The Assistant Director of Conferences is responsible to lead the planning and execution of all conference services hosted on campus. Reporting to the AVP of Business Operations and Risk Management, this position will serve as the primary point of contact for conference inquiries, manage day-to-day operations, support clients through the event planning process, and ensure the successful execution of all conference events.The Assistant Director will also oversee budget management for conferences and supervise students responsible for on-the-ground logistics, including housing check-ins and event operations. This role is ideal for a proactive, service-oriented professional with experience in event management, hospitality, or university conference services.

Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant’s strategic plan, Vision 2030, redefines higher education through a commitment to providing students with a transformational learning experience. accelerates advancements in academic innovation, experiential learning, vibrant student life, Division I athletics, and a connected community that fosters belonging and success. Principal Accountabilities Conference Operations & Client Services

Serve as the primary point of contact for all external conference inquiries, providing prompt and professional communication.

Act as the face of Bryant University’s conference services, offering campus tours to prospective clients and organizations.

Manage the full life cycle of conference including scheduling, contracting, logistical coordination, and on-site management.

Collaborate with campus partners (e.g., Department of Public Safety (DPS), Athletics, Dining, Residence Life, Facilities, IT, etc.) to ensure seamless service delivery.

Ensure all conferences align with university policies, safety protocols, and branding standards.

Maintain accurate event records, including contracts, billing, event specifications, and post-event feedback.

Prepare client invoices and address client billing questions. Financial Management Develop and manage budgets for all conference programs; track revenue and expenses to ensure financial targets are met.

Prepare cost estimates, invoices, and post-event financial reconciliations.

Recommend pricing structures and service fees based on market trends and internal cost structures.

Provide regular financial reports to the AVP of Business Operations and Risk Management.

Leadership & Supervision Recruit & supervise student assistants who leads and/or handles logistical operations at housing check-ins and event execution.

Provide training, guidance, and performance feedback to ensure high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.

Lead pre-event briefings and post-event evaluations with the students and relevant stakeholders.

Marketing & Business Development Promote Bryant University’s facilities to prospective clients through outreach, marketing campaigns, and professional networking.

Develop relationships with schools, organizations, and businesses to grow conference businesses.

Maintain updated marketing materials, including web content, brochures, and social media presence related to conference services.

Administrative Manage contracts and insurance requirements in partnership with the AVP and university legal/risk management teams.

Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices in event and conference management. Qualifications Education & Experience:

Undergraduate degree in hospitality management, business, communications, or a related field. Master’s degree or progress toward an advanced degree preferred.

Minimum of 3 years of experience in conference/event planning, hospitality, or a related area. Experience working in a higher education or campus-based conference operation highly desirable.

Strong project management, communication, and organizational skills.

Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, including planning, tracking, and reporting financial performance to support organizational goals. Proven ability to lead and supervise teams effectively, ensuring alignment with project objectives and fostering a collaborative work environment is preferred Skills & Competencies:

Ability to build credibility and trust with clients, vendors, and internal teams.

High level of discretion and professionalism in handling client information and event details.

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to support long-term client engagement.

Detail-oriented and well-organized in managing multiple events, timelines, and logistics.

Sound judgment and decision-making abilities in fast-paced, client-facing environments.

Inclusive, collaborative, and team-oriented approach to working across departments.

Open and responsive to feedback to continuously improve service delivery.

Flexible and able to manage shifting priorities, last-minute changes, and high-pressure situations.

Proactive in anticipating client needs and delivering exceptional service experiences.

Clear and effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences. Working Environment This position will require evening and weekend work based on the conference schedule, especially during summer months.

Must be able to walk campus grounds for tours and event oversight.

Reasonable accommodations available to support accessibility needs.

At Bryant University, we believe that our strength lies in the richness of our campus community and the unique perspectives that shape it. By connecting academic and social experiences, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. Our commitment to fostering belonging and well-being ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from those who appreciate the wide range of experiences and backgrounds that make our community exceptional. about how we cultivate a welcoming and collaborative campus culture that drives excellence. Physical Capacities