Director of Conference Services (AS9709)

Director of Conference Services (AS9709)

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

DeLand, FL

Job Type

Full-Time Staff

Division

Development & Alumni Engagement

Department

Conference Services

Opening Date

07/08/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Position Summary: The Director of Conference Services is responsible for managing revenue-generating conference operations and overseeing the planning and execution of third-party venue rentals, overnight summer programs, and visiting rowing programs on the DeLand campus. This role balances front-end client management, involvement in program planning, and overall operational oversight, ensuring high-quality execution through a shared team approach and in collaboration with campus partners.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: Employment duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership and professional expertise in generating revenue through third-party venue rentals, overnight summer programs, and visiting rowing programs to reach revenue goals.
• Supervise assistant director of conference services.
• Maintain relationships with clients and partners to support repeat business and consistent bookings.
• Serve as primary contact during early stages of client engagement in response to inquiries, development of proposals, and converting opportunities into confirmed programs.
• Coordinate high-level program needs and prepare event plans to communicate with campus departments such as catering, public safety, event support services, IT Support, grounds, maintenance, and custodial etc.
• Prepare contracts, collect required background documentation and insurance information, and process client invoicing.
• Assign confirmed programs to the Assistant Director for ongoing planning and execution.
• Coordinate additional conference service staff support during peak periods
• Ensure alignment between client expectations and campus operational capacity and identify key logistical considerations and risks.
• Maintain high-level oversight across all programs, stepping in as needed for complex problem-solving and escalated client issues
• Negotiate vendor agreements, hotel contracts and oversee invoicing process
• Monitor program performance, revenue, and expenses to ensure financial goals are met across all programs
• Partner with campus departments to align scheduling, logistics, and resource planning
• In collaboration with the Exec Director of University Events and Conference Services, develop the annual Conference Services budget and support marketing and administrative processes.
• Support University Events during designated peak periods or high-impact programs
• Contribute to departmental operations as needed, while maintaining focus on conference services priorities
• Standard business hours with flexibility required for evening and weekend hours during peak event and summer seasons
• Flexible scheduling is available during non-peak periods

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The knowledge, skills, and abilities for this role include:

• Experience in hospitality and event management, event venue sales, conference services, or hotel conference management background
• Strong understanding of catering, floor plans, audiovisual setups, and event timelines.
• Strong organizational and operational leadership skills
• Ability to balance high-level oversight with selective involvement in program planning
• Experience supervising staff and managing workflows
• Financial acumen and budget management experience
• Strong communication and client relationship skills
• Support the University's Mission and Values in their role.

Required Qualifications: This position requires:

• Bachelors degree in Event Management or related field
• A minimum 4-6 years of experience in conference services, events management or related field

Ideal Candidate Qualifications: The ideal candidate's qualifications include:

• Experience in hospitality management and event venue sales
• 2-3 years of experience with summer camps and/or conferences.
• Experience coordinating and managing special events and/or conferences at an institution of higher learning.

Reports to: This position reports to the Executive Director of University Events & Conference Services.

This position is benefit eligible. Stetson University offers a variety of benefits for our full-time employees including comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, employer paid life and disability insurance, generous leave and holiday benefits, employer retirement contributions, tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents, and others. All employees are also eligible to enjoy our Hatter Perks which include a variety of discounts and special privileges within our community.

Please visit our employee benefits webpage for more information.

01

What are your salary expectations?

02

Have you held a conference or event management position for at least three years?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have experience with marketing or selling event venue rentals and/or catering?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have 2-3 years experience in managing summer camps and/or conferences?

• Yes
• No

05

Have you ever worked at an institution of higher learning?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience working with part-time staff?

• Yes
• No

07

Have you coordinated all logistical elements for an event with 200+ attendees?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you comfortable working irregular hours, including nights and weekends, based on event needs?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Stetson University

Division Development & Alumni Engagement Address 421 N. Woodland Blvd.

DeLand, Florida, 32723

Phone 386-822-8710

Website https://www.stetson.edu/