POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Assistant Director of University Advancement Operations
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1790
GRADE 43
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Executive Director of University Advancement Relations
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Assistant Director of University Advancement Operations provides senior-level operational leadership for the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center and plays a critical role in advancing the mission of Missouri State University’s Division of University Advancement. This position directs Advancement Center operations, event and meeting services, facility scheduling, technology integration, and digital engagement strategies while overseeing the Advancement Ambassador program.
Serving as the primary operational steward of a flagship advancement facility, the Assistant Director exercises significant independent judgment, represents the Advancement Center to internal and external stakeholders, and ensures a high-quality, professional environment that supports donor relations, alumni engagement, university events, and community partnerships.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree in a related field (communications, hospitality management, higher education administration, or similar). A master’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least three years demonstrated experience managing complex operations related to event planning, event and meeting services, or facility management. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to represent the university professionally to diverse audiences. Experience managing multiple priorities and exercising independent judgment in a dynamic environment. Experience with digital media, event technology, and reservation or scheduling systems. Commitment to fostering positive relationships with students, alumni, donors, and campus partners.
Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Knowledge of basic content management software is required. Organizational planning and management skills are required. Knowledge of databases and spreadsheets, word processing, and social media applications is required. An understanding of accessibility issues related to disabled users is preferred.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides overall operational leadership for the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center, ensuring professional, mission-aligned facility use in support of university and Advancement priorities.2. Serves as the primary representative and point of contact for the Advancement Center, supporting donor-related events, university initiatives, campus partnerships, and community engagements.
3. Oversees venue scheduling, event intake, and calendar management, balancing divisional, institutional, and external client needs while ensuring policy compliance and service excellence.
4. Leads the planning, coordination, and execution of meetings and events, including development of timelines, logistics plans, service coordination, site inspections, and operational readiness.
5. Manages client relationships with campus partners, prospective renters, and external organizations, including facility tours, event consultation, billing, evaluation, and post-event reporting.
6. Maintains functional ownership of the event reservations system, policies, procedures, cost structures, and reporting processes related to facility rentals, labor, and equipment.
7. Provides strategic oversight of event-related technology, digital displays, and interactive platforms, including content development that supports donor recognition, alumni engagement, and institutional storytelling.
8. Leads and supervises the Advancement Ambassador program by recruiting, training, scheduling, and mentoring student leaders while fostering professionalism, engagement, and mission alignment.
9. Collaborates with Advancement leadership and campus colleagues on major events, ceremonies, campaigns, university-wide functions, and special projects that advance divisional priorities, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Assistant Director supervises Full-time, Part-time, Advancement Ambassadors and other assigned student employees or interns as assigned.
