Temporary Summer Conference Coordinator - Graduate Assistant

About the Opportunity

Position dates:
May 4 – August 14, 2026

• Required start date:
  May 4, 2026 (to complete training before May 10 opening)
• Candidates with academic commitments extending past May 1 are encouraged to discuss timing during interview

The Office of External Events & Conference Programs (EECP) seeks graduate students to serve as Summer Conference Coordinators for our comprehensive summer operations. Conference Coordinators will lead student staff teams, coordinate guest services, and manage operations across our conference, intern housing, and orientation housing programs.

This is an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in higher education operations beyond traditional student affairs, working at the intersection of hospitality, facilities management, client relations, and team leadership on an urban research university campus.

Each Conference Coordinator will have primary responsibility for a designated portfolio area (conference programs, intern housing, or orientation housing) while cross‑training and providing support across all summer operations as needed. Some coordinators may also have building‑specific assignments.

Professional Development

• Experience managing complex operations in a major research university setting
• Insight into the business and revenue‑generating side of higher education
• Portfolio‑building opportunities in client management, team supervision, and program coordination
• Understanding of how academic institutions function as year‑round enterprises
• Collaborative partnerships with departments across campus including Facilities, Dining Services, Public Safety, Residential Life, and academic programs

• Direct supervision of 6‑10 student Conference Assistants or Orientation Housing Assistants
• Experience designing and delivering comprehensive staff training programs
• Practice creating schedules, delegating responsibilities, and providing ongoing feedback
• Development of your leadership philosophy through hands‑on team management

• Real‑time decision‑making in dynamic, fast‑paced environment
• On‑call rotation experience with escalated guest and facility concerns
• Collaboration with University Police Department and Public Safety
• Skills in conflict resolution, de‑escalation, and guest recovery

• Understanding of facility management, room assignments, and space optimization
• Client relationship management with external conference groups
• Budget awareness through occupancy tracking and billing coordination
• Project management across multiple simultaneous programs

• Supervise a team of 6‑10 Conference Assistants or Orientation Housing Assistants
• Conduct weekly team meetings and individual check‑ins with staff members
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development support
• Create staffing schedules including nightly duty coverage and guest service shifts
• Lead by example in demonstrating excellent customer service and professional standards

• Serve as primary coordinator for assigned portfolio area (conference programs, intern housing, or orientation housing)
• Manage guest room assignments with focus on efficient occupancy and client satisfaction
• Oversee check‑in/check‑out operations, concierge services, and guest communications
• Serve as Northeastern University liaison to external conference clients
• Submit detailed occupancy rosters for billing and reporting purposes
• Respond to guest inquiries, concerns, and service requests with professionalism and care

• Attend pre‑training sessions with Residential Life leadership prior to program start
• Attend pre‑service training for Conference Assistants
• Coordinate ongoing training and development throughout summer operations as needed
• Support student staff in applying developmental philosophy to their work

• Collaborate with Facilities Management to ensure timely room setups and turnovers
• Coordinate with Dining Services on meal plan access and guest needs
• Partner with IT, Access Services, and other campus departments as…