Department Summary:
Conference & Event Services (CES) delivers high-quality service, resources, and operational support for events hosted on the University of Denver (DU) campus. While upholding the University's values and commitment to inclusive engagement, CES builds partnerships across campus and with external organizations to attract events aligned with DU's mission. CES also serves as an important auxiliary revenue source for the University.
During periods of financial constraint and institutional budget pressure, CES helps generate diversified revenue streams that support DU's strategic priorities. Revenue from conferences, camps, corporate meetings, and signature events contributes to academic innovation, student support services, facilities improvements, and other mission-driven initiatives.
Events hosted on campus also serve as valuable institutional touchpoints that advance:
Student recruitment and enrollment growth
Community engagement and regional partnerships
Alumni engagement and donor cultivation
Brand visibility and thought leadership positioning
CES therefore functions not only as a service unit but also as a strategic business operation whose performance contributes to the University's financial sustainability and long-term success.
Position Summary:
The Housing & Event Operations Manager is a year-round leadership role within Conference & Event Services (CES) responsible for two core areas. During the summer, the position oversees residential housing and logistics for conferences and camps, supporting efficient operations, risk management, and housing revenue generation. During the academic year, the role manages event operations, coordinating with campus partners to ensure successful execution of internal and external events.
The role supports revenue generation and protection through reliable operations, strong partnerships, and high-quality client service that encourages repeat business. Schedule flexibility is required, including evenings, weekends, and periodic on-call responsibilities.
Working closely with CES sales and event management staff, the manager ensures contracted services align with on-site delivery, reducing operational risk and maintaining client confidence. The position reports to the Assistant Director of Event Operations. Success is measured through strong coordination, smooth conference transitions, effective partnerships, high client satisfaction, repeat bookings, timely problem resolution, and responsible cost management.
Essential Functions:
Manage Summer Conference Housing Operations:
Plan and execute summer conference and camp housing across campus residence halls. Oversee hall preparation, inspections, turnover schedules, check-in/check-out procedures, access distribution, and conference desk operations. Coordinate with custodial, maintenance, and linen services to maintain facility readiness and ensure a smooth residential experience.
Supervise Summer Housing Staff and Ensure Compliance:
Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate seasonal conference housing staff. Implement operational procedures including incident management and emergency response protocols. Ensure compliance with university policies, youth protection standards, and safety regulations while maintaining accurate documentation related to occupancy, incidents, and facility conditions.
Maximize Summer Housing Performance and Revenue:
Develop operational strategies that optimize residential occupancy and support summer program revenue. Monitor metrics such as occupancy, service quality, and operational costs. Conduct post-program evaluations and operational debriefs to identify improvements, increase client satisfaction, and strengthen opportunities for repeat conference bookings.
Manage Academic Year Event Operations:
Serve as an on-site operations manager for internal and external campus events. Coordinate logisticsincluding room setups, AV, facilities support, dining services, custodial coverage, and public safety. Ensure execution aligns with event agreements and proactively resolve logistical challenges during events.
Strengthen Cross-Campus Collaboration and Client Experience:
Build and maintain strong working relationships with campus partners such as Housing, Facilities, Dining, IT/AV, and Campus Safety. Serve as a key client contact during events, resolve complex logistical issues, document service adjustments, and lead post-event reviews to improve operational performance.
Maintain Flexible Operational Availability:
Support conference and event operations through a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends, particularly during peak summer periods and major events. Participate in an on-call rotation to address urgent operational or safety issues and make timely decisions during high-demand situations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Experience managing residential operations, conference housing, hospitality lodging, or large-scale event operations
Ability to manage multiple concurrent events and complex logistics in a fast-paced environment
Strong relationship management and cross-department collaboration skills
Experience supervising, training, and supporting seasonal or operational staff
Ability to solve operational challenges and make sound real-time decisions
Financial awareness related to occupancy management, billing accuracy, and cost control
Knowledge of safety compliance, youth protection standards, and risk mitigation practices
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Professional communication skills when working with diverse clients and partners
Ability to remain calm under pressure while maintaining schedule flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in higher education administration, hospitality management, business, event management, or related field
Two to four years of experience in housing operations, conference services, residential life, hospitality, or event operations
Preferred Qualifications:
Four or more years of experience in university conference housing or event operations
Experience supervising seasonal or student staff
Familiarity with housing or event management software
Experience working with youth camps or summer conference programs
Working Environment:
Standard office environment during the academic year.
Noise level is quiet to moderate
Hybrid schedule where applicable based on operational needs.
During peak summer conference season, this position requires increased evening and weekend availability.
Serves in an on-call rotation during the summer months to support conference operations and respond to urgent operational needs.
Ability to provide on-site leadership support during high-volume event periods.
Physical Activities:
Ability to work in front of a computer for an extended period
Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.
Work Schedule
M-F 8-4:30pm with some evenings and weekends as needed for events. Hybrid in-office and work-from-home days
Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) March 27, 2026.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu{rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}
to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 9.
Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $58,000-$65,000.
The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represe
