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

The Assistant Athletics Director or Senior Director for Bookings & External Event Management reports to the Associate Athletics Director for Event Management and provides strategic leadership for the planning, development, booking, and execution of external events hosted within University of Arkansas Athletics facilities. This position plays a critical role in 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.

Serving as the department's primary point of contact for all external event inquiries, the incumbent oversees the full lifecycle of event management, including business development, contract negotiations, scheduling, facility use agreements, client relations, and event execution. The position is responsible for proactively cultivating relationships with promoters, corporate partners, community organizations, University stakeholders, and other external clients to expand the department's event portfolio and create new revenue-generating opportunities.

Responsibilities include 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. The incumbent develops and maintains event rental policies, operating procedures, and fee structures to ensure competitive pricing, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability.

The position provides strategic oversight for all operational aspects of external events, including scheduling, staffing, security, parking, facility setup, audiovisual and technical support, vendor coordination, and event logistics. As the on-site event manager for major events, the incumbent ensures seamless execution, outstanding customer service, and compliance with departmental, University, NCAA, SEC, and applicable safety standards. This role works collaboratively with facilities and operations, custodial services, ticketing, information technology, event security, concessions, and other internal stakeholders to deliver first-class events while protecting the integrity of Athletics operations.

Additionally, the position is responsible for managing the department's master facilities calendar within Teamworks, ensuring accurate scheduling, resource allocation, and communication across all Athletics venues. The incumbent also provides direct supervision, leadership, and professional development for the Manager of External Event Operations, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented team dedicated to delivering high-quality events and maximizing the strategic use of Athletics facilities.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others. Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed to prepare for and cover events.
Qualifications:(Assistant Athletics Director) Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher learningAt 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 conventions centersAt least 1 year of supervisory experienceMust 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 (Senior Director) Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher learningAt least 3 years of experience in event management, facility operations, or hospitality/event sales, venue booking/scheduling preferably in multipurpose venues, arenas, stadiums or conventions centersAt least 1 year of supervisory experienceMust 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:Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business, Hospitality, or related fieldAt least 5 years of experience within a college or professional public assembly facility settingExperience in managing concerts and large shows/eventsExperience working with artist and show management as well as live event promotersExperience with AutoCad or similar layout creation softwareBroad knowledge and experience with all aspects of live event production including but not limited to 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 useKnowledge 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 campusExperience using TeamworksStrong customer service skillsExcellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skillsAbility to interpret, develop and maintain operational, budgetsAbility to analyze financial records and prepare reportsAbility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed for events

Salary Information:Commensurate with education and experience

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.