Working Title: Event Manager, Atlantic Union Bank Center

State Role Title: Public Relations and Marketing Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

 

College/Division: Intercollegiate Athletics

Department: 300289 - Athletics Godwin Hall

 

Pay Rate: Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $54,000

 

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? N/A

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

 

Beginning Review Date: 11/19/2025

 

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

 

General Information:

James Madison University, a Division 1 member of the NCAA and Sun Belt Conference, is accepting applications for an Event Manager, Atlantic Union Bank Center (AUBC). The AUBC is the premier event venue for the JMU Campus, community, and region. The venue is the home to JMU men's and women's basketball programs including all home games, University Commencement and programming, along with many other major community events. Under the direction of the Director of the Atlantic Union Bank Center, this position will be responsible for day-to-day management of the AUBC, serve as point for major events and will support the Director as a primary part of the JMU Athletic Staff.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership/Personnel Management and Stakeholder Relations

• Provide strategic, independent and critical thinking to the over-all goals of the Atlantic Union Bank Center.
• In consultation with the Director of the Atlantic Union Bank Center, provide leadership and supervision for the Facility Manager - AUBC, student employees, wage staff, interns, and practicum students, including recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation, and, when necessary, corrective action or termination.
• In consultation with the Assistant AD for Facilities and Events and Director of the Atlantic Union Bank Center, assign event management responsibilities and ensure employees perform at a high level for all events.
• Manage and provide oversight of third-party event staffing and contracted support services.
• Maintain all operational and safety standards for the venue and events, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and exceptional client and guest experiences.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and performance standards within the operations and events of the AUBC.
• Serve as the primary liaison to key stakeholders: JMU Athletics, Basketball Programs, University Events, Concert/Event Promoters and other event clients.
• Lead and schedule operations and event meetings.
• Serve as chair of Atlantic Union Bank Center operations meetings; lead event managers in developing, maintaining, and distributing comprehensive event operations plans.
• Promote a culture of hospitality, teamwork and accountability within the events team of the AUBC and ensure all staff are performing at a high level.

Event & Financial Management

• Serve as the Event Manager for assigned special events in the Atlantic Union Bank Center and as needed in other athletic facilities.
• Enforce compliance with health, fire, and safety regulations; oversee crowd control and ensure the safety of all event personnel, attendees, and participants.
• Direct and oversee full venue operations during assigned events, serving as the primary point of control.
• Provide strategic planning from start to finish for events held at the AUBC.
• Oversee scheduling of all special events and activities in the arena, including oversight of event data entry and calendar management by operations and office staff.
• Serve as venue lead for NCAA, Sun Belt conference and post-season events; act as a core member of the Event Management Team (EMT) and Joint Operating Committee (JOC).
• Responsible for driving revenue through events in the AUBC and other venues as directed
• Work with promoters, agents and event producers to recruit and secure events.
• Negotiate event contracts, rental/use agreements and service terms while ensuring compliance with applicable policies.
• Responsible for researching and creating accurate event budgets and estimates to provide to clients and reconcile event settlements in a timely manner.
• Identify any new event and strategic opportunities to increase venue utilization and profitability
• Oversee event and venue operations for Men’s and Women’s Basketball games in partnership with the specified game manager

Operations and Venue Management

• Ensure adherence to University, NCAA, Sun Belt Conference, local, state and federal regulations and standards. (including ADA, OSHA, Fire codes, etc.)
• Work with campus risk management and emergency management teams to ensure liability prevention.
• Maintain licenses, permits and certifications as necessary.
• Schedule events with a full understanding of operations and in a timely manner to most efficiently utilize all spaces within the AUBC
• Serve as the primary liaison for all support services for venue or event management including campus service providers and departments as well as third party service providers

Partnership Management

• Coordinate with campus service providers (Parking Services, Public Safety, Facilities Management, Concessions, Catering, Risk Management) to ensure appropriate event support.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with external vendors and contracted services (e.g., health services, communications, production).
• Provide timely and accurate information to all partners, ensuring efficient planning and event logistics.
• Lead and/or support event estimates, recruiting, and planning for all special events.
• Monitor and manage financial outcomes related to events, maintaining accountability for budget adherence and accurate reporting.
• Responsible for post-event follow-up and client retention to build a repertoire of annual events, making each year more efficient and impactful.

Qualifications:

Required qualifications include:

• Demonstrated experience in event management, venue operations or facility management, preferably with concerts, conferences and other large event within an arena venue.
• Prior experience with third-party vendor management including event staffing, production, security and others.
• Proven ability to manage multi-scale events simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience managing employees and leading teams.
• Strong knowledge of venue safety standards, emergency procedures and risk management practices.
• Proven ability to create exceptional experiences while building a culture of hospitality for each person associated with any event.
• Experience in developing and managing budgets, estimates and financial reports.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and build strong partnerships with on-campus departments, community organizations and external clients.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency with event management software and scheduling systems in addition to administrative software and apps.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays are required by event schedules.

Additional Posting Information:

 

 

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

 

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

 

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.