Event Manager Contract Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Event Manager
Job no: 536972
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: College of Business
Department: Dean of Business
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Communications / Public Relations / Marketing, Other
Job Description
The Event Manager serves as the primary point of contact for planning, coordination, and execution of college-wide and advancement-related events within the Pamplin College of
Business. This position is responsible for delivering high-quality, strategically aligned events that enhance stakeholder engagement, support advancement goals, and elevate the college's brand.
The Event Manager collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, external partners, and student teams-particularly from the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program-to deliver innovative, professional, and seamless event experiences.
Key responsibilities for this role will include:
Event Planning and Execution -
-Lead the planning and execution of college-wide events, including donor engagement, leadership events, academic ceremonies, and other signature events.
-Develop event timelines, budgets, logistics, and staffing plans while coordinating venues, vendors, catering, technology, and on-site operations.
-Partner with college leadership, Advancement, and academic units to deliver high-quality events that align with Pamplin's strategic priorities and branding.
-Evaluate event outcomes and implement continuous improvements.
Operational Coordination and Logistics -
-Serve as the primary point of contact for college event planning and logistics.
-Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and event procedures while ensuring compliance with university policies and budget guidelines.
Student Engagement and Supervision -
-Coordinate student involvement in event planning and experiential learning opportunities.
-Supervise and mentor student employees and project teams.
Budget and Resource Management -
-Develop and manage event budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and maximize resources.
Work Location & Flexibility:
This position will be based in Virginia Tech's Blacksburg Campus. To ensure comprehensive training and integration into our college culture, the position will be fully on-site for the first six months. After this period, the role may shift to a hybrid schedule with up to one day of telework per week, subject to departmental needs. Some travel may be required.
Required Qualifications
-Bachelor's degree in event management, hospitality, business administration, communications, or related field and/or significant experience in event management.
-Demonstrated experience in event planning, coordination, or program management.
-Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
-Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-service mindset.
-Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
-Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends in support of events.
Preferred Qualifications
-Experience in higher education, advancement, or nonprofit event planning.
-Experience working with student teams or experiential learning programs.
-Knowledge of hospitality or event management best practices.
-Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-visibility events.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
7/27/2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Samantha Gagnet at sgagnet@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: July 16, 2026
Applications close:
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