Assistant AD or Sr. Director for Bookings & External Event Management

## About the Opportunity

We are seeking either an Assistant Athletics Director or a Senior Director for Bookings & External Event Management to join our Event Management team. This role reports to the Associate Athletics Director for Event Management and provides strategic leadership for planning, development, booking, and execution of external events hosted within University of Arkansas Athletics facilities. It’s a critical position for maximizing facility utilization and generating revenue by identifying, securing, and managing a diverse portfolio of external events while ensuring an exceptional client experience and operational excellence.

## What You'll Do

As the department's primary point of contact for all external event inquiries, you'll oversee the full lifecycle of event management—from business development and contract negotiations to scheduling, facility use agreements, client relations, and event execution. You'll proactively cultivate relationships with promoters, corporate partners, community organizations, University stakeholders, and other external clients to expand the event portfolio and create new revenue-generating opportunities. This includes identifying and securing concerts, entertainment events, corporate functions, University commencements, high school graduations, conferences, meetings, camps, and other special events that optimize the use of Athletics facilities.

You'll develop and maintain event rental policies, operating procedures, and fee structures to ensure competitive pricing, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability. Strategic oversight extends to all operational aspects of external events: scheduling, staffing, security, parking, facility setup, audiovisual and technical support, vendor coordination, and event logistics. As the on-site event manager for major events, you'll ensure seamless execution, outstanding customer service, and compliance with departmental, University, NCAA, SEC, and applicable safety standards. Collaboration with facilities and operations, custodial services, ticketing, information technology, event security, concessions, and other internal stakeholders is key to delivering first-class events while protecting the integrity of Athletics operations.

You'll also manage the department's master facilities calendar within Teamworks, ensuring accurate scheduling, resource allocation, and communication across all Athletics venues. Direct supervision, leadership, and professional development for the Manager of External Event Operations is part of the role, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented team dedicated to high-quality events and maximizing strategic use of Athletics facilities. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is essential, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships. You must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed to prepare for and cover events.

## Qualifications

**For the Assistant Athletics Director level:**

- Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher learning

- At least 4 to 5 years of experience in event management, facility operations, or hospitality/event sales, venue booking/scheduling, preferably in multipurpose venues, arenas, stadiums, or convention centers

- At least 1 year of supervisory experience

- Must be available to work nights and weekends as needed for ticket initiatives and/or support booked events as the on-site manager and primary point of contact

**For the Senior Director level:**

- Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher learning

- At least 3 years of experience in event management, facility operations, or hospitality/event sales, venue booking/scheduling, preferably in multipurpose venues, arenas, stadiums, or convention centers

- At least 1 year of supervisory experience

- Must be available to work nights and weekends as needed for ticket initiatives and/or support booked events as the on-site manager and primary point of contact

**Preferred qualifications for both levels:**

- Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business, Hospitality, or a related field

- At least 5 years of experience within a college or professional public assembly facility setting

- Experience managing concerts and large shows/events

- Experience working with artist and show management as well as live event promoters

- Experience with Auto. Cad or similar layout creation software

- Broad knowledge and experience with all aspects of live event production, including staging, A/V, ticketing, and event management

## Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

- Knowledge of facility rental agreements, insurance requirements, waivers, and risk mitigation strategies relevant to external event use

- Knowledge of the facility rental process from contracts through settlement and invoicing

- Knowledge of university policies, NCAA regulations, and Title IX implications related to third-party events on campus

- Experience using Teamworks

- Strong customer service skills

- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

- Ability to interpret, develop, and maintain operational budgets

- Ability to analyze financial records and prepare reports

- Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed for events

## Benefits & Compensation

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. The University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Benefits include university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5% to 10% of employee salary.

## About the University

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land-grant institution classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2% of universities with the highest level of research activity. The campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.