Senior Director, Campus & Community Engagement & Conference Services

Position Summary:

The Senior Director of Campus & Community Engagement & Conference Services will be a visionary and strategic leader responsible for orchestrating high-profile events that showcase the university's excellence and connect its mission with internal and external audiences. This role oversees events for the President, alumni, donors, distinguished guests, and daily campus events that enrich campus life. The Sr. Director will create dynamic community programs that strengthen the university's ties to the surrounding community, fostering goodwill and enhancing local engagement.

In alignment with the university’s goal of promoting academic dialogue on a global scale, this role will also establish and grow a conference services division, creating a premier destination for academic conferences and intellectual exchange from around the world.

Workplace Requirements: 

Hybrid position : This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in event management, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in event planning, community engagement, or conference services.
• Proven track record of managing high-profile events and developing successful community and conference programs.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse groups.
  • In lieu of the education/experience requirement, additional related education and/or experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.     

Core Competencies: 

• Strategic thinking and vision
• Relationship-building and community engagement
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-profile environment
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Preferences:

• Master's degree in event management, public relations, marketing, or related fields.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of experience in event planning, community engagement, or conference services, with at least five (5) years in leadership.

Essential Functions:

1. Event Planning and Management

• Lead and oversee all high-profile events hosted by the university, including presidential events, alumni gatherings, donor receptions, and milestone celebrations.
• Ensure seamless execution of daily campus events, maintaining consistent standards of quality, inclusivity, and impact.
• Develop innovative strategies to enhance the impact and visibility of events across all audience types, ensuring inclusivity and alignment with the university’s mission.

2. Community Engagement and Outreach

• Facilitate and help manage events that strengthen the university’s relationship with the local community, promoting cultural, educational, and social engagement.
• Develop a system for ensuring comprehensive university awareness and support for community events, including developing a database and creating an annual community impact report.
• Act as a university representative at external functions, promoting its values, achievements, and opportunities to a broad audience.

3. Conference Services and Academic Engagement

• Develop and launch a conference services division aimed at attracting academic conferences, symposiums, and workshops from around the world.

4. Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as the university’s primary contact for internal and external event planning, providing guidance and support to departments, student groups, and external partners.
• Manage a team responsible for event planning, community engagement, and conference services, ensuring professional development and high-performance outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with university leadership, communications, advancement, and academic units to ensure events and engagement strategies align with broader institutional goals.

5. Operational Excellence

• Develop and implement systems to streamline event planning, ensuring efficiency and consistent execution of both strategic and non-strategic events.
• Monitor event-related budgets and resources to maximize impact and return on investment.
• Establish metrics for success and continuously evaluate event strategies, community engagement initiatives, and conference services for improvement and growth.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview 

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.