Director for event services

The Director of Event Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all campus event services at Loyola University New Orleans. Grounded in the University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission, the Director ensures that events support institutional priorities, enhance the campus experience, generate revenue, and reflect Loyola’s commitment to hospitality, excellence, and care for the whole person (cura personalis).

This role oversees event planning and logistics, business development, budget and fiscal management, staff supervision, and marketing and outreach related to campus events and facilities.

Examples of Duties

Essential Duties

Event Planning & Operations

Provide comprehensive leadership for the planning, coordination, and execution of campus events, including academic, student life, administrative, advancement, and external/client-based events. Establish and maintain event policies, procedures, and service standards to ensure consistency, safety, accessibility, and high-quality customer service. Collaborate with internal partners (Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Facilities, Campus Safety, Dining Services, IT, HES, and Marketing) to ensure seamless event delivery. Oversee scheduling and space utilization to maximize campus facilities while aligning with institutional priorities.

Business Development & Revenue Generation

Develop and implement strategies to grow external event and conference business, including, but not limited to, summer conferences, summer camps, rentals, and special events. Serve as the primary point of contact for external clients, negotiating contracts and ensuring positive client relationships. Analyze market trends and peer benchmarks to position Loyola competitively within the higher education and local New Orleans event marketplace.

Budget & Fiscal Management

Develop, manage, and oversee departmental operating budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with University goals. Monitor revenue, expenses, and cost-recovery models related to events and facility usage. Prepare financial reports, projections, and analyses to inform senior leadership decision-making. Ensure compliance with University financial policies, risk management standards, and contractual obligations.

Staff Supervision & Leadership

Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate professional staff and student employees within Event Services. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented team culture grounded in Jesuit values. Provide ongoing professional development, coaching, and performance feedback to support staff growth and retention. Manage staffing plans and on-call coverage to support events during evenings and weekends as needed.

Marketing, Communications & Outreach

Partner with University Marketing and Communications to develop and execute marketing strategies for campus event services and facilities. Oversee the creation of promotional materials, digital content, and web presence related to event services and venue offerings. Track and assess marketing effectiveness, client satisfaction, and engagement metrics. Serve as an ambassador for Loyola University New Orleans in the community through outreach, partnerships, and professional associations.

Additional Duties

Other duties as assigned

Typical Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in higher education administration, hospitality management, business, marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in event services, conference services, hospitality, or a related area.
• Demonstrated experience with budget management, revenue generation, and financial oversight.
• Proven supervisory and leadership experience with professional and student staff.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience in a private, mission-driven, or Jesuit institution.
• Knowledge of event management systems, space scheduling software, and contract management.
• Experience collaborating with marketing and communications teams to promote services and events.

Work Environment & Expectations

This position requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends as dictated by event schedules. The Director of Event Services is expected to model professionalism, hospitality, and commitment to Loyola University New Orleans’ mission and values. Ability to perform the job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

In accordance with the Campus Security Act as amended, Loyola University publishes annually and distributes to members of the academic community, and upon request to prospective (students/employees), an annual security report. That report includes current policies and procedures of the University Police Department for the reporting of campus crimes, notifying the campus community of occurrence of campus crimes, policies regarding access to campus buildings, the enforcement authority of the University Police Officers and their relationship to local police. University policies on the possession, use and sale of alcohol and illegal drugs are outlined. The Campus sexual Assault Program and policy is described. Campus crime statistics as defined under this law for the last three calendar years are included. A copy of this report may be secured from the (Office of Admissions), (Office of Human Resources), or from the University Police Department.

Loyola University New Orleans does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran's status or national origin in its educational programs or activities, including employment and admissions. At the same time, Loyola cherishes its right to seek and retain personnel who will make a positive contribution to its religious character, goals, and mission in order to enhance the Jesuit, Catholic tradition.