group spaces
• 5% - Coverage of external events and conferences on evenings and weekends when necessary
• 5% - Other duties as assigned

Salary and Benefits:

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2025. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits