Job Details

Director of Convocation Center

Position Number: 6963970
Location: New Castle, DE
Position Type: Conference and Events Administration

Director of Convocation Center

Wilmington University

Effective July 1, 2026: Full-Time | Director, Convocation Center | Wilmington University

Position Overview:

The Director of the Convocation Center provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for a multi-purpose event and public assembly venue serving the University and external community partners. This role is accountable for the facility's financial performance, operational excellence, revenue growth strategy, contract negotiation, and community engagement. The Director ensures the Convocation Center operates as a financially sustainable, professionally managed venue that supports institutional priorities while expanding external partnerships and regional visibility. This position reports to the Senior Vice President / Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer.

Key Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

Strategic & Operational Leadership

Provide strategic direction for all Convocation Center operations, aligning programming, utilization, and service delivery with university priorities. Develop and implement short- and long-term business and operational plans, establish service standards, and ensure compliance with university policies, public assembly regulations, ADA requirements, and safety standards.

Revenue Strategy & Business Development

Lead a comprehensive revenue growth strategy to maximize facility performance while supporting institutional priorities. Cultivate relationships with internal university departments, corporate partners, community organizations, and approved clients. Analyze market demand and campus program demands, recommend pricing structures and rental policies, and monitor key performance indicators, including revenue, expense management, and utilization trends.

Contracting & Vendor Oversight

Negotiate and execute contracts in alignment with university policies and risk management standards. Oversee vendor performance and service agreements to ensure financial accountability and operational excellence.

Event & Facility Oversight

Provide oversight of the full event lifecycle, including booking strategy, scheduling optimization, event execution, and post-event evaluation. Ensure high-quality coordination of logistics, including technical production, security, room configurations, signage, and catering.

Financial & Administrative Management

Develop and manage the operating budget, oversee forecasting and financial reporting, and ensure effective use of event management and scheduling systems for tracking, billing, and operational reporting.

Staff Leadership & Culture

Lead and develop full-time, part-time, and student staff. Establish performance expectations and foster a professional, supportive, and service-oriented culture aligned with institutional values.

Community & Institutional Engagement

Represent the Convocation Center in institutional initiatives and external forums. Strengthen campus and community partnerships and position the venue as a premier regional destination.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience required.
5–7+ years of progressively responsible experience in venue management, event operations, hospitality leadership, facility management, or facility administration.
Demonstrated responsibility for budget development and financial performance.
Experience leading a multi-use venue, convocation center, arena, or public assembly facility serving both internal and external clients.
Experience coordinating food and beverage services and technical event production, including vendor management and financial accountability.
Experience supervising professional and/or student staff.
Experience negotiating contracts and managing external vendors or service providers.
Proficiency with event scheduling and facility management systems.
Working knowledge of ADA compliance, public assembly regulations, and safety standards.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
Experience in a higher education or public-sector environment.

Core Competencies:

Revenue Strategy | Business Development | Contract Negotiation | Sponsorship Development | Venue Management | External Partnerships | Community Engagement | P&L Responsibility | Market Analysis | Facility Utilization Strategy

Hours of Employment: Generally, Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. However, flexibility is required to support events held during evenings, early mornings, and weekends, based on the operational needs of the Convocation Center and the University.

Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience and appointment length. Wilmington University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan options (403(b)); life and disability insurance; dependent care assistance; and education benefits.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

To apply, visit https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=WILMU&cws=51&rid=1681