Classification Title:
Commencement Director
Job Description:
Grow Together. Grow Greater.
The University of Florida is one of America’s leading research universities and the flagship university of the state of Florida. Located in Gainesville, Florida, UF has over 60,000 students studying and conducting research across 16 colleges and more than 190 research centers and institutes. The University of Florida has recently received a number of accolades highlighting its ongoing commitment to academic and employment excellence. From being named a Money magazine 5-star college to landing a spot on Forbes’ Best Large Employers list – join our team and discover even more reasons why it’s great to be a Florida Gator. UF is currently ranked #5 among U.S. public research universities by U.S. News and World Report.
The Opportunity
The Office of the Provost is looking for a Commencement Director. This Director position is from revitalization and restructuring of the Director of UF Commencement that previously reported to the Provost. The new Commencement Director will report directly to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs .
As the Commencement Director, you are planning the biggest, most visible event on the university’s campus. It is the culminating moment of our student’s academic career; you are not just planning an event; you are creating a memory-making opportunity that families and students cherish.
Leadership and Coordination
The Commencement Director serves as the sole project manager in coordination with all offices with commencement-related responsibilities, such as the President’s Office, Graduate School, Colleges, Departments, Registrar, O’Connell Center, etc. They are the primary point of contact for all inquiries concerning commencement. They serve as a member of the Commencement Committee and maintains miscellaneous Commencement assets (e.g., chairs, gonfalons, lectures, etc.).
The Director acts as the commencement liaison for faculty and staff of the O’Connell Center, the University Bookstore, the Registrar’s Office, the Graduate School, the Alumni Association, and many other entities on campus. This includes tracking and distributing instruction letters to doctoral students and their faculty escorts for commencement.
They recruit, coordinate, and maintain the list of Marshals needed from each college for each centralized commencement ceremony, working closely with individual colleges, the Chief Marshal and two Associate Chief Marshals to organize all marshal functions and direct the commencement ceremonies. The Director prepares and maintains the Escort Data Template for the Chief Marshal.
Planning and Communication
The Director establishes commencement schedules, including dates, times, and venues for committee input. They schedule and chair pre-commencement meetings to review commencement checklist and timetable for readiness and completeness to insure that established commencement goals and objectives are communicated and attained. They are responsible for preparing and distributing program pages, agendas, scripts, marshal instructions and other related commencement documents.
They oversee all forms of internal and external communications regarding UF Commencement, including web site development, social media, phone, and email. Communicates with faculty and staff in the various colleges regarding protocol and established procedures. The Director ensures that information released regarding commencement is consistent throughout all participating units on campus.
Training
The Director is responsible for directing the training and supervision of commencement staff, marshals, volunteers, and vendors, including but not limited to music, vocalist, and catering. This includes distributing commencement protocol for marshals, staff, and volunteers.
Implementation and Follow-through
The Commencement Director attends all university-wide commencement ceremonies to ensure a smooth and seamless execution and consistency of best practices and troubleshoots unforeseen problems/issues. They ensure payment of invoices with the exception of those related to the VIP pieces managed by the President’s Office. They conduct post-ceremony briefings with Chief Marshal, Associate Chief Marshals, and others on opportunities for enhancements of future ceremonies.
Other Responsibilities
The Commencement Director coordinates with the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, including in the weekly development and distribution of the Faculty Update newsletter, creation and maintenance of various listservs and search committee websites, creating presentations and publications.
They assist, as needed, in developing communication strategy and maintenance of web sites of units in the Provost’s office. This includes assisting with coordinating events hosted by units in the Provost’s office, including the Innovation Academy’s Launch ceremony, UF Advisor Recognition annual event, UF Advancement Events, the Provost’s Annual Symposium, and other special projects.
Other duties as assigned by the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs in collaboration with all other leaders in the Provost’s office.
Expected Salary:
$65,000 – $78,000 Commensurate based on education and experience
Minimum Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree and three years of experience; or a high school diploma and seven years of appropriate experience. Appropriate college coursework may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. Web site development and social media skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
This position has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.
In order to be considered, applicant must upload a cover letter, resume and three professional references.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required:
No
Advertised: 06 Sep 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 10 Sep 2023 Eastern Daylight Time