Strategic Events Manager

About the role

Lead the planning and execution of a broad portfolio of events, advancing strategic, community-building, and development goals through exceptional event experiences for students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, corporate partners, government officials, and international visitors.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of the full event lifecycle, from concept development and long-range planning to budgeting, stakeholder coordination, communications, logistics, and on-site execution.
• Shape event strategy, define objectives and audiences, and ensure each event reflects the School’s priorities with consistency, quality, and impact.
• Lead major community and ceremonial events, such as commencement-related programs, staff celebrations, advisory committee events, faculty gatherings, and large-scale degree ceremonies.
• Support high-profile donor and VIP visits by developing agendas, preparing materials, coordinating faculty participation, and managing security and media logistics.
• Work closely with Institute partners, vendors, and internal teams.
• Supervise event operations, track budgets, maintain planning tools, and evaluate outcomes to strengthen future programming.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality, events management, or a related field.
• A minimum of five years of experience in events management, preferably in a non-profit or higher education environment.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, working well independently and as part of a team.
• Exceptional customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to anticipate needs and manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Experience problem-solving and advising individuals with complex and diverse needs.
• Proficiency in reservation software and Excel, as well as Microsoft Office.
• Creative out-of-the-box-thinking.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to lift (approximately 20 to 30 pounds) and perform other physical exertion.

Qualifications

Occasional travel may be required. Required to work a variety of hours to accommodate events, including occasional evenings and weekends.