Assistant Director, Event Services

The Ohio State University, a renowned public research university located in Columbus, Ohio, offers a dynamic and inclusive working environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Known for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, the university also manages a wide array of extracurricular and athletic programs, including prominent sports teams and major event venues. The Athletics Department at Ohio State University plays a vital role in hosting and managing events that range from collegiate sports competitions to large stadium concerts and special community gatherings, supporting both university initiatives and public entertainment activities.

The Assistant Director of Event Services position, located within the Athletics Department's Event Management unit, is a key role that supports the operational success of events at Ohio Stadium, Covelli Center, and other athletic venues under Ohio State University. This role reports directly to the Director of Guest Services and is primarily responsible for overseeing the daily functions and administration of Part-Time Special Event Staff operations. The candidate manages a substantial team of approximately 1200 to 1300 event staff members, coordinating their scheduling, positioning, and payroll for a variety of athletic and special events, including stadium concerts, camps, and other major event productions.

Central to the role is the management of staffing needs by maintaining a comprehensive calendar of events, anticipating future requirements, and serving as a key contact point for event-related coordination. Responsibilities include maintaining a database of available staff, collaborating closely with Event Management, Camps, and Scarlet & Gray Venues to ensure proper staffing, distributing assignment rosters, verifying payroll accuracy post-event, and managing inventory of uniforms, supplies, and equipment.

Beyond administrative duties, the Assistant Director plays an essential role in supervising event staff during operations and providing performance coaching and management to part-time supervisors and staff. The role supports recruitment, hiring, and training processes, and contributes to the Reward & Recognition program along with organizing team member recognition events. Financial accountability forms part of this position’s scope, including event staffing billing reconciliation and assisting with the formulation of the Guest Services annual budget.

In addition to primary staffing and administrative duties, the Assistant Director collaborates on the preparation and execution of Ohio State University athletic events and other major happenings such as NCAA championships, Big Ten tournaments, and large stadium concerts. This includes responsibilities such as contacting visiting teams and officials, preparing credentials and pass lists, managing timing protocols, and ensuring proper facility setup. The role also supports event bidding processes by preparing materials for NCAA, Big Ten, and other conference tournaments.

The position requires attendance at weekly event meetings and engagement with special projects or working groups as assigned by leadership. Supervision extends to student assistants and interns, and the incumbent provides additional support to the Event Management, Camps, and Scarlet & Gray Venues teams as necessary. Given the nature of event scheduling, the Assistant Director must be flexible to work varying shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays. This role thrives in a creative, collaborative team environment that values adaptability and embraces innovation.

This is a regular full-time position based at the Fawcett Center for Tomorrow, offering a 40-hour work week with varying shifts aligned to the event calendar. The target salary range for this position is between $47,700 and $62,300, with actual compensation based on experience, education, and other relevant factors. Candidates should expect to undergo a background check, with the possibility of a drug screen or physical exam post-offer. The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply.