Associate Director, Business Development & Conference Services

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Associate Director Business Development & Conference Services at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier public urban research university located in the heart of Detroit Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence collaboration integrity diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Job Purpose
The Associate Director Business Development & Conference Services provides strategic leadership for revenue-generating events conferences and guesthousing operations across Summer Housing & Conference programs and spaces managed by the Student Center and Campus Reservations. This role drives business development oversees sales and marketing initiatives manages largescale conference operations and ensures exceptional client experiences for internal and external partners.

The Associate Director leads professional and student staff cultivates campus and community partnerships and develops systems processes and strategies that maximize utilization operational efficiency and net revenue. This position plays a key role in advancing the universitys auxiliary enterprise goals through innovative programming strong client relationships and highquality service delivery. This position reports to the Associate Vice President & Chief Housing Officer.

Essential Functions
(Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions are listed in order of importance.)

Business Development Sales & Marketing - 40%

Lead business development strategy for Student Center and Campus Reservations as well as Summer Housing Conferences to expand market share and generate yearoveryear revenue growth.

Manage the full sales cycle: prospecting lead qualification proposals pricing contracting and client retention.

Develop and maintain a portfolio of internal and external clients initiate outreach to faculty staff professional organizations and community partners.

Conduct site tours sales presentations and client meetings; represent the university at trade shows and industry events.

In concert with the Senior Director implement yieldmanagement strategies to maximize space utilization and optimize revenue across meeting event and housing facilities.

In concert with SAS Marketing oversee creation of annual marketing campaigns including print web social media and promotional materials.

Track sales metrics ROI conversion rates and lostbusiness data; prepare monthly and annual sales reports.

Collaborate with campus partners (Dining Housing Public Safety Parking OneCard Enterprise Risk Management Academic Departments Athletics etc.) to secure services and negotiate support for client programs.

Conference & Event Operations - 30%

Oversee planning and execution of conferences seminars special events and summer programs across multiple facilities.

Lead operational planning meetings with service providers to ensure alignment between client expectations and campus capabilities.

Develop program budgets advise clients on costsaving strategies and make independent decisions regarding event logistics.

Manage logistical arrangements including housing assignments dining catering facilities registration parking access control and meeting space.

Ensure room readiness quality assurance and smooth transitions between programs.

Prepare event specifications and direct staff responsible for preevent planning and onsite execution.

Oversee configuration and implementation of conference management software and related systems.

Serve as oncall support during peak summer operations evenings and weekends as needed.

Strategic Leadership & Operational Management - 15%

Provide leadership for professional and student staff supporting sales event operations and summer conference housing.

Recruit hire train supervise and evaluate fulltime staff graduate interns and seasonal student employees.

Foster a serviceoriented culture focused on exceeding client expectations and delivering highquality experiences.

Develop and refine departmental systems policies and procedures to improve efficiency reduce costs and enhance service delivery.

Contribute to longterm strategic planning for auxiliary services including forecasting market analysis and program development.

Serve as a key representative for the universitys conference and event services to internal and external stakeholders.

Financial Management & Reporting - 10%

Assist in developing and managing budgets for conference operations marketing and equipment needs.
Prepare proposals contracts invoices and financial reconciliations; ensure timely billing and accurate account management.
Produce postevent reports including financial summaries registration data evaluations and recommendations for improvement.
Monitor performance metrics analyze trends and provide datadriven insights to inform decisionmaking.
Reconcile purchasing card statements and ensure compliance with university financial policies.

Perform other related duties as assigned - 5%

WORK CONTEXT
Job Reports to:Vice President/AVP/Dean
Leadership Accountability:Develops policy and strategic plans
Supervisory Accountability: Supervises associates below supervisory level
Organizational Accountability: Manages sub-unit of a department
Financial Accountability: Manages operating budget
Customer Accountability: Interfaces with officials and executives
Freedom to Act:Operates with significant autonomy

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in business administration hospitality marketing or related field.
Masters degree preferred.
CMP or related professional certification preferred.

Experience:Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience)
Minimum five (5) years of experience in event conference or hospitality management.
Minimum two (2) years of supervisory experience.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Strong organizational communication and problemsolving skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fastpaced environment.
Experience with budgeting financial analysis and revenue management.
Business development acumen with proven ability to grow revenue and expand client portfolios.
Strong leadership coaching and teambuilding skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to communicate professionally with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to analyze data evaluate programs and implement process improvements.
High learning agility and adaptability in dynamic environments.
Strong writing skills for proposals contracts and client communications.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office; ability to learn systems such as StarRez EMS or similar platforms.

Generic Division

92L11

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Executive

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: $95000
• Salary hire maximum: $105000

WORKING CONDITIONS:Normal office environment. Officebased with frequent movement between campus facilities. Evening and weekend work required during peak seasons and major events. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds for event related tasks. May have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check including a criminal history check before starting work. If you are offered employment the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Required Experience:

Director