Assistant Director, Engagement

Austin Peay State University (APSU) is a respected four-year public doctoral-level institution located in Clarksville, Tennessee. With an enrollment exceeding 11,000 students, APSU offers diverse academic programs across six colleges and boasts four prestigious Chairs of Excellence. The university plays a significant role in the regional educational landscape, situated just approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, in a community with a population near 150,287. Known for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, APSU strongly supports hiring veterans by recognizing and valuing equivalent military service experiences and pay grades alongside traditional academic qualifications. The university enforces a strict non-discrimination policy covering race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, and any other legally protected status.

The Assistant Director of University Events and Engagement at Austin Peay State University is a dynamic role pivotal to the planning, marketing, coordination, and execution of a wide array of university events that actively promote campus life, community engagement, and institutional advancement. This position manages smaller-scale events such as ribbon cuttings, recognition events, student engagement programs, and other internal or community-facing initiatives, ensuring that all activities align with APSU’s standards, branding, and strategic goals. Additionally, the Assistant Director plays an essential support role in the marketing and promotional efforts for all events produced by the Office of University Events and Engagement. These responsibilities include coordinating event communications, managing timelines, drafting messaging in collaboration with marketing, communications, and digital teams, and assisting with invitations, registrations, and promotional materials in compliance with the university’s Public Relations office protocols.

This role requires a collaborative approach, working closely with campus partners such as academic departments, student organizations, and administrative offices, as well as community stakeholders to ensure events foster meaningful engagement while meeting institutional priorities. Operational duties include providing comprehensive support for the logistics of larger-scale events by assisting the Senior Director of University Events and Engagement with venue coordination, run-of-show document preparation, vendor communication, and on-site event management to guarantee seamless event execution.

Additionally, the Assistant Director is responsible for administrative and operational support functions within the office, including maintaining meticulous event records, tracking engagement metrics, and aiding in post-event evaluations to continuously improve event success and impact. This role demands excellent organizational, communication, and multitasking skills, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant software platforms. Candidates should be adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously and demonstrate strong interpersonal abilities to effectively collaborate across various university sectors.

The typical candidate for the Assistant Director of University Events and Engagement holds a bachelor’s degree and has at least one year of event planning experience. The position involves light physical activity, including the ability to lift items up to 10 pounds. Working in this role offers an opportunity to be deeply involved in the university’s vibrant event culture, contributing directly to enhancing student experience, community relations, and overall university advancement goals. APSU’s supportive and inclusive environment makes it an excellent place to grow a career in event management within higher education.