Conference & Events Manager - Hybrid, Fixed-Term

The Open University; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

The Open University is seeking a Conference and Events Manager to support the planning, organisation and delivery of the 2027 OUVP conference and related engagement activities. The role requires coordinating schedules, liaising with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders and delivering high-quality event outcomes with strong attention to detail.

You will work within OU Validation Partnerships, reporting to the Head of Validation Partnerships, and contribute to effective planning,

Qualifications

• Experience in event or project management with schedules and risks.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong numeracy and ICT skills including MS Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders without formal authority.
• Proactive, problem-solver in changing environment.
• Team player and flexible.
• Experience in higher education or partnership environments.
• Awareness of QA/compliance in HE/FE.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and monitor a detailed project plan for the 2027 OUVP conference, identifying milestones and risks.
• Coordinate planning and organisation of the conference: scheduling, logistics, venue, delegate communications, social media and accessibility.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to develop and deliver the conference programme.
• Coordinate conference content: calls for contributions, speaker liaison, briefing materials and post-event outputs.
• Draft and track conference communications with contributors, delegates and stakeholders.
• Maintain records, action logs, risk registers and issues logs for the conference.
• Monitor budget, procurement and value-for-money considerations.
• Ensure conference materials align with OU branding and audience needs.
• Support evaluation: feedback collection, summary reports and learning for future engagement.
• Support conference planning meetings: agendas, papers, minutes and follow-ups.
• Assist with other OUVP engagement activities including webinars and communities of practice.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by Senior Management Team.

Skills

Event management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Open University is seeking a Conference and Events Manager to support the planning, organisation and delivery of the 2027 OUVP conference and related engagement activities. The role requires coordinating schedules, liaising with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders and delivering high-quality event outcomes with strong attention to detail.

You will work within OU Validation Partnerships, reporting to the Head of Validation Partnerships, and contribute to effective planning,