Events and Hospitality Coordinator

About the role

The Events and Hospitality Coordinator will assist with administrative office operations and provide hands-on support for alumni, donors, and organizational events. This position works in a dynamic, service-driven environment while gaining experience in administration, event planning, guest services, and nonprofit operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and front desk support as needed, including greeting guests and answering and transferring phone calls.
• Assist with the opening and/or closing procedures of the building to ensure the office is secure.
• Support event RSVP tracking and management of attendee lists.
• Maintain clean, organized, and professional office, event space, and public-facing areas.
• Serve as a user of the database and support regular database maintenance processes.
• Execute tasks requiring strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Assist with the coordination and execution of internal and external events, including alumni, donor, and university-related events.
• Support event setup and teardown, registration check-in, guest services, and providing event-related information to guests.
• Provide support for events that may require evening and weekend availability.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure clear communication, coordination, and successful event execution.
• Uphold and promote the mission, vision, values, and goals of the SDSU Alumni & Foundation.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the organization’s needs.

Requirements

• Current South Dakota State University student (encouraged to apply).
• Previous experience working in events, guest experience, administration, customer service, and/or hospitality is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Ability to think critically and solve problems, sometimes independently.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Reasonable knowledge and familiarity with the university.
• High level of interpersonal skills, both in person and by phone, to handle sensitive and confidential situations with varied internal and external constituencies.
• Customer service skills requiring clear communication in person, on the phone, and in writing.
• High level of integrity, including ability to treat confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to be organized and resourceful to locate and compile information and accomplish projects with minimal supervision.
• Consistent attention to detail in composing and proofing materials, establishing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment with professional demeanor, self-reliance, and resourcefulness.
• Dependability and punctuality.
• High energy, positive attitude, and high degree of initiative.
• Proficient experience using the most recent versions of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentation software (e.g., MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Physical Demands

• Requires sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and some lifting.
• Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, the telephone, and other office and/or clerical equipment.
• Requires normal range of hearing and vision.