Director of Engagement (Event Services Specialist)

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Job Summary

The Director of Engagement (Event Services Specialist) leads all engagement activities as part of the Radio and TV Services (RTVS) Content Group, reporting directly to the Director of Content.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Collects and analyzes data to evaluate the effectiveness of efforts and make recommendations for improvement.
• Manages event logistics, policy compliance, staffing, venue selection, budgeting, vendor coordination, and audience engagement strategies and planning.
• Works closely with the Director of Marketing to execute promotional activities for PBS television station WTIU and NPR radio station WFIU.
• Leads a small team in coordinating and executing all engagement events, outreach events, and provides event support for marketing, membership and administration.
• Works closely with other content producers in the Content Group to develop and implement a comprehensive audience engagement strategy that aligns with the missions and goals of Indiana Public Media and programming and content goals of PBS television station WTIU and NPR radio station WFIU.
• Plans and executes engaging events such as conferences, concerts and other ticketed events, hands-on children’s activities, and video screenings and listening parties.
• Organizes outreach initiatives to further the impact of PBS television station WTIU and NPR radio station WFIU content in various communities across demographics, including underserved populations.
• Develops and delivers teacher trainings and curriculum guides in cooperation with educational institutions and organizations, from pre-k through higher education and adult learning.
• Organizes focus groups to gauge public opinion, including gathering audience data to assist content green light decisions.
• Gathers and analyzes audience data, feedback, and trends to inform programming decisions, shape engagement strategies, and measure impact.
• Monitors and reports key performance indicators related to audience engagement, and proactively adjust strategies as needed, in collaboration with Content Group leadership.
• Works in direct collaboration with Marketing unit to execute their event marketing plan.
• Implements promotional events to increase awareness and viewership/listenership of PBS television station WTIU and NPR radio station WFIU content.
• Organizes and facilitates internal events, including staff meetings and team-building activities, to promote a positive work environment and foster collaboration among team members.
• Provides strong leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the engagement team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Delegates responsibilities, sets performance goals, and conducts performance evaluations.
• Identifies, establishes, and nurtures strategic partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, local businesses, and other stakeholders to expand the stations’ presence and promote shared initiatives.
• Maintains a strong working relationship with the RTVS Administrative Team (particularly Human Resources and Finance professionals) and applicable University groups including programs involving children, IU Events, etc., to ensure compliance with policy, assuring proper procedures are followed before, during, and after events by Engagement staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Represents PBS television station WTIU and NPR radio station WFIU at relevant associations, professional groups, stakeholder gatherings, and community events.
• Recruits and maintains hourly paid and unpaid internships and students in partnership with Indiana University entities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

General Responsibilities

• Plans a variety of recurring and ad hoc events for the university and oversees budgets, vendor contracts, transportation, catering, signage, equipment, technology, and other event components. Coordinates event activities prior to and on the day of events.
• Consults with internal and external constituencies to plan event timelines and specifications and negotiate the terms of agreements and contracts.
• Works closely with vendors and staff to ensure goods and services arrive timely and in acceptable condition for events.
• Interfaces with media and/or marketing and communications representatives regarding calendar of events and event publicity.
• Tracks and analyzes event metrics, such as attendance, participant feedback, and expenses; monitors effectiveness and return of investment; tracks suggested event improvements for future implementation in recurring events.
• Ensures events adhere to university guidelines and policies and event contracts, agreements, and specifications.
• May make procedural and policy recommendations to improve operational efficiency.
• May provide guidance to lower-level Event Services Specialists; may delegate administrative tasks to Event Services Coordinators.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education. 

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, public administration, or related field

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (communications, marketing, media, or related field)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years in events, hospitality, or related field

Preferred

• 5 years of experience in event management, marketing, or related field

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities to meet deadlines
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
• Highly thorough and dependable
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
• Demonstrates leadership abilities and experience managing a team
• Knowledge of public media landscape and content
• Proficiency in using technology and software for event management and communication purposes
• Demonstrates ability to build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers

Preferred

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience managing a team
• Knowledge of public media landscape and content
• Proficiency in using technology and software for event management and communication purposes
• Demonstrated ability build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers
• Demonstrates a creative mindset
• Ability to collaborate effectively with various teams within Radio/Television Services

Working Conditions / Demands

This role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. This role frequently requires the ability to handle equipment. This role frequently requires the ability to remain stationary and ascend/descend ladders/stairs. This role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The role requires the ability to detect items in close proximity as well as far away; discern between colors; detect objects in peripheral space of self; discern items in detail; and to have good depth perception. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required due to events and outreach activities.

Work Location

Bloomington, Indiana

Advertised Salary

$60,000.00 – $65,000.04 per year (depending on experience)

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Multiple plan options for medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
• Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
• Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
• Additional supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition benefit for IU classes
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level: Career

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Operations

Job Family: Events

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Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.