Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

What if your next career move put you at the center of thousands of unforgettable moments each year? From major campus traditions and keynote speakers to conferences, banquets, student organization events, concerts, and community gatherings, the Iowa State University Memorial Union is where people come together—and we're looking for a dynamic leader to help make it all happen. As the Assistant Director for Event Operations, you'll serve as the strategic leader behind the scenes, overseeing event planning, event operations, audiovisual and technology services, and Memorial Union parking operations while helping shape the future vision of event services at one of the most active and iconic facilities on campus.

As the Assistant Director for Event Operations, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and direct supervision for the Memorial Union's event operations functions, including event planning, audiovisual and information technology services, and parking operations.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate professional staff, establish priorities, and ensure departmental goals and service standards are achieved.
• Oversee the planning and execution of events to ensure exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and successful client outcomes.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational standards that promote efficient, safe, and high-quality event services.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus partners, community organizations, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the senior representative for Memorial Union event operations in university-wide planning, coordination, and partnership efforts.
• Develop business strategies, revenue-generating initiatives, and space utilization plans that support long-term operational sustainability and growth.
• Collaborate on marketing and promotional efforts to increase facility usage, event activity, and customer engagement.
• Manage budgets, financial planning, equipment replacement schedules, and technology investments for event operations.
• Utilize assessment data, customer feedback, and operational metrics to drive continuous improvement and enhance service delivery.
• Establish and maintain standards for event execution, space readiness, safety, accessibility, and customer satisfaction.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex, high-profile, and large-scale events requiring strategic leadership and decision-making.
• Partner with facility operations leadership to ensure seamless coordination between building operations, event services, and customer needs.
• Oversee event technology, audiovisual systems, and event management software platforms that support successful event delivery.
• Champion innovation, collaboration, and a customer-focused culture that enhances the Memorial Union's role as the center of campus life.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Iowa State University Memorial Union (MU) was established as a living memorial to Iowa Staters who gave their lives in military service and has served as the heart of campus life since opening in 1928. For nearly a century, the MU has brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and guests through meaningful experiences that foster connection, learning, and community. Gold Star Hall remains a lasting tribute to those who have served, while the building itself has evolved to support the changing needs of the university community.

Over nearly a century, the Memorial Union has evolved through numerous additions, renovations, and restorations to meet the changing needs of Iowa State University while preserving its historic character and traditions. Today, the Memorial Union is one of Iowa State University's premier events and engagement venues, hosting thousands of meetings, conferences, banquets, ceremonies, performances, and student organization events each year. Signature events such as the annual Norman Borlaug Lecture, Destination Iowa State, multicultural celebrations, leadership conferences, student organization fairs, Homecoming activities, and visits by nationally recognized speakers, political leaders and entertainers make the MU a vibrant hub of campus activity.

Event Operations is composed of a talented team of event professionals who bring the Memorial Union to life each day. From event planners and operations staff to audiovisual and technology specialists, this dynamic and experienced team works collaboratively to support thousands of events annually and creates memorable experiences for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus guests. As the leader of this team, the Assistant Director for Event Operations will play a critical leadership role in ensuring these events are delivered safely, efficiently, and with exceptional customer service, supporting the MU's mission of creating memorable experiences for the Iowa State community and its guests; while having the opportunity to mentor dedicated professionals, foster innovation, and help shape the future of event services at the heart of Iowa State University 

For more information about Memorial Union, please visit:  Memorial Union

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please Note: To receive full consideration, applications should be received by July 22, 2026.

Requirements

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced experience supervising and developing professional and/or student staff in a complex, customer-focused environment
• Experience leading operational improvements, implementing new initiatives, or managing organizational change with a focus on future growth and innovation
• Experience managing event operations, conference services, venue operations, student union operations, hospitality operations, or similar large-scale service environments
• Experience developing and managing budgets, utilizing data to inform decisions, and supporting revenue generation or business planning efforts.
• Experience establishing operational and training standards, assessing outcomes, engaging in student development, and using data to drive continuous improvement