Manager, Conferences & Events

Emerson College•Boston, MA

1d•$82,150 - $102,650•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Conferences & Events develops and grows Emerson College’s revenue-generating conference, event, short-term rental, and conference housing programs. The role owns business development, client relationships, financial performance, and program operations, with a focus on increasing revenue and maximizing use of College facilities and housing assets. As the primary operational coordinator, the Manager works with Facilities, Dining, ECPD, Campus Card Services, and other campus partners to plan and deliver space, services, building access, and other operational requirements. The Manager ensures events and programs are operationally ready, client commitments are met, and College resources are used efficiently. The position manages the Summer Conference Program and develops an Internship Housing Program for college students, as well as overseeing the Colonial Apartments. It includes program marketing and sales, client and vendor relationships, financial management, space and event logistics, and supervision of student employees. The Manager must be available for evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed and provide 24/7 on-call emergency support. This position requires an in-person presence on the Boston Campus during the work week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field; alternatively, 10 or more years of equivalent experience will be considered.
At least 5–7 years of event management experience.
Proven B2B sales experience and a strong record of securing corporate clients for large-scale events or conferences.
Valid driver’s license.
Proficiency with event management software such as EMS and Spacebook.
Ability to lead and manage a team, including recruiting, training, and supervising staff.
Ability to manage budgets, logistics, and operations for large-scale events.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to act as the institution’s liaison.
Adaptability in managing changing events and resolving problems efficiently.
Strong troubleshooting, communication, and project management skills.
Ability to foster and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to establish department goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
Ability to plan, delegate, and/or supervise the work of others.
Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for events and emergencies.
Ability to meet the role’s physical demands, including continuous movement and communication; repetitive movements; frequent lifting of up to 35 pounds; reaching, pushing, stooping, and climbing; and reading computer screens, color-coding, and fine print.

Nice To Haves

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) certification.
Prior sales experience engaging clients strategically and expanding a conference portfolio.
Event management experience in an educational or large-scale public setting.

Responsibilities

Serve as the point of contact for event-related matters in Business Services-managed spaces, including the Loft, Bordy Theater, Lion’s Den, Beard Room, and other designated spaces.
Coordinate event and program operational needs with Facilities, including space setup, custodial services, maintenance, building access, furniture, equipment, and facility requirements; submit and track work orders and service requests through completion.
Coordinate with Dining, ECPD, Campus Card Services, and other campus partners to support event operations and building access schedules.
Manage the Summer Conference Program budget and financial operations, from invoicing through revenue allocation, while delivering high-quality attendee experiences.
Design and manage an Internship Housing Program offering long-term housing to college students; market the program and manage inquiries, applications, contracts, and billing.
Update and manage the Summer Conference and Internship Housing Program website.
Manage external vendor and service-provider relationships, including soliciting quotes, coordinating services, and ensuring contracted services are delivered effectively and on time.
Prepare revenue forecasts and projections and recommend growth opportunities for the Summer Conference and Internship Housing Program.
Provide evening, weekend, and holiday event support as needed during the academic year and summer months.
Oversee Colonial Apartments reservations, client communications, contracts, billing, vendor coordination, maintenance, and turnover; ensure the units are maintained and effectively utilized.
Develop and implement sales strategies to expand the Summer Conference Program, using industry contacts and market insights to attract clients and grow the event portfolio.
Monitor expenditures within approved budgets, oversee purchase orders and expense reimbursements, and ensure timely vendor payments.
Coordinate space management and event logistics using tools such as EMS and Spacebook; conduct venue inspections and ensure logistics meet service standards.
Collaborate with internal departments on event execution, documentation, contracts, and event schedules.
Secure spaces, confirm event details such as headcounts and dietary requirements, and supervise daily operations with senior student staff.
Recruit, train, and manage a team of 16 student employees, overseeing employment matters and performance in accordance with institutional standards.
Provide 24/7 emergency support to campus partners and external clients in an on-call capacity.
Perform other duties as assigned.