Job Description

The Signature Events Manager is part of University Relations unit within the Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt University. The manager is responsible for developing and leading execution of the university's vision for events that enhance the university's connection with its key stakeholders and create meaningful experiences for students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and others.

Reporting directly to Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations, the Signature Events Manager works closely with partners in the division and across campus to deliver high-quality, impactful events that advance and strengthen the participants' engagement with the university's mission. This position works closely with colleagues within Communications and Marketing as well as with the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of the Provost, communications and events contacts in the Colleges and Schools, Development and Alumni Relations, and key partners in the Division of Administration and Finance. The Signature Events Manager also develops and leads relationships with external vendors to execute events at a high level.

The Signature Events Manager is a highly creative problem solver, has exceptional organizational and project management abilities, has significant experience managing complex budgets, is calm under pressure, has superb interpersonal skills, is adept at multi-tasking and is focused on continuous improvement. This position supervises the Signature Events team as well as vendors and temporary / contract staff hired to support events. This role requires the ability to report to work in-person on the Vanderbilt University campus as needed for both planning and execution of events.

The University Relations team is responsible for developing and executing strategic content that can be deployed to multiple audiences in a variety of media platforms. In addition to editorial content, University Relations handles visual development and production, as well as signature events. We are a team of collaborative, imaginative, curious and mission-driven communicators who are solution-oriented, striving to continuously improve processes and elevate engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate passion for creating memorable, creative events that bring the university mission to life for students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents
• Efficiently and effectively lead a team of event program coordinators and the team's execution of multiple, complex and results-oriented projects
• Conduct short- and long-term planning and management for events
• Develop and recommend the budget for the event and manage within those approved plans
• Lead the team in assembling creative and innovative event programming and event attractions by leveraging a mix of internal resources and qualified vendors
• Partner closely with virtual event experts and staff to ensure seamless coordination between in-person and virtual events
• Develop and implement standards and protocols for university events, including but not limited to: invitations and estimating attendance numbers; VIP stewardship; venue selection; site walkthroughs; catering; detailing the program of activities and schedule of events; and all ancillary services
• Identify and manage relationships with all external partners necessary to support the event (e.g. event volunteers, catering, external sound, video, security, ticketing, rentals, etc.)
• Demonstrate understanding of the university's mission, values, goals and priorities and an ability to ensure that all are considered in developing communications and events strategies
• Analyze and interpret data and information and make appropriate recommendations based on findings.
• Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrate outstanding judgment and discretion.
• Operate in a highly organized fashion with attention to detail on all projects.
• Work outside regular business hours as needed in order to perform job responsibilities
• Provide overall support as needed and assigned for department priorities.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required . A Master's degree is strongly preferred .
• At least 5 years of experience in event planning, project management, or related field is strongly preferred.
• Strong budgeting experience and proficiency is required .
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are strongly preferred .
• Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and re-prioritize are required .
• Creative thinking and flexibility with a willingness to consider many options and take directives are required .
• A keen focus on spotting new trends and developments with regard to best practices related to events is strongly preferred .
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with people of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds is required.
• High energy, motivational leadership is required.
• Entrepreneurial spirit is strongly preferred
• Effective in providing exceptional constituent service is required.
• Fluency in all Office suite products and Zoom is strongly preferred; knowledge of Salesforce is preferred .

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.