Director of Special Events & Protocol

Join Our Team at Georgia Southern!
Georgia Southern is a dynamic university with three vibrant campuses in Hinesville, Savannah and Statesboro serving the communities in Southeast Georgia. As a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution, our world-class scholars instruct about 26,000 students in associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level degree programs. Whether you are seeking the charm of a small town, the traditions of a historical/urban destination near the beach or supporting our military service members and their families, Georgia Southern offers its faculty and staff the best of all worlds!
Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. We are steeped in tradition and devoted to academic distinction in teaching, scholarship and service. In 2018 Forbes Magazine listed Georgia Southern, along with 10 other Georgia companies or institutions, as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers. Georgia Southern University is passionate about serving our region while preparing our students to be lifelong scholars, leaders, and responsible stewards of their communities and the world.

Statesboro Campus – Statesboro, GA

Chief of Staff & External Affairs

The Director of Special Events and Protocol provides leadership and direction in the execution of high-quality events and ceremonies that advance Georgia Southern University’s mission and vision, as well as priorities and goals related to the strategic plan. The Director works with the President’s Office, Provost, Deans, and other members of the campus community to collaboratively plan large scale events and major university functions, including but not limited to, Presidential Investiture, Convocation, State of the University Address, Commencement, groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, special outreach initiatives, and other events that require high-level planning due to the nature of the guest list, and/or require special consideration due to safety or security concerns. The Director establishes and maintains consistently high standards, ensuring adherence to branding and appropriate presentation so that all university events present an indelible, favorable image of the university.

• Provide leadership, professional expertise, and direction in the planning and execution of high-quality events on campus, including University-wide special events involving USG representatives, University President, Vice Presidents, Deans, and high-profile guests.
• Coordinate with colleagues across all campuses (organizing and managing planning committees as needed) to plan and implement complex large-scale events and major university functions, including their conception, design, development, coordination, implementation, and post-event evaluation.
• Manage event budgets and direct multiple service contractors and subcontractors.
• Develop and maintain highly professional standards and procedures for the production of events in keeping with the image and reputation of the University; serve as the central campus resource for matters of university event protocol and etiquette.
• Ensure appropriate recruitment, training, and supervision of office, student, and event staff.
• Use software to appropriately reserve meeting spaces, including classrooms, conference rooms, meeting rooms, and ballrooms, as well as athletic, recreational, and other outdoor spaces.
• Maintain a site-wide calendar for upcoming events.
• Attend events as required and provide on-site leadership and support.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices for event planning/management.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Hospitality, Marketing, Higher Education or a related field

Required Experience

• Two (2) or more years of demonstrated, successful experience in hospitality or nonprofit event management, event planning, and administrative operation management, requiring a thorough understanding of functional business, government, and international protocol, as well as expertise in applying protocol formulas in complex situations
• Two (2) or more years of supervisory experience

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Protocol Officer Certification from the Protocol School of Washington or similar certifying organization

Preferred Educational Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Hospitality, Marketing, Higher Education or related field

Preferred Experience

• Five (5) or more years of experience in fields related to hospitality or nonprofit event management, event planning, and administrative operation management, requiring a thorough understanding of functional business, government, and international protocol, as well as expertise in applying protocol formulas in complex situations
• Five (5) or more years of supervisory experience

 $62,100 – $80,700

This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Two (2) Professional References

ABILITIES

• Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
• Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
• Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to manage events and staff across three campuses ‘ Statesboro, Armstrong, and Hinesville
• Proven ability to listen carefully; to understand, respond, and problem-solve effectively; and to address with discretion the concerns and interests of campus constituents, guests, vendors, and others as needed
• Ability to manage details of multiple complex projects simultaneously, to set priorities and accurately reflect the relative importance of activities or job duties, meet deadlines, and effectively carry out event goals in a manner that enhances the image of the University

KNOWLEDGE

• Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University’s mission for student success
• Aptitude to address complex issues in-the-moment utilizing a clear, thoughtful manner and to come to a resolution quickly without jeopardizing the event or relationships with people involved
• Knowledge of menu planning, event design, decoration, and production
• Experience with risk management, insurance, and contracts
• Fiscal and budget management knowledge and experience
• Substantial and progressive responsibility in and knowledge of planning, production, and management of events of all sizes (small to large) and visibility (less formal to high profile) for diverse and distinguished guests, with the ability to formulate creative ideas and to analyze, evaluate, and negotiate details reflective of a successful event

SKILLS

• Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills
• Demonstrated project and time management skills
• Leadership skills to provide vision, motivation, and guidance to faculty, staff, and student event planners
• Strong attention to detail

February 19, 2024

Application review may begin on February 8, 2024. 

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at [email protected] .

For technical support, please call the Shared Services Center at (877) 251-2644 or [email protected] .

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.
Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University.
Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community.
Proof of valid driver’s license upon hire and throughout employment.

Georgia Southern University provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the America with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.

• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation
• Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours
• Evening and weekend work may be required
• Work generally performed in office environment
• Working with high stress situations
• Travel is required

• Standard + Education & DMV