Duties and Responsibilities Event Planning Operations Coordinate and manage the planning, logistics, and execution of home athletic contests for assigned sports, ensuring events run smoothly, safely, and in compliance with NCAA, Big Ten, and institutional regulations. Develop and maintain detailed event operations plans, including timelines, staffing assignments, equipment needs, credentials, and venue setup/tear-down procedures. Serve as primary game day contact and site supervisor for assigned sports, overseeing all operational aspects such as facility readiness, emergency preparedness, ADA compliance, and crowd management. Act as liaison to visiting teams, officials, conference personnel, and other external groups, ensuring a high level of hospitality and professional service. Coordinate event logistics with internal departments including facilities, security, ticketing, marketing, video board production, concessions, and custodial services. Championship Director Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of postseason championship events across multiple sports and competition venues. Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to coordinate event operations, enhance the championship experience, and support the successful delivery of postseason competitions. Serve as the primary liaison for championship staff, coaches, student-athletes, officials, and institutional representatives by providing clear communication, resolving operational issues, and delivering exceptional customer service. Oversee all aspects of championship logistics, including event scheduling, venue preparation, equipment management, signage, and coordination with host sites and facility personnel. Develop and manage championship event budgets by tracking expenditures, procuring supplies and equipment, and coordinating with vendors to ensure cost-effective operations. Staff Supervision Training Recruit, schedule, train, and supervise part-time event staff, student workers, interns, and volunteers to support gameday operations. Provide clear pre-event instructions, on-site leadership, and post-event debriefs to improve performance, safety, and service delivery. Maintain event staffing schedules, payroll records, and ensure adherence to university policies and procedures. Assist in the professional development of event management staff by promoting accountability, strong communication, and a championship mindset. Facility Risk Management Partner with Facilities and Operations teams to assess venue readiness, perform pre-event inspections, and ensure all equipment, signage, and seating arrangements are properly staged. Implement safety and risk management protocols, including emergency action plans, weather delays, crowd control strategies, and coordination with campus police and medical personnel. Assist in managing access control, credentials, parking logistics, and traffic flow for events, ensuring security and efficiency for participants and guests. Collaboration Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate with sport administrators, coaches, and campus partners to align event operations with sport-specific needs and expectations. Support department-wide special events, including championships, tournaments, community engagement events, donor functions, and facility dedication ceremonies. Build positive relationships with campus departments, vendors, sponsors, and community members to enhance event impact and resource coordination. Administrative Support Reporting Maintain accurate event records including staffing rosters, incident reports, financial reconciliations, and post-event evaluations. Provide input on budget planning, facility improvements, and process enhancements related to event management. Attend department meetings, contribute to unit-wide planning, and assist with other duties as assigned to support the goals of Illinois Athletics.