Events & Operations Manager

The Events & Operations Manager plays a critical role in the planning, coordination, and execution of major campus events, community gatherings, and institutional functions at Southern Virginia University. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance & Operations,this role serves as the primary operational hub for many university logistics
-overseeing venue scheduling, facility setups, vendor management, and event  a close-knit university environment, this position requires a hands-on, service-oriented leaderwho can seamlessly balance long-term operational planning with active, on-the-ground event execution. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative campus culture, excels inmulti-departmental communication, and is dedicated to creating seamless, high-quality experiences for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus visitors.

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of key institutional events, including Commencement, weekly forums, Homecoming, Board of Trustees meetings, guest lecture series, and major campus gatherings.
• Serve as the central point of contact for internal campus sponsors as well as external clients renting university facilities; manage usage agreements, scheduling, and logistics for external events and summer facility use.
• Create detailed event run-of-shows, floor plans, and operational timelines to align campus services (AV, catering, facilities, and campus safety).
• Work to schedule off-campus groups, such as FSY and youth conferences, to use the university’s facilities.
• Direct space setup and teardown efforts in coordination with Campus Facilities and Physical Plant teams, ensuring spaces are properly prepped and restored.
• Partner with IT and Media Services to coordinate audio, visual, and technology requirements for all hosted events.
• Coordinate parking logistics, traffic flow, and security coverage with Campus Security for large-scale university events.
• Oversee the Ranch Golf Club property.
• Manage campus furniture and art work inventories including the procurement, deployment, and retirement of furniture and equipment across campus.
• Source, negotiate with, and supervise external event vendors, including caterers, rental companies, florists, and others.
• Monitor operational event budgets, track departmental expenses, process vendor invoices, and manage purchase reconciliations under the direction of the VP of Finance & Operations.
• Identify opportunities to optimize event expenditures while maintaining high standards of quality and campus hospitality.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor a student event team to assist with logistics, setup, guest services, and on-site event support.
• Cultivate a professional, customer-first mindset among student workers, training them in event operations, safety practices, and quick problem-solving.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and early mornings as dictated by the university calendar.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with executive leadership, faculty, students, board members, and external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• 2-4 years of progressive experience in event management, hospitality, or facility operations (higher education experience strongly preferred).
• Prior experience supervising student employees or volunteers.
• Basic working knowledge of sound systems, media setups, and event AV troubleshooting.

• Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000 annually (commensurate with experience).
• Benefits:
  Eligible for Southern Virginia University's full…