Event Manager

INSEAD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

INSEAD in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Programme Manager for Executive Degrees to oversee pre-, during-, and post-programme operations. You will ensure high-quality delivery of the GEMBA Flex and other programmes with extensive stakeholder interaction.

The role requires coordinating logistics, venues, communications, and vendor management in a dynamic, international environment. Hybrid work with on-campus presence during delivery periods is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, events management.
• 4 years of experience in events coordination or client-facing roles.
• Proficiency with Pack Office, PeopleSoft and Business Objects/Power BI.
• Strong customer focus and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all pre-programme activities to ensure smooth delivery and exceptional participant experience.
• Manage communications, onboarding, travel, accommodations and logistics for participants.
• Negotiate contracts with external vendors and oversee service delivery for quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Support on-campus programme delivery and liaise with faculty on pedagogical needs.
• Coordinate virtual learning requirements and ensure access to necessary resources.

Skills

Event coordination

Client facing

Cross-functional collaboration

Power BI

PeopleSoft

Business Objects

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality/events management

Tools

MS Office

PeopleSoft

Business Objects

Power BI

Job description

INSEAD is seeking a Programme Manager, Executive Degrees to join our Degree Programmes department. This is a full-time, temporary 9 months contract position based at our Middle East Campus in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

A hybrid working model is in place – 3 days on campus, 2 days from home. However, on-campus presence is required during programme delivery periods.

About the job

The job holder holds an important public relations role representing INSEAD to the participants through their pre-programme support, daily presence & assistance as well as at social events during the programme and personalized follow-up after the programme.

He/She will be primarily responsible for ensuring world-class delivery of the GEMBA Flex programme, while providing delivery support for other degree programmes taking place at the Abu Dhabi campus, as required. It involves extensive interaction with participants & key stakeholders in a dynamic, customer-centric environment. The pedagogical success of the programme relies heavily on the quality of their administrative & logistical support.

Your role within the team

Before programme delivery

• Coordinate all pre-programme preparation activities, partnering with multiple internal departments across INSEAD to ensure the seamless delivery of programme operations and an exceptional participant experience. Accountable for maintaining high service standards and effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Manage programme communications and participant onboarding, ensuring participants receive accurate and timely information regarding schedules, learning platforms, accommodation, travel requirements, assessments, and programme logistics.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers, negotiating contracts and overseeing service delivery to ensure quality, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with programme objectives.
• Ensure a high-level quality programme delivery to participants.
• Liaise with relevant Faculty members involved in the programme to get their pedagogical material/requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate all virtual learning requirements, including scheduling online sessions, liaising with faculty regarding technology and pedagogical needs, testing learning platforms, and ensuring participants have access to the necessary resources and support.

During the programme

• Serve as the primary point of contact for programme participants, building strong relationships and ensuring an exceptional participant experience. Act as a trusted liaison between participants, faculty, and administrative teams, providing timely support, responding to enquiries, and fostering a welcoming, engaging, and professional learning environment. Oversee and coordinate on-campus examinations, ensuring smooth execution and compliance with programme requirements.
• Coordinate programme space and venue planning, working closely with stakeholders to identify and secure appropriate learning, dining, and networking spaces. Proactively anticipate operational needs, resolve scheduling conflicts, and ensure all facilities and logistical arrangements support a seamless programme experience.
• Partner closely with programme operations teams across campuses to ensure consistent participant communications, operational alignment, and a seamless learning experience throughout programme delivery.
• Monitor programme delivery closely, anticipating issues, managing last-minute changes, and ensuring all operational and academic activities are executed to the highest standard.

After the programme

• Manage all post-programme academic administration, ensuring participant grades are collected, verified, and communicated in a timely manner in collaboration with faculty and academic administration teams.
• Oversee programme evaluations, driving high response rates and ensuring timely distribution of evaluation reports to faculty to support continuous improvement and teaching excellence.
• Maintain strong participant and stakeholder relationships, responding to post-programme enquiries and supporting engagement with the wider INSEAD community.
• Lead programme closure activities, including financial reconciliation, purchase order closure, vendor follow-up, and completion of all administrative reporting requirements.

The ideal candidate profile

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, events management.
• 4 years of experience in a similar role:events coordination/ client facing roles in a multinational/international environment.
• Demonstrated familiarity and proficiency with Pack office,People Soft, Business Objects – power BI.
• Strong customer focus, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and participants in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proactive mindset, demonstrating creativity, innovation, and a service-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Highly adaptable, detail-oriented, and experienced in project management and virtual learning environments, with the ability to coordinate online programme delivery and troubleshoot operational challenges in collaboration with faculty and technical support teams
• Takes ownership of responsibilities while contributing positively to team objectives and success.
• Flexible and able to travel, with the ability to work occasionally on Saturdays, public holidays, and outside standard working hours when required.
• Able to handle sensitive situations with professionalism, diplomacy, and tact, while maintaining firmness when necessary.

If you are passionate about delivering exceptional participant experiences and enjoy working in a dynamic, international environment, join INSEAD and help shape transformative learning journeys for leaders from around the world.