Community Relations Specialist

Events & External Relations SpecialistThe Events & External Relations Specialist within the Villanova School of Business provides event logistics, promotion, consulting, management, and external relations and graphic design support for VSB. This Specialist within the Dean's Office supports the development and execution of events, event marketing, event promotion, and social media content to ensure successful programs, events, and stakeholder engagement. This role also generates and develops content to ensure brand consistency and alignment with the University and VSB's key messages and strategic objectives. The Specialist is responsible for providing project support for External Relations and Donor Engagement programming, including partnering with internal and external vendors, and partners. The Events & External Relations Specialist works to ensure high-quality service to students, faculty, alumni, program participants, and other stakeholders in support of VSB mission and objectives. The Events & External Relations Specialist also supports financial and administrative processes. This is a 10-month staff position aligned with the academic year. The role does not require work during summer months, and compensation is structured to reflect the 10-month schedule.Duties and Responsibilities: Event Management: Partners with the Associate Director and Assistant Dean to develop and execute a strategic event portfolio that advances VSB's priorities, goals, and stakeholder engagement objectives. Leads the planning, coordination, and execution of Dean's Office signature programs and events, including academic excellence ceremonies, executive speaker programs, and other high-profile initiatives. Serves as the primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment of event objectives, communications, logistics, and participant experience. Manages all phases of event planning and execution, including project planning, venue selection, budgeting, registration, vendor management, catering, audiovisual requirements, marketing coordination, risk mitigation, on-site event management, and post-event evaluation. Oversees event-related budgets and financial administration, including expense management and vendor procurement, as appropriate. Collaborates with VSB Communications and Marketing partners to develop and implement event promotion and engagement strategies across print, digital, web, and social media channels. Supports external relations initiatives, including coordination of guest speakers, VIP guests, and strategic partnerships that enhance the visibility and impact of VSB programs. Develops and maintains relationships with vendors, venues, service providers, and university partners to support operational excellence and event success. Oversees event registration platforms, attendance tracking, reporting, and data management to support operational effectiveness and informed decision-making. Establishes and analyzes event metrics, participant feedback, and operational data to assess outcomes, drive continuous improvement, and implement event management best practices. Serves as a subject matter expert and representative of VSB on university committees and collaborative initiatives related to major events and programs. Provides guidance, coordination, and oversight to student ambassadors, volunteers, and assigned staff supporting event operations. External Relations Support: Provides high-level program and event promotion support for stakeholder and DAC engagement initiatives, ad hoc corporate visits and/or other money-generating events (e.g., CPE credits, trainings, etc.) Tracks Business School ranking opportunities, participation, methodology, and timeliness. Event Promotion: Supports the development and execution of all event promotion, graphics, and marketing for VSB programs and events, such as the academic excellence ceremonies, the Dean's signature events, and other Executive Speaker Series Events. Also supports event promotion for external conferences and industry events in partnership with the VSB Marketing and Communications office. Sponsorship and Branding Management: Manages photography, print, online and digital assets. Supports sponsorship, branding, and external speaking opportunities for VSB; collaborates with VSB Marketing and Communication and Dean's Office staff to assure alignment and efficiency; supports trade shows, conferences, and key relationships, etc. Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, public relations, or related discipline is required. Minimum 2 years of high-level project experience, including communication and marketing experience. Strong proficiency in planning and supporting functions including business correspondence, scheduling, budget and financial processes, and project management, social media, analytics, and client service. Proficiency in all standard computer applications (Microsoft Office) and social media platforms (such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube). Ability to solve problems proactively and independently. Creative thinker with attention to detail. Knowledge of event functions and ability to manage multifaceted projects. Expertise to communicate with a variety of audiences across different mediums. Must convey a highly professional demeanor, be a team player, and have exceptional organizational and communication skills. Ability to provide high-level service to diverse groups of constituents. Ability to handle a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects/tasks with varied deadlines. Must be poised with strong customer-service skills and be able to work independently under limited supervision. Experience operating and troubleshooting standard office equipment.Preferred Qualifications: Occasional evening and weekend work required to serve the needs of the Villanova School of Business.Required Documents: Cover Letter / Letter of Interest, Resume / Curriculum VitaeOptional Documents: Other Document