Director Events

CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY · Punjab, India

Position Summary:

The Director - Central Events Management Division (CEMD) shall provide strategic leadership for planning, coordinating and executing all University events. The incumbent will be responsible for delivering world-class events through meticulous planning, operational excellence, stakeholder collaboration, financial prudence, risk management and continuous innovation. The role demands the ability to lead multiple high-impact events simultaneously while ensuring quality, safety, branding and exceptional participant experience.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the University's annual event strategy and master event calendar.

• Establish SOPs, quality standards and best practices for event management.

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across all event operations.

2. Event Planning & Execution

Lead end-to-end planning and execution of all institutional events including Orientation Programme Convocations, Conferences, Government & VIP Visits, Alumni Meets, Corporate Events, Academic Functions and other University events.

Ensure seamless execution of:

• Event planning and scheduling

• Venue and stage management

• Technical production

• Rehearsals

• Protocol and hospitality

• Registration and audience management

• Event documentation and post-event review

3. Project & Operations Management

• Develop detailed execution plans, timelines and responsibility matrices.

• Monitor project milestones and operational readiness.

Ensure timely availability of resources, infrastructure and logistics.

• Lead event control room operations and contingency planning.

4. Stakeholder & Team Leadership

• Coordinate with University leadership, academic departments, administration and external agencies.

• Lead and mentor the CEMD team, production crew, anchors, coordinators, volunteers and vendors.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and operational excellence.

5. Budget & Vendor Management

• Prepare and monitor event budgets.

• Optimize resource utilization and control costs.

• Lead vendor selection, negotiations, contract management and performance evaluation.

6. Branding, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure consistency in University branding and participant experience.

• Maintain compliance with safety protocols, statutory requirements and institutional policies.

• Oversee crowd management, emergency preparedness and risk mitigation.

7. Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare event calendars, readiness reports, budgets and post-event analysis.

• Conduct event audits and implement corrective actions.

• Benchmark national and international best practices to enhance University events.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely execution of the approved event calendar.

• Zero major operational failures during events.

• Budget adherence and optimal resource utilization.

• High stakeholder and participant satisfaction.

• Compliance with quality, safety and governance standards.

• Effective management of multiple concurrent events.

• Continuous process improvement and innovation.

Educational Qualification Essential:

• Master's Degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Mass Communication, Public Relations, Operations Management or a related discipline from a recognized institution.

Desirable:

• Certification in Project Management (PMP/PRINCE2) or Professional Event Management.

Experience:

• 12-15 years of experience in large-scale event management.

• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role managing institutional, corporate or government events.

• Proven experience in planning and executing large, high-profile events involving multiple stakeholders and complex logistics.

• Experience in higher education institutions will be preferred.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Planning & Execution

• Leadership & Team Management

• Project & Operations Management

• Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Budget & Resource Management

• Crisis & Risk Management

• Communication & Negotiation Skills

• Decision Making & Problem Solving

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• High Integrity, Professionalism and Ownership