Overview
The Keller Center has the mission to create visible and measurable societal impact through innovative education, entrepreneurship and design. It does so through a set of curricular and co-curricular initiatives. These initiatives are for undergraduate, graduate students as well as faculty from across the University. The Center is housed in Princeton's School of Engineering and Applied Science and shares the school's vision for bridging disciplines to ensure that all constituents are prepared to employ design, entrepreneurship and innovation to use in solving critical societal challenges.
The Center regularly holds conferences, large scale events, speaker series, seminars, workshops, information sessions, pitches and competitions. For many constituents, events represent the first point of entry into the Keller Center. The Center hosts multiple events per week throughout the year including the summer when the Center runs its flagship co-curricular programs. Over 2900 people from the campus and external communities participate in Keller Center events annually. The Events Coordinator will be the first point of contact for all Center events. The Events Coordinator works with Center leadership to conceive of events, plans out a yearly event calendar and executes each event including planning, promotion, participant requirements, catering, venue selection and media logistics while managing the events budget. Additionally this role will develop and gather the metrics for events in order to track progress and problem areas and will work continuously to build and expand the audience interested in Keller events. This role interacts heavily with Center leadership, faculty and staff as well as with external and internal campus partners. In collaboration with the Associate Director, the Events Coordinator will develop the overall budget for the Center's events and be responsible for the careful and appropriate management of funds and resources. The individual will perform and oversee day-to-day operations to plan and execute high-profile events, often with other Princeton departments and centers as well as external institutions. The individual will maintain event website content, promotions and marketing communications (both print and digital materials) in collaboration with the Communications Coordinator.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to use, explore and suggest new technologies in communication and events and with a high degree of creativity as the event portfolio consists of a mix of in-person and virtual programming. This role requires expert program management skills, attention to detail proactiveness and timeliness as well as quantitative skills. Expert communication skills are needed as the incumbent will be able to represent and discourse on the Center's events at meetings, present at programs, report results and exchange information with University department representatives and the broader University community.
Responsibilities
Events Planning, Coordination and Administration (60%):
- Oversee the planning, coordination, organization and execution of all Center's events including conferences, large-scale events, speaker series, symposia, information sessions, pitches and competitions; create timelines and run of show schedules; produce registration and attendance tracking reports and metrics
- Develop yearly event schedule
- Develop and monitor event metrics
- Oversee and coordinate Center events including promotional flyers, website content, logistics and speaker itineraries
- Coordinate visits from invited speakers including preparing itineraries, hosting and guiding guests throughout the duration of their visit
- Facilitate in-person as well as virtual events.
Communications (20%):
- Work in collaboration with the Communications Coordinator to direct the preparation and distribution of marketing, communications and promotional materials in support of events, via website, printed materials, digital communication platforms and social media
- Provide editorial oversight for all communications related to events.
Budget (20%):
- Work in collaboration with the Associate Director to develop the budget for all Center events; responsible for the careful and appropriate management of funds and purchasing decision in support of events
- Prepare written reports and analyses (e.g. annual report, advisory council report) of Center events.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Five or more years minimum experience
- Ability to interact and function in a cross-disciplinary academic environment
- Experienced interacting with diverse stakeholders including students, faculty, donors, industry, community etc.
- Strong organizational and management skills and good judgement; demonstrated project planning skills; responsiveness with the ability to handle multiple tasks with conflicting deadlines in a timely manner; confident, articulate and professional written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated tact, diplomacy and discretion
- Strong personal initiative, self-motivated and self-directed; unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement
Preferred Qualifications
- Active listening skills to develop and maintain relationships and build trust and credibility with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to resolve conflict thoughtfully and with minimal disruption
- Exhibit qualities of integrity, trustworthiness, respect and team collaboration
- Ability to analyze information and data to identify trends and predict outcomes
- Experience in conference and events planning and coordination in higher education context
- Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly, helpful demeanor
- Advanced computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Professional, Mural, Zoom, Monday) and ability to learn new systems quickly and use technology effectively