Director, Athletic Hospitality & Special Events

Overview

Step into a leadership role at the heart of Auburn Athletics, driving the strategy and execution of unforgettable events that define the fan and guest experience!

As the Director of Athletic Hospitality & Special Events, you will drive the vision, strategy, and execution of premier events across Auburn’s athletic venues. This role is responsible for evaluating and marketing event spaces, managing client relationships, and directing the planning and execution of high-profile events scheduled through Auburn Athletic venues. The Director ensures seamless coordination across departments, supervises staff, and upholds compliance with NCAA, SEC, and university regulations. This position plays a key role in enhancing the visibility and reputation of Auburn Athletics through exceptional event experiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for third-party promoter partnerships in planning and executing large scale events. 
• Actively drive and execute a comprehensive event rental revenue strategy, proactively identifying, cultivating, and closing new business opportunities to meet and exceed annual revenue targets.
• Evaluates rental space for special events and provides proposals for the best use of the space, including but not limited to pricing, set up capabilities, and amenities.
• Develops and implements special event marketing plans, which include creating all marketing aspects for special event rental space, such as brochures, cards, social media, and websites.
• Prepares event planning resource guides for prospective clients to include general information as well as maps/diagrams of event spaces, costs associated with renting spaces, production capabilities, and food and beverage options.
• Directs the daily operations of Special Events to include oversight and input to all event planning. Regularly updates key stakeholders on event plans. Provides regular oversight and direction to key stakeholders using the Campus Event Planning System (CEPS). Oversees the daily operation of the office, which includes but is not limited to communications to clients and potential clients through all available mediums, preparing reports, completing projects, and ensuring that all assigned projects are on schedule. Regularly updates key stakeholders on event plans.
• Serves as primary event contact for campus clients and the community. Collaborates with committees, groups, and individuals to ensure effective planning, policy, and procedural oversight and protocol are achieved in the execution of each event. Provides effective contract management when needed. Meets with clients to discuss and finalize rental agreements.

Overview

Step into a leadership role at the heart of Auburn Athletics, driving the strategy and execution of unforgettable events that define the fan and guest experience!

As the Director of Athletic Hospitality & Special Events, you will drive the vision, strategy, and execution of premier events across Auburn’s athletic venues. This role is responsible for evaluating and marketing event spaces, managing client relationships, and directing the planning and execution of high-profile events scheduled through Auburn Athletic venues. The Director ensures seamless coordination across departments, supervises staff, and upholds compliance with NCAA, SEC, and university regulations. This position plays a key role in enhancing the visibility and reputation of Auburn Athletics through exceptional event experiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for third-party promoter partnerships in planning and executing large scale events. 
• Actively drive and execute a comprehensive event rental revenue strategy, proactively identifying, cultivating, and closing new business opportunities to meet and exceed annual revenue targets.
• Evaluates rental space for special events and provides proposals for the best use of the space, including but not limited to pricing, set up capabilities, and amenities.
• Develops and implements special event marketing plans, which include creating all marketing aspects for special event rental space, such as brochures, cards, social media, and websites.
• Prepares event planning resource guides for prospective clients to include general information as well as maps/diagrams of event spaces, costs associated with renting spaces, production capabilities, and food and beverage options.
• Directs the daily operations of Special Events to include oversight and input to all event planning. Regularly updates key stakeholders on event plans. Provides regular oversight and direction to key stakeholders using the Campus Event Planning System (CEPS). Oversees the daily operation of the office, which includes but is not limited to communications to clients and potential clients through all available mediums, preparing reports, completing projects, and ensuring that all assigned projects are on schedule. Regularly updates key stakeholders on event plans.
• Serves as primary event contact for campus clients and the community. Collaborates with committees, groups, and individuals to ensure effective planning, policy, and procedural oversight and protocol are achieved in the execution of each event. Provides effective contract management when needed. Meets with clients to discuss and finalize rental agreements.
• Oversees and organizes event logistics, which may include, but are not limited to, invitations, programs, securing vendor rentals, entertainment, audiovisual needs, and event security.
• Oversees support activities for events such as set-up, catering, cleaning, breakdown, etc., ensuring the event operates without disruption.
• Develops and implements a service plan designed to reach service goals for all special events in collaboration with the Sr. Associate AD, Athletics Facilities Management and Special Events.
• Provides guidance for special events staff to include full-time, part-time, students, and volunteers.
• Develops and maintains a culture of collaboration between War Eagle Production A/V, athletic facilities, and the broader External Affairs team to maximize the experience for guests. Collaborates with the ticket office, communications, and other external units to ensure alignment in carrying out the vision of the External Affairs unit.
• Ensures assigned athletic events are conducted in accordance with university, local, federal, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and Southeastern Conference (SEC) rules and regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of experience in event planning, public relations or sports administration.

Contract Type

Continuing
Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

Apply Now