Events Manager

About the role

The Events Manager is responsible for the strategic and logistical management of high-profile special meetings and events held by the Riccio College of Engineering (COE). They ensure all events promote a positive image and reflect the brand, values, and culture of the college and university, enhancing its stature and raising its visibility particularly to outside constituents.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and collaborates with others across the college on plans for numerous events, including such complex, large-scale events as the college’s Senior Recognition Celebration, Outstanding Alumni Awards (OAA) ceremony, the Graduate Research Symposium, Destination Days, and the Tang Endowed Lecture.
• Manages multiple programs and events simultaneously, focusing on strategy, goals, timeline, impact, budget, engagement, and follow-up.
• Makes recommendations as needed to ensure that the college’s mission, goals, and objectives are met.
• Creates systems and procedures to enhance and streamline the event management process in the college.
• Maintains the college’s events page.
• Regularly evaluates the success of events and makes changes as necessary, paying attention to the suggestions of faculty, staff, students, or other event attendees.
• Serves as the on-site production manager at assigned events or activities.
• Oversees proper event execution, including set-up and breakdown, addressing urgent issues, and creating an intentionally inclusive atmosphere.
• Schedules and supervises event rehearsals, as needed.
• Organizes and trains volunteers, faculty, and students to support the execution and success of certain large-scale events.
• Prepares and disseminates briefings to college leadership and faculty/staff participants on event logistics and their individual role requirements.
• Coordinates as needed with campus IT, University Police, Amherst EMTs, UMass Parking Services, and Disability Services to ensure safety and accessibility of events.
• Obtains necessary permits.
• Develops and monitors event budgets.
• Collaborates with the college’s business office on vendor options, contract negotiations, and proper invoicing.
• Keeps detailed and accurate records of all expenses.
• Recommends ways to control costs so that each event stays within budget constraints.
• Exercises judgment and demonstrates poise in problem solving for unforeseen and undesirable situations that may impact event planning and implementation.
• Provides legendary hospitality for all stakeholders.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree and at least five (5) years of relevant experience in event planning, event marketing or project management; or a Bachelor's degree and at least three (3) years of relevant experience in event planning, event marketing or project management; or a Master’s degree and at least one (1) year of relevant experience in event planning, event marketing or project management.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively and effectively with individuals across all levels of the organization and to maintain productive and professional relationships.
• Ability to independently set priorities, and plan, organize, or direct multiple, concurrent projects or tasks.
• Ability to develop and move strategic agendas forward.
• Ability to utilize independent judgment and manage sensitive and/or confidential information with discretion.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well in teams.
• Ability to remain calm during during high pressure of an events and during a crisis.
• Problem solving skills to quickly resolve issues as they occur.
• Willingness to go beyond the call of duty to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Strong computer skills including at least intermediate expertise with: Outlook or Google calendar; Microsoft Word or Google Docs; Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

Qualifications

• Experience working within a higher education or non-profit environment.
• Experience with marketing events.

Skills

• Event Planning
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Customer Service
• Computer Skills

Benefits

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges.

Pay

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Schedule

Monday - Friday within standard working hours. Some night and weekend hours are required. This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week.