The events manager will be part of the Communications and Advancement team and will play an integral role in the successful execution of strategic institutional events. This position is responsible for the planning and implementation of institutional events as well as maintaining the calendar of events for the University. The role requires close collaboration with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including academic teams, Marketing, Creative Services, the President’s Office, vendors, and technical teams.
The events manager will lead event logistics, work with the event sponsor to set clear scope and goals of the event, connect the appropriate people and teams to implement a successful event, set and monitor deadlines, and manage successful events. Strong teamwork and communication skills, and experience in event logistics are essential.
This is a full-time hybrid role with a minimum of two required days each week at Excelsior's home office of 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY. The remainder of the days can be worked from home or the office.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage a comprehensive University Events calendar including online and in-person events.
- Oversee and manage institutional events such as ribbon cuttings and speaker events.
- Provide counsel and support to events originating from units such as Marketing and Academic Affairs.
- Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution aligned with the University's strategic goals and academic standards.
- Engage with stakeholders to define project scope, goals, teams, and deliverables, promoting transparency and collaborative decision-making. Manage the planning process and timeline and assign tasks through completion.
- Oversee the development and continuous improvement of event processes and templates.
- Manage internal and external resources, including third parties/vendors, to ensure that events are executed on time, within scope, and within budget.
- Work closely with project resources and process/product owners to effectively plan and execute tasks related to events including contracts and invoices.
- Proactively identify and assess potential risks and challenges, working with stakeholders to develop alternative solutions or back-up plans.
- Document event processes.
- Maintain a broad understanding of events across the University.
- Provide internal event logistics and project management support to the Senior Commencement Consultant and Commencement committee for Excelsior’s annual Commencement ceremony.
- Occasional night and weekend hours are required and can be accommodated into a flexible schedule.
- Occasional travel out-of-state possible 2-4 times per year.
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Bachelor's degree or five plus years of events experience is required.
• Three to five years of related experience, ideally in higher education.
• Demonstrated responsibility to coordinate in-person, remote, and hybrid events.
• Ability to lead and manage cross-functional project teams, building consensus among diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, and ability to view events through a public relations lens.
• Excellent organizational and decision-making skills, including the demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines while providing quality service and solutions.
• Enthusiastic and flexible team player.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk and/or hear. Occasionally lift up to 20-25 lbs.
The hiring salary range for this position is $63,000.00 - $73,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting.