Assistant Director, Event Management

Assistant Director, Event Management

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

Oversee and/or assist with game day operations of various men and women's intercollegiate sports including officials and visiting team accommodations, safety of patrons and those competing, and emergency and event protocol set forth by the Big Ten Conference, NCAA, and university.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Event Management
  • Lead planning, coordination, and execution of home athletic events for Division I athletics programs
  • Assist with game day operations of football and various men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports in multiple athletic facilities
  • Create and execute emergency response plans across various sports and events
  • Plan and coordinate NCAA, Big Ten, and Illinois High School Association championships events
  • Assist with all special projects assigned by the Associate Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director for Event Management
• Strategic Leadership • Oversight of Student Ambassador program, including hiring, training and scheduling • Ensure high-quality game-day experience for student-athletes, fans, visiting teams, and stakeholders while maintaining NCAA, Conference, and university policies • Work compatibly and cooperatively with internal staff, personnel, and various constituents in the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

View Full Description

Assistant Director, Event Management

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

Oversee and/or assist with game day operations of various men and women's intercollegiate sports including officials and visiting team accommodations, safety of patrons and those competing, and emergency and event protocol set forth by the Big Ten Conference, NCAA, and university.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Event Management
  • Lead planning, coordination, and execution of home athletic events for Division I athletics programs
  • Assist with game day operations of football and various men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports in multiple athletic facilities
  • Create and execute emergency response plans across various sports and events
  • Plan and coordinate NCAA, Big Ten, and Illinois High School Association championships events
  • Assist with all special projects assigned by the Associate Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director for Event Management
• Strategic Leadership • Oversight of Student Ambassador program, including hiring, training and scheduling • Ensure high-quality game-day experience for student-athletes, fans, visiting teams, and stakeholders while maintaining NCAA, Conference, and university policies • Work compatibly and cooperatively with internal staff, personnel, and various constituents in the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
• Financial
  • Oversee budgets for various game day accounts including the approval of expenditures prior to an event and the reconciliation of invoices following an event
  • Complete balanced budgets for Big Ten and NCAA Championships as well as operational budgets set by the Associate Athletic Director for Event Management

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Fast-paced, high-visibility environment. May work in inclement weather.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

Frequent evening, weekend, and holiday work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in Events Planning, Conference Management, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or any other related field.
• Demonstrated experience within collegiate athletics, professional sports, large-scale live events, and/or venue management.

Preferred Qualifications

Two (2) years of professional work experience in Events Planning, Conference Management, Marketing, or any other related field in a collegiate athletic environment. Demonstrated experience working game days at NCAA Division I varsity sporting events, including football. Knowledge and experience in the coordination and staging of large customer service events.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• •CPR/First Aid; familiarity with ADA accessibility • Proficiency in using computer programs for developing event timelines, manuals, and communications materials (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required. Professional and positive attitude Organizational skills with attention to detail Proven verbal and written communication skills, as well as good interpersonal skills Self-driven and possesses initiative
• Championship Mindset and Expectations Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff; Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience; Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values; Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) invites applications for Assistant Director, Event Marketing to support event management. In addition, the Assistant Director, Event Marketing will play a critical role in supporting the broader strategic priorities of the DIA, and ultimately this position will help foster a life-changing experience for student-athletes.

Since 1892, DIA has operated on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to support its intercollegiate athletic programs. Today, DIA supports 21 intercollegiate varsity sports which compete as a part of the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. DIA provides the resources for over 500 student-athletes to participate at the highest levels of their respective sports. This extensive support ecosystem includes over 35 departments employing over 300 dedicated staff members including 80 plus varsity coaches working collaboratively to provide individualized championship-caliber opportunities to our student-athletes, in the classroom, in the competitive arena, and in personal and professional development, to enhance their growth and life preparation. The DIA mission is to Unify, Develop, Inspire, and Achieve, for the benefit of our student-athletes, our university, and our broader community.

DIA has set forth six strategic priorities to help guide and advance its overarching mission: Championship people, championship mindset; strategic innovation and investment; athletic success; financial sustainability; win championships; community engagement and enrichment. Together, these priorities present a cohesive vision for the direction of the department.

Organizational Relationship

This position will report to the Assistant Athletic Director, Event Management

Job Summary

Oversee and/or assist with game day operations of various men and women's intercollegiate sports including officials and visiting team accommodations, safety of patrons and those competing, and emergency and event protocol set forth by the Big Ten Conference, NCAA, and university.

For a complete list of duties and responsibilities, Assistant Director, Event Management 

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5009 - Events Administrator Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 7/6/2026. Salary range is $45,000 - $55,000 commensurate with experience.  Sponsorship is not available.

Impact in Your First Year

Within 3 months, you will:
To learn the the structure and strategic priorities of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics while gaining Event Management historical knowledge.

Within 6 months, you will:
Autonomy to run events including oversight and leadership of respective sports.

By the end of the first year, you will:
Present new ideas to help enhance game day operations across sports/events while finding innovative and creative ways to advance DIA and Event Management initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in Events Planning, Conference Management, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or any other related field.
• Demonstrated experience within collegiate athletics, professional sports, large-scale live events, and/or venue management.

Preferred Qualifications

Two (2) years of professional work experience in Events Planning, Conference Management, Marketing, or any other related field in a collegiate athletic environment. Demonstrated experience working game days at NCAA Division I varsity sporting events, including football. Knowledge and experience in the coordination and staging of large customer service events.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• •CPR/First Aid; familiarity with ADA accessibility • Proficiency in using computer programs for developing event timelines, manuals, and communications materials (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required. Professional and positive attitude Organizational skills with attention to detail Proven verbal and written communication skills, as well as good interpersonal skills Self-driven and possesses initiative
  • Championship Mindset and Expectations Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff; Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience; Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values; Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/....

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 19, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Krissy Doran at kdoran@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

---

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

---

Requisition ID : 1036721
Job Category : Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

Apply Now

Share

Save Job

Apply Now

View Less Description