Event Manager

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.

• Lead the planning and execution of college-wide events, including donor engagement, leadership events, academic ceremonies, and 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.

• 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.

• Coordinate student involvement in event planning and experiential learning opportunities.
• Supervise and mentor student employees and project teams.

• Develop and manage event budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and maximize resources.

This position will be based in Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg Campus. To ensure comprehensive training and integration into our college culture, the role 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.

• 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.

• 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.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Commensurate with experience.

40.

7/27/2026.

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, 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 during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.