Assistant Director of Venue Operations - Innovation Tower

Job Posting Title:Assistant Director of Venue Operations - Innovation Tower----Hiring Department:University Development Office----Position Open To:All Applicants----Weekly Scheduled Hours:40----FLSA Status:Exempt from FLSA----Earliest Start Date:Immediately----Position Duration:Expected to Continue----Location:UT MAIN CAMPUS----Job Details:General NotesAbout The University of Texas at AustinWhat starts here changes the world.The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, ranks among the best universities in the world. With 76 programs ranked in the top 10, UT Austin is the #1 public university in Texas and the #7 public university in the nation.Like the state it calls home, The University of Texas at Austin is a bold, ambitious leader supporting more than 55,000 students, 4,750 faculty, 15,000 staff and top national programs across 18 colleges and schools. Amid the backdrop of Austin, Texas, a city recognized for its creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the University provides a place to explore countless opportunities for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes, doctors, entrepreneurs and engineers.Learn more about UT’s mission and values and leadership.Why Join Texas Development?The University of Texas at Austin is a thriving hub of learning and discovery that anchors our city and enables excellence and innovation on the highest level. And it’s only possible because generous supporters believe in the power and promise of our state’s flagship university to change the world. With more than $6 billion raised in the What Starts Here campaign, Texas Development is quickly becoming one of the best fundraising programs in public higher education.Texas Development is a dynamic community of 500+ fundraising professionals across the Forty Acres. We strive to reach the highest levels of achievement and success in all that we do by creating meaningful and powerful experiences for our donors.Follow your passion, grow your career and help us change the world.BenefitsThe University provides a competitive benefits package that includes insurance and retirement benefits in addition to other programs and services.Texas Development supports growth by offering professional development opportunities that help every team member accomplish their goals, enrich their skillset and deepen their engagement with UT.PurposeThe Assistant Director of Venue Operations oversees the daily operations of Innovation Tower, a university venue that supports executive functions, leadership retreats, high-profile conferences, and institutional activations at The University of Texas at Austin. This role ensures the venue operates efficiently and maintains high standards for service, presentation, and functionality in support of university clients and leadership. Because Innovation Tower primarily serves the university and its leadership, the assistant director ensures venue operations align with and support that purpose.Reporting within the University Events and Experience (UEE), this role serves as an integral member of the UEE team and works in close collaboration with internal staff, campus partners, and service providers to support successful venue operations. The position is responsible for aligning operational practices with departmental standards, contributing to a culture of shared excellence and institutional partnership, and ensuring venue services effectively support the university and its leadership.Working conditions: Standard in-person office environment with occasional weekend, early morning and evening work.ResponsibilitiesVenue & Systems ReadinessResponsible for preparing Innovation Tower venue space for launce on September 1, 2026 under the direction of UEE and Discovery to Impact leadership, including furniture installations, layout implementation, vendor coordination, A/V set-up, signage and operational readiness.Develop launch plan that includes clear, actionable plan for pre-launch readiness, early activations such as open houses and tours, launch and post-launch key performance indicators (KPI) based on strategies set forth by UEE and Discovery to Impact leadership.Manage all aspects of venue cleanliness, safety, space usage, and operational excellence.Implement and manage event tracking and operational tools, including event booking systems.Coordinate with UEE team to develop required marketing and launch materials including collateral, website, and other materials as directed.Venue Operations & OversightManage and maintain venue calendar, including all bookings, holds, and internal coordination, ensuring visibility across UEE and Discovery to Impact as well as real-time accuracy.Create and continually refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) tailored to space management, covering scheduling, usage guidelines, room turnover, and capacity optimization.Maintain and update comprehensive vendor lists to streamline event operations and ensure access to trusted partners.Coordinate with facilities, A/V, catering, and technical teams to deliver high-level, white-glove service to all meetings and events.Provide insights into operational capacities and potential venue upgrades.Monitor KPIs and client feedback to support continuous improvement.Client Management & On-Site Event SupportServe as the primary point of contact for clients during the planning and execution phases for Innovation Tower venue space.Oversee site visits, walkthroughs, and pre-event coordination to align on expectations and logistics.Ensure every event meets the venue’s standard of sophistication, discretion, and professionalism.Conduct thorough post-event follow-ups to gather feedback, address outstanding concerns, and reinforce client satisfaction.Develop strategies to nurture long-term relationships with university colleges, schools, and units – encouraging repeat use and cultivating a loyal institution client base through personalized communications and tailored service offerings.Work collaboratively with UEE event production staff