Events and Exhibits Coordinator

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

About the role

The James Madison University Libraries seeks a full-time Events and Exhibits Coordinator to support the delivery of quality programming, events, and exhibits that activate and enliven Libraries physical spaces. This position will coordinate Libraries event and exhibit spaces and related activities or logistics, serving as the primary point of contact for Libraries-sponsored events and managing requests to use Libraries spaces from campus and the broader community.

The successful candidate will report to the Libraries Director of Facilities Operations and join a team of dedicated professionals supporting effective operations of library spaces and offering centralized support to the broader JMU Libraries organization. As a member of the highly collaborative Libraries Facilities Operations team, this position will participate in cross-training and back-up of critical core responsibilities.

This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position with benefits. Normal work shifts will typically align with regular university business hours, with potential for occasional adjustments to include evening, weekend, or early morning hours. The Libraries welcomes applicants who can demonstrate a commitment to building equitable and welcoming environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Facilities Operations point of contact for event and exhibit coordination in Libraries spaces.
• Coordinate with individuals and teams in JMU Libraries who host events and create exhibits, ensuring successful operations.
• Approve and schedule event requests from external parties and use of spaces not available for self-reservation by Libraries employees; balancing active spaces and preserved study environments for library users.
• Communicate event or exhibit-related impact proactively to the Libraries organization and library users as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Libraries colleagues or teams with responsibilities related to events or exhibits; involving them in logistical planning and partnering to leverage student employee assistance as needed.
• Coordinate the implementation of events and exhibits in Libraries physical spaces; managing all related logistical aspects and providing clear delegation and task-based oversight for student employees or other supporting staff. Examples include:
  • Reservation of space
  • Coordinating catering or parking
  • Posting of signage
  • Set up and clean-up of furniture and supplies
  • Space or technology orientation for event hosts
  • Pre- or during-event issue troubleshooting
  • Attendance or other space use data gathering
• Maintain accurate and effective policy, workflow, and other operational documentation related to events and exhibits in Libraries physical spaces.
• Serve as liaison to relevant campus partners related to events and exhibits; maintaining awareness of processes and leveraging opportunities for collaboration.
• Support the Libraries Facilities Operations team through proactive communication of back-up needs and providing effective back-up coverage for critical duties.
• Participate in relevant committees, groups, or task forces within the Libraries or the University; representing the work of the team and the broader organization.

Requirements

• Relevant experience managing spaces and coordinating logistics to provide high-quality operations, event, or exhibit support.
• Experience providing outstanding customer service to a broad constituency in a professional, positive manner.
• Excellence in interpersonal skills and both written and oral communication.
• Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to manage priorities and exercise judgement successfully in a responsive, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan and execute both timely and long-range tasks and projects concurrently.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of an engaged team in a dynamic, collegial, and collaborative environment; ability to effectively delegate and receive tasks from others.
• Demonstrated commitment to building environments that are accessible and welcoming.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with library services, operations, and academic learning environments.
• Experience working with room and resource reservation tools.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Benefits

• Generous Leave: Paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with tuition waivers for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

Pay

$41,000 - $44,000 per year