Event Manager

The Event Manager serves as the primary point of contact and key resource for event planning, coordination, consultation, and guidance in support 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 strengthen stakeholder engagement, advance institutional priorities, and elevate the college’s brand. The Event Manager also provides expertise and guidance across the college to promote a consistent approach to events, ensuring they are thoughtfully planned, well-coordinated, and aligned with the college’s mission and strategic goals.

For events under the Event Manager’s direct responsibility, the position oversees the full event lifecycle, including event design, project management, budget coordination, vendor and contract management, marketing coordination, event technology, assessment, and continuous improvement. This role will also collaborate 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 approximately 25 events annually across a range of attendance levels, including new employee events, college-wide meetings, kickoffs, intimate dinners, tailgates, receptions, and awards celebrations. These events would focus on donor engagement and stewardship, leadership engagement, employee experience, community building, recognition, and relationship development.
  • 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 the college’s strategic priorities and branding.
  • Evaluate event outcomes and implement continuous improvements.
• Operational Coordination and Logistics
  • Serve as the college-wide resource for event planning within the Pamplin College of Business, providing consultation, tools, best practices, and strategic guidance to support consistent, high-quality, and mission-aligned event experiences.
  • Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and event procedures while ensuring compliance with university policies, procedures, 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 for events within the Pamplin College of Business.

The position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the job. Responsibilities may include moving, lifting, and transporting event materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds; navigating event venues and campus locations; and performing event-related activities for extended periods during setup, execution, and breakdown. The position involves a combination of office-based work and on-site event responsibilities and may require frequent use of computers and other event technology.

Some travel is required, including travel to the Innovation Campus in Alexandria, Virginia and other event locations. Occasional evening and weekend work is required based on event schedules and operational needs.

This position will be based at Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg Campus and will…