Colorado State University

Description of Work Unit

The Colorado State University (CSU) System, along with its partners, has developed a unique and exciting public facility called CSU Spur at the National Western Center in Denver, Colorado. The CSU Spur campus houses three buildings focused on water, food and agriculture, human and animal health, and sustainability. Within the Spur buildings, CSU conducts research and convenes experts from around the globe; students of all ages engage with science and have opportunities for exploratory learning, transforming their thinking about food, water, and health, and the careers available in these fields; and partners join in programming the space and bringing evolving content to the year-round campus. CSU Spur is part of a larger 250-acre redevelopment project, which started in 2013 and reimagines what the National Western Center can be, creates a site that will support the National Western Stock Show long-term, and makes the location a year-round destination. CSU Spur was created with an Anchor Institution framework and is committed to supporting the surrounding communities through the programming and activities developed at the campus.

More information about CSU Spur is available at www.csuspur.org.

Position Summary

The Events Planning Manager is a full-time position that delivers events and provides venue support at CSU Spur to advance engagement and strategic efforts in the Denver Metro area. This position works collaboratively with leaders across Colorado State University to understand the goals and key outcomes for the event. The Event Planning Manager works with various stakeholders to understand and develop overall strategy, deliver signature events (see below) and create new events aligning with the overall strategy. Stakeholders include the VP of Denver Strategy and Engagement at CSU Spur, CSU Marketing and Communications, the CSU Alumni Association, and other within CSU. The Event Planning Manager also works with the CSU Spur Events Team to deliver client events hosted at CSU Spur.

The Events manager models excitement for the profession and has the talent to incorporate best practices into the organizational culture. To be successful, the individual must possess outstanding interpersonal skills with an understanding of the elements of provide exceptional customer service, problem-solving, and administer/execute several programs simultaneously in a highly professional manner. The individual must have a strong background in communication, attention to detail and negotiation tactics. Additionally, the individual must have the ability to manage conflicts and crisis situations as well as design and implement real-time contingency plans. This position should expect to work outside the standard University business hours, including weekend and evening work, as well as time beyond 40 hours during peak seasons.

Initial signature events include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Spur Programming during the National Western Stock Show (16 days), in particular:
  • CSU Day at the National Western Stock Show
  • Other themed days identified on an annual basis
• Alumni events, seasonal alumni engagement, cooking classes, volunteer opportunities, and lecture/film series, etc.
• CSU Ramily, hosted by the University & Community Engagement team (summer event)
• Fundraising Events
• Second Saturdays at CSU Spur (monthly)
• Large community events
• Water in the West Symposium
• Straayer Conference (policy, political science, democracy)
• Research and career fairs
• Innovation events and gatherings (in collaboration with members of Spur innovation ecosystem)
• CSU Presidential requested events
• Virtual, hybrid, and in person events

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, communication, sciences, liberal arts, or related field; OR completed bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum of 3 years of experience in hospitality, event/meeting planning, or closely related experience.
• At least 3 years professional experience in event planning as primary responsibility.
• Experience with software used to manage conferences and events. Demonstrated computer skills specifically in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some early mornings, nights and weekends.
• Demonstrated success at working as part of a team in a complex environment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds (tables and chairs, event set-up, etc. with assistance).

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Two or more years of event planning or event management experience in a higher education setting as primary responsibility.
• Knowledge of and experience working with basic regulations, guidelines, policies, other parameters, and objectives with proven ability to meet deadlines and remain on budget.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects, prioritize work to maximize productivity, and respond effectively to change.
• Experience in conference and/or event sales and marketing, the hospitality industry, including contract negotiations.
• Demonstrated experience in providing exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.