Director, Event Management

Event Planning & Operations

• Coordinate and manage the planning, logistics, and execution of home athletic contests for assigned sports, ensuring events run smoothly, safely, and in compliance with NCAA, Big Ten, and institutional regulations. • Develop and maintain detailed event operations plans, including timelines, staffing assignments, equipment needs, credentials, and venue setup/tear-down procedures. • Serve as primary game day contact and site supervisor for assigned sports, overseeing all operational aspects such as facility readiness, emergency preparedness, ADA compliance, and crowd management. • Act as liaison to visiting teams, officials, conference personnel, and other external groups, ensuring a high level of hospitality and professional service. • Coordinate event logistics with internal departments including facilities, security, ticketing, marketing, video board production, concessions, and custodial services.

Championship Director

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of postseason championship events across multiple sports and competition venues. • Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to coordinate event operations, enhance the championship experience, and support the successful delivery of postseason competitions. • Serve as the primary liaison for championship staff, coaches, student-athletes, officials, and institutional representatives by providing clear communication, resolving operational issues, and delivering exceptional customer service. • Oversee all aspects of championship logistics, including event scheduling, venue preparation, equipment management, signage, and coordination with host sites and facility personnel. • Develop and manage championship event budgets by tracking expenditures, procuring supplies and equipment, and coordinating with vendors to ensure cost-effective operations.

Staff Supervision & Training

• Recruit, schedule, train, and supervise part-time event staff, student workers, interns, and volunteers to support gameday operations. • Provide clear pre-event instructions, on-site leadership, and post-event debriefs to improve performance, safety, and service delivery. • Maintain event staffing schedules, payroll records, and ensure adherence to university policies and procedures. • Assist in the professional development of event management staff by promoting accountability, strong communication, and a championship mindset.

Facility & Risk Management

• Partner with Facilities and Operations teams to assess venue readiness, perform pre-event inspections, and ensure all equipment, signage, and seating arrangements are properly staged. • Implement safety and risk management protocols, including emergency action plans, weather delays, crowd control strategies, and coordination with campus police and medical personnel. • Assist in managing access control, credentials, parking logistics, and traffic flow for events, ensuring security and efficiency for participants and guests.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with sport administrators, coaches, and campus partners to align event operations with sport-specific needs and expectations. • Support department-wide special events, including championships, tournaments, community engagement events, donor functions, and facility dedication ceremonies. • Build positive relationships with campus departments, vendors, sponsors, and community members to enhance event impact and resource coordination.

Administrative Support & Reporting

• Maintain accurate event records including staffing rosters, incident reports, financial reconciliations, and post-event evaluations. • Provide input on budget planning, facility improvements, and process enhancements related to event management. • Attend department meetings, contribute to unit-wide planning, and assist with other duties as assigned to support the goals of Illinois Athletics.