Event Services Associate

The University of North Florida (UNF) is a vibrant public institution committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of its community. Established with the mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens, UNF is recognized as a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation underscores the university's strong collaboration with community partners spanning local to global arenas, reflecting its dedication to enriching the educational experience and societal impact. The university embraces diversity and equity, ensuring no discrimination or harassment based on genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status. This commitment extends to fostering a safe and respectful campus for students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike.

Within this dynamic academic environment, the Herbert University Center (HUC) serves as a vital hub for events and community engagement. The HUC is tasked with hosting and managing a broad spectrum of conferences, meetings, and special events that support both university-related functions and external clients. To maintain high standards of operational excellence and client satisfaction, the center relies on skilled professionals who can ensure every event is executed flawlessly from setup to completion.

The Event Services Associate role at the Herbert University Center is a crucial position designed to support the meticulous planning and execution of these events. This hourly position offers compensation starting at $18.27, with potential negotiation based on experience and qualifications. The associate acts as an on-site operational leader during event days, chiefly working Tuesday through Saturday, with an emphasis on evening hours. This schedule is adaptive, responding to the varying demands of event calendars.

As an Event Services Associate, the individual will oversee the daily setup and teardown of event spaces, ensuring all rooms, furnishings, and equipment precisely match event specifications and client requirements. This includes reviewing event orders thoroughly to verify accuracy, coordinating logistics, and ensuring operational readiness. Physical stamina and the ability to handle equipment and furnishings weighing over 50 pounds are essential, as the position demands active, on-foot engagement throughout event durations.

Furthermore, the associate serves as the primary point of contact during assigned shifts when event planning staff are not present, helping resolve any issues that arise to guarantee smooth event flow. Part of the role also involves operating audiovisual systems, providing technical support to meet the presentation needs of clients.

Leadership and team management are integral components of this role. The associate will supervise approximately eight OPS or student event setup staff members, taking responsibility for their hiring, training, scheduling, and day-to-day supervision. This fosters a professional and accountable work environment, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and quality. By modeling best practices and providing constructive coaching, the associate contributes to the personal and professional development of student employees.

Operational readiness extends beyond event specifics to include the maintenance and organization of equipment, furnishings, and storage areas. The associate will conduct inventories, monitor the condition of inventory, and coordinate necessary repairs or replacements to support ongoing operations. Responsibility for the audiovisual technology includes setup, operation, and storage, ensuring all devices function correctly and are prepared for client use.

Safety, emergency response, and building operations form critical aspects of the position. The associate assists with opening, closing, and monitoring the facility and follows established safety and emergency procedures. They may act as a Building Emergency Coordinator, demonstrating the importance of vigilance and readiness in event environments. Regular rounds during events maintain visibility and accessibility to clients and guests, reinforcing a commitment to superior customer service.

Excellent customer service and administrative competencies are vital. The associate interacts professionally with clients, guests, staff, and vendors, providing information about university events and services and managing communications effectively across multiple channels. Documentation of event issues or client feedback is handled with promptness and clarity to support continuous improvement.

This role requires a high school diploma and at least two years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must be willing and able to work the specified evening and weekend schedule. The position is subject to background checks and possibly credit checks in line with university policies. As a designated Responsible Employee under Title IX, the associate must promptly report any allegations related to sexual misconduct or child abuse to the appropriate university authorities.

Joining the Herbert University Center team means becoming part of a community dedicated to delivering exceptional event experiences within a respected public university known for its community engagement and commitment to equity, safety, and excellence.