Strategic Events Manager

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Morningside
• Salary Range: $74,000 - $80,000

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Morningside
• Salary Range: $74,000 - $80,000

Position Summary

The Strategic Events Manager at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) reports both to the Director of Strategic Events & Programming and to the Executive Director of Communications. In this capacity, their primary responsibility is to provide communications and marketing support, logistical and publicity support for Engineering events and gatherings held virtually or on the Columbia University campus and at offsite venues as required. This position encompasses the communications planning and promotion of a wide range of school-wide events with faculty, staff, and students, as well as events with both internal & external participants, other educational institutions, industry partners, federal agencies, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Event Communications (45%):
  • Liaise with the Columbia Engineering Communications team to execute targeted marketing campaigns that promote attendance and event participation as well as post-event feedback.
  • Design engaging marketing materials to promote events and programs, including digital event banners, social media graphics, web graphics, event web pages, registration sites, etc.
  • Assist with the design and branding of any on-site event collateral, including banners, posters, signage, handouts, nametags, name plates, etc.
  • Oversee promotional/advertising requests for all Engineering events and programs.
  • Create and edit multimedia content for newsletters, press releases, presentations, informational brochures, announcements, digital signage, and social media.
  • Coordinate with Departments and Centers to populate and maintain event communications calendar and work with the Columbia Engineering Communications team to execute on-campus, external, and digital mailings as they relate to assigned events.
  • Assists with managing internal and external events calendars and handling requests to promote School events across Engineering’s audiences, triaging and directing inquiries requiring escalation as needed.
  • Attend events both during and outside work hours to provide real-time event communications coverage.
  • Create and promote engaging post-event communications including post-event surveys, event recaps, social media posts, and other related stories and articles.
  • In addition to event promotion and coverage, work with the Communications team to develop content that can be repurposed across all Engineering communications platforms after an event has concluded.
  • Assist in tracking attendee engagement pre-event, during, and post-event.
  • Build strong partnerships and working relationships with communicators within Columbia Engineering and from various offices across Columbia University.

• Event Planning & Logistics (45%):
  • Event Planning:
    • Assist the Executive Director of Communications, the Director of Strategic Events & Programming, and the Assistant Director of Event Planning & Logistics with the coordination and management of key school-wide events or larger strategic events including supporting organizers (e.g. faculty members, research centers, administrative offices) in ascertaining catering, room setup, AV needs, booking spaces, and outreach to relevant campus partners (e.g. AV, Building Services and Public Safety).
    • Support strategic event planning and analysis, including conducting research and preparing documents, presentations, and communication.
  • Event Logistics:
    • Participate in meetings to gather, synthesize, and disseminate information to coordinate the promotion of each event.
    • Provide excellent customer service, act as a thoughtful and considerate colleague, and represent the Engineering School to internal stakeholders and external parties.
    • Execute post-event wrap-up tasks such as archiving event photos and collateral materials, and capturing data for analysis and reporting.
    • Event Supply Management:
      • Help manage the events team inventories of props, banners, furniture, and other items utilized during events; procuring additional items as needed.
      • Anticipate and prepare the registration and supply needs for events.

• Process Innovation and Sustainability (5%):
  • Event System Optimization:
    • Research technologies and best practices trends on registration, event promotion, and event software platforms, and report on event technology needs.
    • Help maintain selected event registration systems.
    • Employ data analytics to inform future event promotion strategies and event planning decisions.
  • Contact Database Curation:
    • Assist with the curation and maintenance of a robust internal contacts database, strategically utilizing this resource to optimize communication efforts and bolster the effectiveness of event marketing campaigns.

• Miscellaneous (5%):
  • Assist the Executive Director of Communications, the Director of Strategic Events & Programming, and the Assistant Director of Event Planning & Logistics with special projects.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 2-4 years of experience promoting and executing both small and large events, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrable project management and design expertise in promoting events of various sizes, from seminars to multi-day symposia.

Skills:

• Strong initiative, results-driven, and capable of both independent and collaborative operation.
• Proficiency in MS Office, e-mail marketing platforms (ex. Mailchimp), Google Suite, Zoom webinar, platforms for link tracking, email marketing systems, Adobe Creative Suite (including lnDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop), and Canva.
• Knowledge of online and social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn.
• Experience with print design and production.
• Familiarity with media outlets.
• Must have knowledge of and interest in contemporary design culture.
• Must meet deadlines and follow through on details with accuracy and good judgment.
• Problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and ability to communicate effectively.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and project management skills, with attention to detail and organization.
• Exceptional graphic design skills and experience creating forward-thinking and aesthetically pleasing visuals.
• Technological proficiency and potential to learn new skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work in a dynamic environment, managing multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Understanding of an academic environment, working within the confines of a busy campus.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and centers.
• High level of discretion with a customer service mindset.
• Proven flexibility, proactive approach, and competence in engaging with varied audiences.
• Ability to interact professionally in a service-oriented environment subject to frequently changing priorities that may require re-prioritization of daily operations.
• English fluency and financial literacy for budget management and reporting.
• Prior experience on an events and/or marketing team is essential.
• The successful incumbent will also be willing to work flexible hours to attend events that take place outside of the normal workday

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong marketing background.
• Prior experience in editorial and science writing.
• Experience with content management systems (Drupal) and knowledge of HTML.
• Experience with event promotion, event management and executive support.
• Knowledge of engineering, medical research, or related sectors.

Other Requirements

• A cover letter, at least one writing sample, and at least one graphic design sample are required.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.