Events Coordinator, Saxena Center

Brown University•Abington, MA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Saxena Center for Contemporary South Asia is seeking an Events Coordinator to manage day-to-day event operations and logistics for the Saxena Center at the Watson School of International and Public Affairs. Reporting to and working in close collaboration with the Program Manager, this position manages full-lifecycle event coordination, supports Center communications, and leads the recruitment, training, and supervision of student workers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of skills and experience
2-3 years’ administrative experience, preferably in a university or similar setting.
Excellent prioritizing skills to manage the needs of multiple constituents.
Strong technical aptitude and willingness to learn new software, programs, and skills as needed.
Confidence troubleshooting technology (A/V set up, laptops, phone apps, etc.)
Flexibility to shift gears as priorities change and needs arise.
Self-motivated, proactive, team player, who can maintain positive working relationships.
Strong internet skills and expertise in Google Suite.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience maintaining websites and updating online content preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for guest speakers upon invitation acceptance; arrange complex travel itineraries, hotel bookings, transportation, honoraria payments, and faculty dinner arrangements.
Reserve event spaces, coordinate catering, arrange room setups, and liaise with Media Services/AV teams to ensure proper technical setup and troubleshooting during events.
Manage day-of event flow and setup, welcome guests, oversee vendor timelines, troubleshoot real-time logistics, and manage attendance tracking and post-event feedback metrics.
Draft, format, and schedule event flyers, weekly digital newsletters, and social media announcements promoting Center activities.
Regularly update and maintain the Center’s websites with current event details, faculty news, speaker bios, and archived recordings.
Assist the Program Manager with formatting, gathering data, and proofreading content for print materials and the Center’s annual report.
Hire, onboard, train, and direct the daily tasks of 2–5 student workers supporting event logistics, front-desk duties, and social media posting.
Oversee general office administrative needs, respond to routine inquiries, and maintain inventories of event equipment, promotional materials, and office supplies.
Submit purchasing requisitions, process vendor invoices, reconcile corporate card transactions, and track event-related expenses against assigned event budgets.
Attend Watson School staff meetings, participate in departmental training, and support broader Center initiatives as assigned by the Program Manager.