Events Manager

Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Events Manager is a senior-level event planning specialist on Vanderbilt University’s University Ceremonies and Events team within the Office of the Chancellor. The position leads and coordinates complex university events, collaborating with campus departments and other stakeholders to plan and deliver high-profile events aligned with university goals. The role applies event coordination expertise across the full event lifecycle, from concept through post-event evaluation, and provides execution support for events led by others.

The Events Manager reports to the Assistant Director and mentors junior event coordinators, including delegating aspects of event projects. The University Ceremonies and Events team leads key Vanderbilt ceremonies and events, including Founders Walk, Family Weekend, Reunion, and Commencement, and provides event expertise to partner offices across campus. The role requires in-person work on the Vanderbilt University campus based on team and event needs, as well as work outside regular business hours when needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 8–10 years of experience in event planning, event production, project management, or a related field.
• Fluency in all Microsoft Office suite products.
• Ability to report to work in person on the Vanderbilt University campus based on team and event needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, exercise flexibility, and use judgment and discretion.
• Willingness to perform physical labor as needed for events.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in nonprofit or higher education organizations.
• Knowledge of event registration or management systems.
• Ability to create scale drawings.

Responsibilities

• Support execution of the university’s overall vision for signature events.
• Coordinate complex, large-scale events and provide expert guidance on venue selection, vendor management, execution, and post-event analysis.
• Advise senior department leadership on event strategies, design, and execution processes, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and objectives.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including speakers, sponsors, faculty, students, leadership, staff, and vendors, to support smooth event operations and effective communication.
• Implement event management systems and processes to streamline operations and improve event execution efficiency across departments.
• Mentor and guide junior event staff in event planning best practices, problem-solving, and client interaction.
• Contribute to event budgets, forecasts, and resource allocations to ensure events are cost-effective and meet financial targets.
• Lead designated events across all aspects, including registration, invitations and attendance estimates, VIP stewardship, venue selection, site walkthroughs, catering, program and event schedules, and ancillary services.
• Evaluate event performance through post-event data analysis and comprehensive reviews, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Use creative thinking and flexibility, consider multiple options, and follow directives as needed.
• Plan events with a strong understanding of space and logistics.
• Stay current on event production and experiential marketing trends that may affect Vanderbilt events and support the university’s brand guidelines through events, activations, and receptions.
• Consider the university’s mission, values, goals, and priorities when developing communications and event strategies.
• Perform physical labor as needed, including lifting and loading, emptying trash, or serving guests when necessary.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize or reprioritize tasks as needed.
• Use strong written, verbal, and organizational skills.
• Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics, exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Provide execution support for events not led by this position.
• Provide overall support for department priorities as assigned.
• Work outside regular business hours as needed to perform job responsibilities.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior