Assistant Director of Conferences and Events

Lewis & Clark College is a prestigious private liberal arts institution located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in the southwest hills of Portland, Oregon. The college is committed to sustainability, demonstrated by its robust recycling programs, energy conservation efforts, alternative transportation options, and farm-to-fork initiatives. Lewis & Clark College fosters an inclusive and diverse work environment, encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply while adhering to equal employment opportunity standards. Benefitting from a competitive benefits package that offers health, dental, vision insurance, tuition remission, life insurance, and retirement options, employees enjoy a balanced and supportive workplace. The campus culture emphasizes collaboration, respect, and sustainability, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking a meaningful career in higher education.

As an Assistant Director within the Conferences and Events team at Lewis & Clark College, the individual plays a critical role in the planning, scheduling, coordination, and execution of a wide range of events on campus. This full-time exempt position, offered at a salary of $54,500 annually, ensures the smooth logistics and safe operation of internal college activities and external venue rentals, such as academic programs, corporate events, weddings, performances, social gatherings, and community outreach. The role involves close collaboration with Campus Safety, Facilities, AV, and other institutional partners to manage event logistics, risk management, and operational delivery while balancing competing priorities.

The Assistant Director's responsibilities span diverse event types and require flexibility to manage high-volume workloads, seasonal demands, and support for lodging and client services. Alongside operational duties, the role supports business development efforts, particularly in promoting Fir Acres Estate Gardens—a signature outdoor venue that hosts fundraisers, weddings, and performances, generating significant revenue and engagement opportunities. The position demands sound judgment, professionalism, adaptability, and discretion to navigate complex scenarios while maintaining safety guidelines, ADA compliance, and institutional policies.

Operating within established policies and guidelines, the Assistant Director contributes to Lewis & Clark College's operational and financial goals by coordinating resources, managing client portfolios, and developing pricing strategies based on market trends. The role requires strong contract negotiation skills, proactive risk assessment, and hands-on event operations leadership. The Assistant Director also supervises student staff, mentors team members, and continually improves processes to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Overall, the Assistant Director position at Lewis & Clark College is a dynamic, high-impact role that supports the college's mission by ensuring exceptional event experiences, fostering strong community relationships, and contributing to the institution's financial and operational success. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about event management, higher education, sustainability, and creating inclusive, vibrant campus life.