Director - Central Events Management Division

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

• Master's Degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Mass Communication, Public Relations, Operations Management or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
• 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.
• 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
• Working Conditions
• Willingness to work beyond regular office hours, weekends and holidays based on event schedules.
• Ability to perform under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Travel as required for official assignments.

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