The Director of University Ceremonies and Special Events is the university's lead event planner for signature university events that garner widespread attention and elevate the university's brand. Additionally, the Director helps guide and shape processes and policies related to smaller events on campus and serves as an advisor to unit-level event planners across the university. Specifically, the Director:
- designs and produces high-profile public events and ceremonies such as Commencement, building dedications, groundbreakings, recognition events, teaching and research awards, and visits from distinguished guests that are of interest to large numbers of KU constituents.
- develops and implements event-related policies and procedures that benefit the entire university community.
- advises campus partners - including unit/department event planners - to ensure high-quality ceremonies and events are produced in a coordinated and consistent way utilizing best practices.
- partners with various university offices - including Athletics, KU Memorial Union, and Jayhawk Hospitality - on events hosted by KU units or external partners who use KU facilities.
The Director of University Ceremonies and Special Events must be adept at handling sensitive information that requires problem solving, confidentiality and discretion. Additionally, this position requires the ability to work independently in a deadline-driven environment, often on high-profile projects that directly impact public perceptions of the university. The Director will mostly work normal business hours but will occasionally need to be available for evening and weekend events. The Director will work mostly on site, but there is the opportunity to work remotely a portion of the time.
The Director of University Ceremonies and Special Events oversees the Office of University Ceremonies and Special Events, which is housed within the Office of Public Affairs. The Director reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs. The Director will have the assistance of the Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, whose time is split approximately 50/50 between the Director and Vice Chancellor.
A complete application consists of the online application, cover letter, resume, & 3 professional references. Only complete applications will be considered.
- Application review begins Monday, May 13, 2024. and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is received.
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