Director of University Events

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is a distinguished public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. Established in 1889, UNC has a rich history of commitment to transformative education and is recognized as a top university for social mobility. It proudly holds the designation of a Hispanic Serving Institution and supports a diverse student population, including more than 44% of undergraduates who are the first in their families to attend college. UNC offers a vibrant and supportive work environment, fostering professional growth for its faculty and staff while dedicating itself to advancing educational opportunities and institutional excellence. The university emphasizes inclusivity, equal opportunity, and adherence to federal and state laws regarding discrimination, ensuring a respectful and accommodating campus for all employees and students. Staff at UNC are also eligible for a variety of benefits, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and defined contribution retirement options, along with tuition waiver programs for employees and their dependents.

The Director of University Events is a critical leadership role within the Office of Alumni Relations at UNC, responsible for steering the strategic and operational management of the university-wide events program. This professional administrative position offers an annual compensation range of $77,000 to $87,000 and is slated for a target hire date of September 1, 2026. The role demands a dedicated leader to ensure that all university events reflect the highest standards of hospitality and university branding, align with strategic priorities, and provide measurable returns on institutional investment. Events under the purview of this position include the biannual commencement, donor and recognition ceremonies, alumni engagement events, and other institutionally significant functions. The Director directly manages event strategy development, resource allocation, financial oversight, and staff supervision, while advising university leadership on optimizing the impact of events to advance fundraising, marketing, and engagement goals.

The role requires extensive collaboration with various campus units and external partners, including the President's Office, Provost, Registrar, and vendors to coordinate large-scale, high-profile events held on campus, across Colorado, and nationally. The Director acts as the primary project manager for significant events, overseeing venue selection, catering, marketing, guest communications, budgeting, programming, technology, and event hospitality. The position also includes responsibility for maintaining accurate records and project compliance with university, state, and foundation policies. This leadership role supports continuous improvement initiatives, guides departmental planning, and fosters a culture of excellence and innovation within the events team. Additionally, the Director serves as a subject matter expert on event management technology and provides mentorship and performance management for staff, including the Assistant Director of University Events. Candidates must be available to work evenings, weekends and travel as necessary, as well as handle physical event-related tasks. This professional opportunity at UNC represents a chance to play a pivotal role in enhancing the university's reputation and engagement through expertly coordinated, high-impact events that elevate the school's mission and community relationships.