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Director, Event Management
Division Intercollegiate Athletics
The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) invites applications for Director, Event Management to support Events and Student-Athletes. In addition, the Director, Event Management 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 Associate Director of Athletics, Event Management
Job Summary
The position is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of home athletic events across multiple sports within Illinois Athletics. This position ensures the delivery of safe, efficient, and engaging gameday experiences for student-athletes, fans, visiting teams, officials, and partners. The role supports the department's commitment to excellence, operational integrity, and a life-changing student-athlete experience.
For a complete list of duties and responsibilities, Director, Event Management
Impact in Your First Year
Within 3 months, you will:

• Understand DIA Strategic Priorities and communication patterns throughout DIA

Within 6 months, you will:

• Sport leadership and oversight, Collaboration with other departments

By the end of the first year, you will:

• Department enhancements, Game day improvements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a closely related field.
• Four (4) year (48 months) of professional work experience in Events Planning, Conference Management, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or any other related field.
• Demonstrated experience with collegiate athletics event planning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in budget and/or financial management
• Demonstrated experience in risk and Crisis management
• Master's degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with Division I collegiate athletic event planning.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required.
• Championship Mindset & 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.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations
Fast-paced, high-visibility environment with frequent evening, weekend, and holiday work. May work in inclement weather.
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 9/8/2026. Salary range is $65,000 - $75,000 and commensurate with experience. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
DIA believes that athletics provides a forum to bring together people across all spectra of identities. We are committed to welcoming, affirming, and celebrating students, coaches, staff, and spectators of all races and ethnicities, sexes, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and abilities. DIA's mission is to unify, develop, inspire, and achieve. It is no mistake that "Unify" is our first priority, a priority which requires a level of empathy and respect to create a culture of community, inclusivity, and belonging. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are a part of who we are and a standard that we are all responsible for upholding.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 21. 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: 1037710
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu