Events Manager

The Events Manager for the Princeton SPIA D.C. Center executes a broad range of tasks to meet the demands of a growing and multi-functional policy and events center. The Events Manager will, working closely with the Center’s Director, Program Manager, and other team members, be responsible for events and activities ideation, development and execution on a broad range of events pertaining to the School's public service mission and public policy engagement. This includes outreach and liaison with University faculty, centers, and administrators, as well as external partners, experts and policymakers, event contractors, vendors, building management, and other service providers to the wide range of public and private events, workshops, and other programming undertaken in service of public policy audiences, faculty, students, and the alumni community in Washington DC. The Events Manager will also share responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Center, together with the Program Manager.

With an emphasis on professional execution, high visibility, and a proactive approach, the Events Manager spearheads events development and execution, including planning, communications, audience identification and outreach, stakeholder recruitment and management, social media and marketing, invitations, event vendors, and, where necessary, support for building operations, A/V, media, and technical assistance. The Manager actively manages the Center’s master events calendar and oversees use of the Center's suite and event spaces; ensures that spaces are properly reserved, staffed, etc; in conjunction with SPIA DC Director, Program Manager and other team members. The Events Manager will also participate in day-to-day oversight and operation of the Center, as well as research projects and external engagement with partners and policymakers in Washington.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, 5-year term position with a possibility of extension.

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN WASHINGTON, D.C., WITH LIMITED TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS.

THE EVENTS DIRECTOR WILL WORK PRIMARILY DURING BUSINESS HOURS; HOWEVER, SHE/HE MUST BE AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT OCCASSIONAL EVENING EVENTS AS NECESSARY.

Events Direction:

• Provides advanced planning for events ideation, development, and execution, in partnership with University faculty and users, including through: conceiving and designing events, conducting market research on audience/targets, recruiting and liaising with stakeholders, experts, policymakers, partners, reserving space and managing event schedule, generating invitations and audience lists, producing invitations and registration databases, developing catering plans and budgets, hiring and negotiating with other event vendors management
• Provides event consultation and guidance on logistics, including fielding inquiries about event format, space utilization, logistics, services, etc.
• Manages budget for events, including utilization of financial management systems and budget tracking, and provides comprehensive day-of-event oversight and execution, including ensuring the needs of the event stakeholders and presenters are met.
• Assists Director in communications and collaboration with SPIA communications, career development, alumni, IT, and other departments in support of SPIA in DC objectives and operations.

Operations:

• In coordination with the Program Manager: Provides administrative, financial management, and logistical support to the Director and Center more broadly, including managing SPIA finance software, supporting budget management and reporting, purchasing tickets, making reservations and bookings, managing transportation needs, reconciling expenses, etc., in coordination with the Director and the SPIA department of finance.
• Oversight of daily operations of the space, including guest experience, department needs, scheduling, and event support.
• With high visibility and a proactive approach, the Events Manager is readily available to produce events; coordinates efforts to maintain a clean, inviting, and functional work and gathering space; ensures that spaces are properly reserved, prepared, and staffed.
• Ensures that users and guests have necessary building and suite access.
• Professionally greets guests (including distinguished visitors, faculty, alumni, students) and actively supports them during their visit to the Center, ensuring needs are met and support is delivered with best-in-class service.
• Supports users of the space with technical guidance and utilization of equipment in the office suite space and amenity areas.
• Liaison with building management team, outside vendors, SPIA's Facilities and Operations Administrator, and Princeton Facilities for building issues and needs, including upkeep, repair, and replacement of office suite furnishings and equipment.

Research and External Engagement:

• In addition to Events direction, the Manager will conduct short and medium-term research tasks, at the direction of the Director, on a broad range of policy issues, trends, and developments, including: in congress and the executive and judicial branches, at academic, partner, and peer institutions, in support of SPIA DC's objectives and new or ongoing initiatives.
• The Manager will also attend external events where necessary in support of the Center's goals and events development.
• Assists Director in monitoring and collating developments at SPIA and Princeton more broadly--new research, papers, events, appointments, and initiatives--and identifying opportunities to promote via SPIA in DC engagement, events, or initiatives.

Essential Qualifications:

• 5+ years of work-related experience
• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Clearly demonstrated project management and/or event planning skills. Professionalism, strong communication, and poise; proven and sincere commitment to strategic and operational hands-on problem solving.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; critical thinking; refined organizational and planning capacity; strong attention to detail; high degree of discretion, diplomacy, and tact.
• The ability to simultaneously manage and complete multiple projects and assignments with competing deadlines; proven ability to autonomously manage projects without regular oversight or direction; demonstrated personnel management skills and the ability to work well both independently and in a team environment.
• The ability to develop and manage relationships with a wide range of constituents and stakeholders, including distinguished guests and visitors; ability to interact with the most senior leaders at Princeton and the School of Public and International Affairs; a strong appreciation and respect for academic culture.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Working knowledge of relevant technologies, audio-visual and multi-media equipment, particularly that which is used to support conferences and events.
• Willingness and ability to work with a flexible schedule, including early mornings, late nights, and long hours as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Washington DC and public policy institutions and constituencies.
• Technically savvy and willing to learn new skills, tools, and technologies.
• Experience and working knowledge of academic settings.
• Master's degree preferred.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  KNOW YOUR RIGHTS