Assistant Director of Events, College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX

Job description

Job Posting Title: Assistant Director of Events, College of Natural Sciences ---- Hiring Department: College of Natural Sciences ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue ---- Location: AUSTIN, TX ---- Job Details: General Notes This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer now and in the future without sponsorship. The College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin, strives to foster a work environment that enables all employees to contribute at the highest possible level to support the mission of the University. What starts here really does change the world. For more information about the College of Natural Sciences, please visit https://cns.utexas.edu . The university also offers an impressive benefits package. For more information, see Prospective Employee Benefits . Purpose Provide strategic leadership and oversight for event planning, production, and execution for the College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin’s largest college, which delivers world-class STEM education initiatives, high-impact scientific research, and exciting science programming from the heart of Texas. The Assistant Director sets the strategic direction for the college’s signature events, oversees the delivery of high-caliber events and event processes, and personally leads select events assigned directly to this role. This important post also leads and develops a team of experienced professionals and early career staff, partners with the Dean’s Office on its signature events, supports the evolution of the Texas Science Festival and provides flexible planning support and consultation to other areas across the college as needed. Responsibilities Strategic Event Leadership & Portfolio Management: Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of high-profile college events and special projects, including college-wide faculty/staff/student awards celebrations, donor-facing and high-level stakeholder events, public events taking place during the annual Texas Science Festival, and emerging special projects and academic events. Guide the events team’s approach to event design, guest experience, production planning, operational execution, risk management, and service delivery to ensure events align with the college’s mission and priorities and that event needs are met with professionalism. Event Planning, Execution, Operations and Production Management: Serve as the lead planner and primary point of contact for specific events assigned directly to this role, with full ownership of planning, execution, and post-event follow-up, particularly for dean-hosted events, providing logistical and planning support from concept through completion. Direct all phases of event planning and execution for select events, including vendor selection and negotiation, venue logistics, production schedules, catering, décor, and guest experience components. Develop and manage event budgets, monitor expenditures, process financial documentation, and ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with university policies throughout the planning lifecycle. Assume ownership of production schedules and resolve complex operational issues, providing decision-making support before, during, and after events. Team Leadership & Staff Development: Manage, train, mentor, and provide day-to-day direction to the events team, including seasoned professionals, newcomers, and student workers, by assigning work, establishing priorities, monitoring progress, and supporting professional development. Work alongside team members, including in a supporting role on events led by other staff, and foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture that promotes accountability, quality, and continuous improvement. Organizational Excellence & Continuous I