Job Details

Associate Director of Presidential Events

Position Number: 6982767
Location: Bowling Green, OH
Position Type: Conference and Events Administration

Associate Director of Presidential Events

Bowling Green State University

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Job Type: Full-Time
Division: President's Office
Opening Date: 03/06/2026
Location: Main Campus (BG), OH
Job Number: BGSU01438
Department: President's Office
Closing: 3/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Summary

The Associate Director of Presidential Events serves as a key member of the Office of the President, reporting directly to the Director of Presidential Development, Board, and External Relations. This role leads the strategy, planning, coordination, and execution of all presidential events, ensuring alignment with the university's strategic plan. The position collaborates closely with campus divisions, external partners, and university leadership to implement high-level and signature events. Additionally, the Associate Director serves as the primary liaison for the Office of the President on major events, supports event-related operations at University House, and oversees the management of the President's suites in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, Doyt L. Perry Stadium, and Slater Family Ice Arena.

Essential Functions

Lead the planning and execution of presidential events to engage students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, friends, and other external stakeholders. Collaborate with office staff on all event needs, including communications, scheduling, budgeting, staffing, and logistics. Serve as the liaison between the President's Office and other offices regarding facilities, dining, campus operations, invitations, and related event details.
Collaborate on event operations and logistics at University House, the official residence of the BGSU President. Collaborate with the Executive Housekeeper at University House as it relates to presidential events. Serve as the primary contact for all event-related matters at University House.
Work closely with office staff to implement a pre-event planning process that maximizes presidential attendance and engagement. Track RSVPs, guest lists, and attendee biographies; develop event layouts; and oversee setup and breakdown. Utilize Social Tables software as appropriate to support event planning. Ensure the President and University Advocate follow up with attendees as needed.
Lead the overall event strategy on behalf of the President, including short- and long-term planning, to advance the University's strategic agenda with emphasis on recruitment, retention, and fundraising.
Manage three presidential event facilities, including the President's suites located in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, Slater Family Ice Arena, and Doyt L. Perry Stadium. Approve all requests for use in coordination with Conference and Event Services and oversee adherence to established guidelines set by the Office of the President.
Attend and execute all presidential events and serve as the on-site lead contact. Provide coordination and support in partnership with BGSU stakeholders, both internal and external, for events involving the President and University Advocate to ensure successful execution.
Determine best practices related to contracts, decor and design, menu selection, rentals, venues, and related event elements to ensure alignment with event goals and operational effectiveness. Consult with the President and University Advocate as appropriate. Conduct site visits for off-site events as needed to support successful execution.
Assist with the planning and execution of university signature events as needed (e.g., Academy of Distinguished Alumni, Homecoming, Commencement, Senior Week, Family Weekend, Opening Weekend) in collaboration with Marketing and Communications, University Advancement, Conference and Event Services, and other major divisions.
Serve as the responsible representative for the President's Office in working with external vendors to ensure successful execution of events involving the President and University Advocate.
Assess and evaluate event outcomes, metrics, and strategies to identify successes and opportunities for improvement and to measure progress toward goals.
Lead and complete special projects and other duties as assigned by the Director of Presidential Development, Board, and External Relations and the Chief of Staff.

Minimum Qualifications

The following Degree is required:

Bachelor's Degree

The following Experience is required:

3 years of event planning experience

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of event planning principles, practices, and execution strategies.
Strong collaborative work style with the ability to build effective relationships across a wide variety of teams and stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting critical deadlines.
High level of initiative, creativity, sound judgment, and decisiveness.
Ability to handle sensitive and highly confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required to support events and presidential activities.
Ability to travel regionally, including occasional overnight travel.

Deadline to Apply: March 20, 2026

Required Application Materials & Evaluation

Experience must be fully documented on the official application.
The application will be used to evaluate if candidates meet the minimum requirements for the position and for consideration when determining starting pay rate.
Experience requirements are inclusive of relevant professional experience, or experience attained through relevant internships, co-ops, student employment positions, or graduate assistantships.

Uploads

Required: Resume (for supplemental information only)
Optional: Cover Letter

Essential Requirement: Work Authorization

BGSU does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Bowling Green State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University is committed to maintaining an employment and educational environment that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected class: age (40 years of age or older), ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity and expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, marital status, military status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

EEOC Know Your Rights

OCRC Know Your Rights

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421 or email ohr@bgsu.edu.

BGSU is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/bgsu/jobs/5261324/associate-director-of-presidential-events

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