Associate Director of Special Events

The University of Oklahoma's Athletic Department, located at the Norman Campus, is a dynamic and prestigious division of the university dedicated to fostering excellence in collegiate athletics and special events. Recognized for its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to providing outstanding experiences for athletes, fans, and the local community, the department plays a pivotal role in supporting university sports programs and engaging with external audiences through a variety of events. As a cornerstone of the university's vibrant campus life, the Athletic Department is known not only for sporting excellence but also for its strategic use of venues to host diverse events, ranging from athletic competitions to large-scale special occasions involving students, staff, community members, and corporate partners.

The position of Associate Director of Special Events in the Athletic Department is an essential leadership role focused on the strategic planning, promotion, and execution of special events within the university's athletic venues. This full-time, onsite role operates primarily during weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm with an expectation of frequent availability during evenings and weekends to oversee event activities. The salary for this position is negotiable based on experience, and it offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the well-being of the successful candidate.

As Associate Director, the incumbent is charged with maximizing both revenue and facility utilization by driving proactive sales initiatives, cultivating strong relationships internally and externally, and upholding policies that maintain the high standards of the department. The role requires independent judgment and strategic oversight in contract negotiation, event strategy development, vendor relations, and the coordination of relationships with campus partners, community organizations, and external clients. This is a high-impact role where the individual will directly influence the Athletics Department's ability to leverage its venues for broader community engagement and financial success.

The ideal candidate will possess a robust understanding of events and conference management, combined with skills in sales, marketing, and operations management tailored to a collegiate athletic environment. Responsibilities encompass oversight of the entire sales pipeline, from prospecting and client engagement to contract negotiation and closure, ensuring the consistent achievement of revenue and utilization goals. The Associate Director is also responsible for crafting and enforcing policies, managing financial oversight through collaboration with business operations, and providing onsite event leadership ensuring compliance with institutional, conference, and NCAA regulations.

Collaboration is a hallmark of this position, as the Associate Director serves as a key liaison both within the university and with external stakeholders. They will represent the Athletics Department in a variety of committee settings and participate in ongoing departmental planning and improvement initiatives. With responsibility for the operational success of events, including setup, teardown, and coordination with labor and catering vendors, the role demands high organizational skills, the ability to make prompt and effective decisions under pressure, and a professional communication style to navigate complex event logistics.

Additionally, this position oversees camp operations hosted within athletic facilities, ensuring best practices and policy compliance, and supports major university athletic events such as conference championships and NCAA postseason activities. The University of Oklahoma encourages candidates who are passionate about sports management, event operations, and community engagement to consider this exciting opportunity to contribute to a celebrated institution dedicated to inclusive excellence and innovation.