Vanderbilt University

Position Overview:

The director of events & venue management will be a creative thinker, collaborator and leader

who manages all aspects of event production, internal teams, external vendors, and venue

partners. As a key member of the Vanderbilt-NYC team, the director will drive meeting and

exceeding event revenue opportunities and has the qualities to lead a multi-stakeholder process

for signature events and ensure the production of Vanderbilt University-NYC events are world-

class.

The director will also manage vendor and venue relations by sourcing new business, negotiating

contracts and pricing, managing event operations, which at times will require hands-on event

logistics. Additionally, in collaboration with leadership, the director will establish annual

performance and venue metrics that includes projected and realized revenue.

The director will also provide leadership and guidance to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for

Strategic Initiative and Executive Director of Operations & Engagement, Vanderbilt University-

NYC regarding opportunities to leverage brand, venue and community engagement. This

position requires building key relationships with Vanderbilt University’s conferences and events

teams leveraging existing systems, processes, on the ground support, and brand management

standards.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Event Management & Strategy:

• Lead and execute the planning and coordination of intake bookings, including but not

limited to weddings, film shoots, conferences, trade shows, and client engagements,

ensuring alignment with Vanderbilt’s vision, goals, and revenue targets.

• Develop a cohesive event strategy working cross-functionally with marketing and

communications, vendors, and key regional partners to ensure events contribute to

business growth and brand positioning.

• Oversee the design, execution, and continuous improvement of event formats ensuring a

world-class guest experience and driving company visibility and sales opportunities.

2. Venue Utilization and Management:

• Manage and optimize the use of the Vanderbilt University-NYC campus, ensuring the

most effective and efficient use of space for both internal and external events.

• Maximize venue revenue by identifying new business opportunities, including hosting

third-party events, partnering with external organizations, or offering services to external

clients.

• Oversee venue logistics, ensuring all technical, operational, and customer-facing aspects

are seamlessly coordinated for each event.

• Oversee venue logistics, ensuring all technical, operational, and customer-facing aspects

are seamlessly coordinated for each event.

• Negotiate contracts with venue partners, ensuring favorable terms for both short-term

and long-term business goals.

• Conduct regular venue assessments and implement strategies to enhance operational

efficiencies and increase venue profitability.

3. Sales & Revenue Generation:

• Develop and implement strategies to increase event-related sales, including partnerships

and venue rentals.

• Work with key vendors to integrate event offerings into broader sales strategies, targeting

key markets and revenue streams.

• Create promotional materials and sales packages for the venue, targeting potential

clients and partners to host events or utilize venue space.

• Analyze event and venue performance data to assess revenue outcomes, identify growth

opportunities, and adjust strategies accordingly.

• Foster strong relationships with event sponsors, clients, and external vendors to secure

repeat business and long-term partnerships.

4. Operational Oversight:

• Ensure seamless execution of all operational aspects of events, including logistics,

staffing, vendor management, and coordination of all physical and digital event elements.

• Establish and monitor event-related key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring high

standards of service delivery and guest satisfaction.

• Oversee budgeting and financial forecasting for events and venue-related projects,

ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

• Continuously identify and implement operational efficiencies, leveraging technology and

best practices to optimize processes.

5. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of event coordinators and operational staff.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, the General Theological Seminary/VTS, Vanderbilt

Conferences and Events, and other departments to align events and venue activities with

organizational goals.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including internal teams,

external vendors, clients, and partners.

• Regularly update leadership on event performance, venue utilization, and sales efforts,

offering data-driven insights and recommendations for improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Event Management, Hospitality or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in event management, operations, and sales, with a proven

track record in venue management and revenue growth.

• Strong understanding of venue management, sales strategies, and revenue generation in

the events industry.

• Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale events

from concept through execution.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with a strong sales and

customer service orientation.

• Committed collaborator, team member, and communicator with the ability to take

initiative, solve problems and brings an enthusiastic and optimistic outlook.

• Ability to analyze complex data and present actionable insights for improving event

outcomes and sales performance.

• Advanced knowledge of event management software, CRM systems, and financial

management tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field.

In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is USD $132,750.00 to USD $147,500.00

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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