Executive Director, Presidential Events

Job Title: Executive Director, Presidential Events Location: Kennesaw, Georgia Regular/Temporary: Regular Full/Part Time: Full-Time Job ID: 283662 About Us Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and [values](https://www.kennesaw.edu/president/strategic-plan/index.php) of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the [University System of Georgia](https://www.usg.edu/). We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our [vision](https://www.kennesaw.edu/president/strategic-plan/index.php). Come [Take Flight](https://www.kennesaw.edu/president/strategic-plan/index.php) at KSU! Location Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060. Job Summary Responsible for leading the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of events involving the Office of the President. Ensures events reflect the President's goals and policies. Works with department leadership, President's Office, Development Office, Provost, Deans, and other members of the campus community to collaboratively plan major university functions that require high-level planning due to the nature of the guest list. Serves as the leader in handling all aspects of Presidential events. Manages and trains assigned staff. Responsibilities *KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * 1. Organizes and orchestrates presidential events and university -wide celebrations, inclusive of submittal, review, and funding processes 2. Ensures university-wide celebrations align with the President's strategic plan 3. Responsible for events and management of the Jolley Lodge including calendar management, access, and work orders 4. Manages all nonathletic event requests for the Convocation Center Hospitality Suite 5. Schedules and coordinates the President's events, receptions, luncheons, hosted dinners, etc. 6. Provides support for the President's suite at the stadium when hosted 7. Works on events that require Presidential oversight 8. Advises on events assigned by the President's Office, such as the College of the Arts Gala 9. Works with external resources to plan and execute events designated by the President 10. Provides support for the KSU Foundation on high profile events 11. Provides support to other events overseen by the division 12. Participates in department level planning and management through internal meetings 13. Responsible for all aspects of managing assigned staff and/or student assistants Required Qualifications *Educational Requirements* Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field *Other Required Qualifications* Current, valid and unrestricted driver's license *Required Experience* Eight (8) years of demonstrated, successful experience in hospitality or event planning, requiring expertise in applying protocol formulas in complex situations including at least five (5) years of supervisory and/or management experience. Preferred Qualifications *Additional Preferred Qualifications* Certification in Event Planning and/or Venue Management field(s) (e.g., CMP, CMM, CVP, CCEP) *Preferred Educational Qualifications* An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field *Preferred Experience* Previous experience in events planning and/or management Exposure to event processes in higher education Experience with protocol and etiquette at high levels Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities *ABILITIES* Able to make strategic decisions Serves on the Campus Operations Leadership team Able to be flexible when handling changing priorities Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines *KNOWLEDGE* Knowledge of event planning processes *SKILLS* Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, online scheduling software) Strong attention to detail and follow up skills Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to cultivate partnerships USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at [https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/p8.2.18_personnel_conduct](https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/p8.2.18_personnel_conduct). Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at [https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653](https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653). Equal Employment Opportunity Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community. For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu Other Information This is a supervisory position. This position does not have any financial responsibilities. This position will be required to drive. This role is considered a position of trust. This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card). This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time Background Check * Standard Enhanced * Education * DMV * 9 Panel Lab Drug Test Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility. All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials. [https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf](https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf)

Location: Kennesaw, Georgia, US

Posted Date: 8/16/2025