Events Manager - Academic Conferences

The Academic Conference Events Manager oversees the end-to-end execution of Wellesley College’s two flagship student showcases: the Tanner Conference and the Ruhlman Conference in support of student reflection and articulation of academic inquiry and experiential learning. This role works collaboratively across departments and disciplines and with a variety of administrative units and committees across the College. The role additionally supports events within the Madeleine Albright Institute of Global Affairs (MKAI), a center within the Wagner Centers for Wellesley in the World, and works closely to provide financial and budgetary support for the Committee on Lectures and Cultural Events. Primary Position Responsibilities Manages two-large scale academic and experiential learning conferences, Wellesley’s premier student showcase events. The Tanner Conference is held in the fall and celebrates the relationship between the liberal arts classroom and student engagement in the world beyond the Wellesley College campus. The Ruhlman Conference held in the spring, fostering collaboration among students and faculty across the disciplines and enhancing the intellectual life of the College. Manages the execution of each conference, including venue coordination, technology needs, and full-day catering for breakfast, breaks, lunch, and receptions. Manages the student application process, committee reviews, and selection meetings, working closely with the faculty Career Education Committee that advises Tanner and Ruhlman. Creates comprehensive event programs and poster session documents; coordinates with Public Affairs on branding, logos, and social media promotion. Actively audits event budgets to identify cost‑saving opportunities without compromising quality. Collaborates with LTS to integrate, manage, and improve application processes into Workday. Coordinates and oversees staff and student workers, ensuring both groups have the information and run‑of‑show details needed to successfully support the programs. Works closely with members of the Provost’s Office, Events and Facilities teams, Communications and Public Affairs, Finance Office, Career Education and Experiential Learning team, Wagner Centers for Wellesley in the World, and the Development Office. The Madeleine Albright Institute for Global Affairs (MKAI) Provides event management support for the Kenner Lecture, a recurring speaker event in the fall. Provides event management support to other Albright Institute campus‑wide events including the Korbel Lecture, Faculty Affiliate Research Showcase and ad‑hoc events. Supports event logistics for two high‑profile meal events during the multi‑week immersive Albright Fellows Winter‑session program held in January – the Distinguished Visiting Professor dinner and the Closing Ceremony Luncheon. Also supports a Keynote Lecture event held during Winter‑session. Committee on Lectures and Cultural Events (CLCE) Coordinates with members of the CLCE, a faculty committee of the College’s Academic Council. Reviews program applications, updates the website, ensures financial coordination, and provides promotional support coordination for several lectures across campus such as the Wilson Lecture with the President's Office. Basic Qualifications This position requires a Bachelor's degree with three to five years of relevant experience, including experience managing larger‑scale events (400 plus attendees), attention to detail, excellent organizational abilities, project management skills, and experience with event staffing and budgets. Experience with outside vendors, such as catering a must. Candidates must be problem solvers and work collaboratively and quickly across multiple departments and stakeholders. Technical proficiency in managing registration platforms and event websites is a must. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer’s sponsorship now or in the future. Skills and Abilities The successful candidate must possess project management and administrative skills, meticulous attention to detail, as well as the ability to be flexible, collaborative, diplomatic, and able to work with multiple campus stakeholders. Strong writing and editing skills required. Proficiency in Google Workspace and / or Microsoft 365, including the ability to document program requirements and perform detailed data analysis. Demonstrated success in collaborating with others to transform complex spreadsheet data into clear, professionally formatted documents for project deliverables. Flexibility & Schedule This is a full‑time, two‑year fixed‑term administrative role. Our standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, with a one‑hour lunch break. We value a collaborative hybrid environment; our standard schedule includes three days on‑campus to connect with the team, and two days of remote work. Please note: This hybrid schedule is subject to business needs. As this role involves essential in‑person commitments, a degree of flexibility is required. Salary The pay range for this role is $80,000.00 – $83,000.00 Company Description and Benefits Wellesley’s mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community—faculty, students, staff, and alumnae. Competitive Compensation: Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded. Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre‑tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones. Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail. Paid Time Off: Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work‑life harmony. Retirement Savings: Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees. Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro‑Boston. Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment. Tuition and Education Benefits: Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning. Campus Privileges: Enjoy free use of our state‑of‑the‑art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wellesley College