Event Operations Manager

St. John’s, established in 1870, has three New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.  

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission.  As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community.  We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.

Department: Conference Services

Specific Job Title: Event Operations Manager

Reports to: Associate Director of Operations

Campus: Queens

Job Summary:

The Campus Events Operations Manager is responsible to ensure all campus event setup & breakdown operations are managed and executed accurately, cost effectively and with the highest level of customer service. The manager will coordinate audio & visual support for Arena events and all external client campus events. Serves as the main point of contact for execution of event setups & takedowns and AV event services for the Office of Conference Services.

Essential Functions:

• Direct, manage, supervise and coordinate event setup and takedown activities and provide responsible staffing for campus events within budget parameters.
• Operate Arena and external client event Audio & visual services for campus events.
• Demonstrate strong organization and communication skills, ability to solve problems, strong customer service orientation, effective teamwork, the ability to multitask and thrive in a fast paced environment.
• Review upcoming event documents to forecast adequate staffing, furniture and equipment needs and prepare future labor requests.
• Report facility issues by collaborating across departments, with partners and vendors to support events.
• Coordinate delivery and pickup of furniture rentals. Ensure staff are working safely and are aware of safety guidelines through on-site oversight, training, guidance and leadership. Provide a positive employee atmosphere.
• Establish standards, guidelines and training for proper handling, storage and transportation of furniture and equipment resources.
• Develop training materials. Maintain assigned storage areas in a safe, clean and organized manner. Put equipment and supplies away at the end of each shift.
• Maintain department furniture and equipment inventory. Complete periodic inventory of furniture and equipment. Perform regular inspections of equipment, report repair needs and oversee repairs.

Competencies:

• Knowledge and understanding of meeting and event planning principles, requirements and procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of event audio & visual equipment operation. Proven supervisory experience.
• General understanding of event scheduling software.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Bilingual-English/Spanish highly desired.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Provide leadership, direction, supervision and training for our outsourced contractor and student staff.

Work Environment:

• Provide daily presence in the field to touch base with clients, monitor event setups, takedowns and storage rooms to ensure meeting room setups exceed client expectations.
• Provide on-site support for VIP department events to ensure smooth execution. Conduct pre, during and post walkthroughs to ensure cleanliness, proper setup and safety requirements

Physical Demands:

Ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to SO lbs. and stand and walk for long periods of time.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Full-time, with the expected hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., along with the requirement to work nights and weekends as business dictates.

Travel:

Travel is primarily local and may include visits to the other NY campuses

Preferred Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field, and at least two years' experience in an operations position, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Proficiency with Microsoft platforms. Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel. Possession of a valid driver's license preferred.

Other Duties:

Other duties, special projects and assignments as business dictates.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary range for this position is $66,300 to $70,900. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.  

This position may be relocated to any of St. John’s University’s physical locations at any time. 

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events 

Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education. 

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status,