Events & External Relations Specialist in Villanova, Pennsylvania

Events & External Relations Specialist

Villanova University

The Events & External Relations Specialist within the Villanova School of Business provides event logistics, promotion, consulting, management, and external relations and graphic design support for VSB. This Specialist within the Dean's Office supports the development and execution of events, event marketing, event promotion, and social media content to ensure successful programs, events, and stakeholder engagement. This role also generates and develops content to ensure brand consistency and alignment with the University and VSB's key messages and strategic objectives.

The Specialist is responsible for providing project support for External Relations and Donor Engagement programming, including partnering with internal and external vendors, and partners. The Events & External Relations Specialist works to ensure high-quality service to students, faculty, alumni, program participants, and other stakeholders in support of VSB mission and objectives. The Events & External Relations Specialist also supports financial and administrative processes.

This is a 10-month staff position aligned with the academic year. The role does not require work during summer months, and compensation is structured to reflect the 10-month schedule. The timing of the 2 unpaid summer months is informed by the University academic calendar, major School events, and the business needs of VSB and is established in partnership with the selected candidate.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Event Management:
Partners with the Associate Director and Assistant Dean to develop and execute a strategic event portfolio that advances VSB's priorities, goals, and stakeholder engagement objectives. Leads the planning, coordination, and execution of Dean's Office signature programs and events, including academic excellence ceremonies, executive speaker programs, and other high-profile initiatives. Serves as the primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment of event objectives, communications, logistics, and participant experience.

Manages all phases of event planning and execution, including project planning, venue selection, budgeting, registration, vendor management, catering, audiovisual requirements, marketing coordination, risk mitigation, on-site event management, and post-event evaluation. Oversees event-related budgets and financial administration, including expense management and vendor procurement, as appropriate. Collaborates with VSB Communications and Marketing partners to develop and implement event promotion and engagement strategies across print, digital, web, and social media channels.

Supports external relations initiatives, including coordination of guest speakers, VIP guests, and strategic partnerships that enhance the visibility and impact of VSB programs. Develops and maintains relationships with vendors, venues, service providers, and university partners to support operational excellence and event success. Oversees event registration platforms, attendance tracking, reporting, and data management to support operational effectiveness and informed decision-making. Establishes and analyzes event metrics, participant feedback, and operational data to assess outcomes, drive continuous improvement, and implement event management best practices.

Serves as a subject matter expert and representative of VSB on university committees and collaborative initiatives related to major events and programs. Provides guidance, coordination, and oversight to student ambassadors, volunteers, and assigned staff supporting event operations. External Relations Support:
Provides high-level program and event promotion support for stakeholder and DAC engagement initiatives, ad hoc corporate visits and/or other money-generating events (e.g., CPE credits, trainings, etc.) Tracks Business School ranking opportunities, participation, methodology, and timeliness. Event Promotion:
Supports the development and execution of all event promotion, graphics, and marketing for VSB programs and events, such as the academic excellence ceremonies, the Dean's signature events, and other Executive Speaker Series Events. Also supports event promotion for external conferences and industry events in partnership with the VSB Marketing and Communications office. Sponsorship and Branding Management:
Manages photography, print, online and digital assets. Supports sponsorship, branding, and external speaking opportunities for VSB; collaborates with VSB Marketing and Communication and Dean's Office staff to assure alignment and efficiency; supports trade shows, conferences, and key relationships, etc. Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Minimum…