Director of Auxiliary Services and Event Relations

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Auxiliary Services and Event Relations provides leadership and oversight of key auxiliary services, including university conferencing and events, housing operations, vendor relations, and furniture. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Development, this position is responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, financial stewardship, and effective coordination of services that support students, faculty, staff, and the broader campus community. The Director supervises auxiliary services and event relations personnel, manages budgets and vendor relationships, and collaborates with departments across the University to enhance services, improve processes, and support institutional priorities.

POSITION DUTIES

• University Events and Conferencing
  • Provide overall leadership and oversight of university events and conferencing operations, ensuring effective planning, coordination, and execution.
  • Oversee the Assistant Director of Events and Conferencing in managing campus events, external conferences, and the rental and utilization of university facilities throughout the year.
  • Collaborate with the Coordinator of Events and Conferencing and other campus departments to ensure events are appropriately scheduled, staffed, and supported.
  • Provide guidance and oversight for event logistics, including facility preparation, equipment needs, scheduling, and coordination of campus resources.
  • Oversee the development and management of conferencing opportunities that generate revenue for the University, including summer conferencing and facility rentals.
  • Ensure campus departments work collaboratively to address operational challenges, resolve scheduling conflicts, and ensure successful event execution.
  • Evaluate events and conferencing operations to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, service quality, and effective use of university facilities.
• Auxiliary Services
  • Provide overall oversight of the University's auxiliary service partnerships, serving as the primary University liaison for contracted service providers.
  • Maintain and strengthen relationships with auxiliary service vendors, including but not limited to Bon Appétit, Slingshot, Pepsi, Wash, and Sparkletts.
  • Coordinate with vendor general managers and University leadership regarding service operations, contract terms, revenue opportunities, service changes, and renewals.
  • Monitor vendor services and operational performance to ensure alignment with contractual expectations, University needs, and established service standards.
  • Collaborate with vendors and campus departments to address service concerns, resolve operational challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Participate in contract reviews, negotiations, and renewal discussions in collaboration with appropriate University leadership.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance auxiliary services, improve operational efficiencies, and support revenue generation and financial stewardship.
• University Housing Operations
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development for the Assistant Director of Housing Operations (ADHO), promoting a high-functioning and student-centered team.
  • Support the ADHO in managing housing assignments, meal plan coordination, billing processes, and housing policy development in alignment with institutional priorities.
  • Foster collaboration between Housing, Residence Life, Facility Services, Auxiliary Services and Event Relations, and Accounting to enhance the residential experience.
  • Equip the ADHO to address and resolve escalated housing concerns from students, family, and community members through effective communication and resolution strategies.
  • Guide the evaluation and refinement of housing systems (e.g., StarRez), policies, and workflows to improve operational efficiency and student satisfaction.
  • Provide financial oversight and strategic guidance for housing-related planning, including cost analysis, furniture standardization, and long-term facility maintenance.
  • Collaborate with Auxiliary Services and Event Relations on revenue-generating opportunities such as Summer Conferencing to optimize housing utilization.
  • Oversee inventory management and ensure the standardization, maintenance, and sustainability of university housing furniture.
• University Furniture
  • Provide overall oversight of the acquisition, distribution, storage, and inventory management of University furniture.
  • Coordinate with campus departments to assess furniture needs, plan purchases, and support the effective allocation of furniture and workspace resources.
  • Oversee the planning and coordination of office relocations, workspace changes, and furniture moves in collaboration with appropriate campus personnel.
  • Support the development and implementation of consistent furniture standards to promote functionality, efficient resource utilization, and long-term sustainability.
  • Coordinate with Facilities and other campus partners regarding furniture maintenance, replacement, storage, and disposal as needed.
  • Monitor furniture inventory and related expenditures to support responsible purchasing decisions, budget planning, and effective use of University resources.
• Budget Management
  • Develop, monitor, and manage the Student Development budget in collaboration with the Vice President.
  • Ensure financial stewardship and compliance with university policies and procedures.
  • Provide budgetary oversight for major student development events and initiatives.
  • Prepare regular financial reports and budgetary analyses to support data-driven decision-making.
• Supervision & Leadership
  • Directly supervise the auxiliary services and event relations staff which currently include: Assistant Director of Housing Operation, Assistant Director of Events and Conferencing, Coordinator of Events and Conferencing, and the Audio/Visual Engineer.
  • Foster a collaborative and student-centered culture within the division.
  • Support professional development opportunities for staff within the division.
  • Assist in hiring, onboarding, and evaluating additional staff and student workers as needed.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned including mandatory involvment in university annual commencement ceremonies. 

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Required

• Masters's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in operations, facilities or auxiliary services, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience supervising employees, providing leadership, and managing team performance.
• Experience managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and supporting financial planning.
• Experience coordinating operational services, managing vendor relationships, and overseeing contracts or service agreements.
• Strong organizational, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and utilize operational management systems.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required for major events.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and assist with event setup and preparation as needed.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and Christian identity of Vanguard University.

Preferred

• Masters's degree in Business Administration, Higher Education Administration or a related field
• Six or more years of experience in auxiliary services, event relations, or administrative leadership within a higher education environment.
• Experience overseeing university housing operations, events and conferencing, or revenue generating auxiliary services.
• Experience managing third-party service contracts, vendor performance, and contract renewals.
• Experience with operational assessment, process improvement, and data-informed decision-making.
• Familiarity with housing management systems, event scheduling platforms, or financial management software.
• Experience working within a Christian higher education institution.

SALARY

This is an exempt, full-time, benefit-eligible position. Expected Salary Range: $95,000 - $103,000 per year.

Placement within the salary range is commensurate upon education and experience. Posted salary range reflects anticipated hiring scale for the position. Vanguard University also offers a very competitive and generous benefits package.