Program Director Of Conference Services

Program Director of Conference Services

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Program Director of Conference Services to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success. At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range: $57,374 - $79,137 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

Work Location: On-Site

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.

This position provides leadership and oversight of the Conference Services area of the University Center and Event Services department as well as coordination of marketing and business development efforts for the Conference services program. This position may work weekend and evening hours depending on the event schedule.

The Conference Services team operates on principles of customer service, teamwork, communication, positivity, and belonging. We lead with empathy, humility, and introspection in all we do. We embody service excellence in every interaction, striving to exceed expectations and create outstanding experiences for our clients. We approach every situation with respect and care, empowering our team to reach their full potential. Every team member contributes to ensuring seamless operations, exceptional service, and a welcoming environment that fosters inclusiveness across the university community.

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Provide strategic leadership and direct oversight of all Conference Services operations.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Event Services to monitor, track, and project the Conference Services budget, and set financial and team goals.
• Coordinate conference needs with campus partners to ensure efficient and satisfactory client and campus experiences.
• Initiate and negotiate full-service contracts for conference and event clients, including housing, food and beverage, meeting space, technology, and other services in partnership with on-campus providers.
• Maintain ongoing communication with current clients to understand future needs and resolve concerns in collaboration with event coordinators.
• Develop and lead a comprehensive sales and marketing action plan, in collaboration with the Associate Director of Event Services, to maximize revenue from non-university affiliated clients.
• Provide campus and venue tours to potential clients and respond to inquiries regarding space reservations and event coordination.
• Research market trends and recommend promotional strategies to attract new business.
• Review and report on individual and overall sales goals, including key performance indicators for monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue targets.
• Maintain thorough sales records using event software (Kinetic/KX) or databases.
• Track and assess new and lost business opportunities, including client feedback and decision rationale.
• Collaborate with the Conference Services Coordinator to oversee the hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of student employees.
• Optimize utilization of event and conference spaces, including classrooms, meeting rooms, and housing facilities.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, contracts, insurance requirements, and risk management protocols related to conference and event operations.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies or systems to enhance client experience, streamline booking processes, and improve data tracking and reporting.
• Provide additional event support and coordination as needed for the Event Services team.
• Represent the department in campus-wide event and conference presentations.
• Serve as a university representative within the Colorado Springs and national community.
• Assist with department-wide assessment initiatives to improve services and client satisfaction.
• Provide strategic leadership and direct oversight of all Conference Services operations.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: November 30th, 2025.
• Potential interview dates: December 1st - December 5th, 2025.
• Potential start date: December 15th, 2025.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.

Qualifications

To qualify applicants must have a bachelor's degree. (Substitution of year for year experience can be used in lieu of a bachelor's degree) Experience working with students; leading and executing comprehensive event services, conference operations, sales strategies, and client relations initiatives, with a proven track record of driving revenue growth, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction is required.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applications received before 11/30/2025 will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted through email or surface mail will not be considered. Please apply at cu.edu/cu-careers.