Associate Director, Business Development & Conference Services​

Wayne State University is a prominent public urban research institution located in Detroit, Michigan. It serves a diverse student body by providing high-quality education that prepares individuals for success in a rapidly evolving global environment. The university is deeply committed to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an inclusive academic environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. With a strong reputation for research and community engagement, Wayne State integrates academic rigor with practical experience, making it a vibrant hub of higher learning in the heart of Detroit.

The Associate Director of Business Development & Conference Services at Wayne State University plays a crucial leadership role within the Student Center and Campus Reservations department. This position is responsible for spearheading strategic initiatives that drive revenue growth via business development activities, sales, marketing, and large-scale conference operations, particularly focusing on summer housing and conference programs. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President and Chief Housing Officer, the Associate Director leads a team of both professional and student staff to deliver an exceptional level of service to internal partners such as university faculty, staff, and academic departments, as well as external clients and organizations.

A key element of this role is to manage the entire sales cycle—from identifying and qualifying prospects, submitting proposals, negotiating contracts, and ensuring client retention—to successfully expand Wayne State's market share and increase revenue year over year. The Associate Director is also charged with coordinating marketing efforts alongside the Senior Director and SAS Marketing, encompassing print, digital, social media, and promotional campaigns designed to extend the university's reach and visibility in the conference and event marketplace.

Operationally, this role oversees the intricate planning and execution of conferences, seminars, and special events that utilize multiple facilities across campus. Managing logistical elements including housing assignments, catering, facilities, registration, parking, and security access, the Associate Director ensures seamless event delivery while balancing cost efficiency and client satisfaction. They are also responsible for implementing and optimizing conference management software, guaranteeing room readiness, quality assurance, and efficient transition between events.

In addition to direct event management, the Associate Director serves in a strategic leadership capacity, supervising full-time staff, graduate interns, and seasonal student employees. They cultivate a culture centered on excellence in customer service and team collaboration while continuously refining processes and systems to maximize operational efficiency. Furthermore, this position contributes to the long-term strategic planning for auxiliary services, incorporating financial forecasting, market research, and program innovation to align with the university’s broader mission and auxiliary enterprise goals.

Financial management responsibilities include budget development, contract and invoice preparation, performance metric analysis, and compliance oversight related to university financial policies. Through data-driven insights and rigorous reporting, the Associate Director supports informed decision-making and continuous improvement for conference services.

This full-time executive role offers an annual salary range between $95,000 and $105,000 and requires a flexible approach, including evening and weekend work especially during peak seasons and major events. Candidates must be adept at managing the physical demands of event-related tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds. Wayne State University emphasizes a workplace that operates with significant autonomy and accountability while fostering a dynamic, service-oriented environment for professional growth and achievement.