Campus Events & Operations Lead

Southern Virginia University; Buena Vista, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

University-matched retirement savings

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition benefits for employees and/or

Job summary

Southern Virginia University is seeking an Events & Operations Manager to lead planning, coordination, and execution of major campus events, community gatherings, and institutional functions. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance & Operations, you will manage venues, timelines, vendors, and safety to deliver high-quality experiences for students, faculty, staff, and guests.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong stakeholder communication, and the ability to balance long-term planning

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, coordination, and execution of key institutional events such as Commencement, Homecoming, and major campus gatherings.
• Serve as central point of contact for internal campus sponsors and external clients; manage usage agreements, scheduling, and logistics.
• Create detailed event run-of-shows, floor plans, and timelines to align AV, catering, facilities, and campus safety.
• Schedule off-campus groups to use the university facilities and coordinate space usage.
• Direct space setup and teardown in coordination with facilities and Physical Plant teams.
• Coordinate audio/visual, IT, and media services for events and ensure smooth tech operations.
• Coordinate parking, traffic flow, and on-site security coverage for large events.
• Oversee Ranch Golf Club property and related facilities management.
• Manage furniture and artwork inventories, procurement, deployment, and retirement of equipment.
• Source, negotiate with, and supervise external vendors (caterers, rental companies, florists, etc.).
• Monitor event budgets and process vendor invoices under the VP of Finance & Operations.
• Identify opportunities to optimize expenditures while preserving quality and hospitality.
• Recruit, train, and mentor student event volunteers and staff for on-site support.
• Cultivate a customer-focused mindset among student workers and ensure strong service standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office 365

Google Workspace

Event management

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Job description

Southern Virginia University is seeking an Events & Operations Manager to lead planning, coordination, and execution of major campus events, community gatherings, and institutional functions. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance & Operations, you will manage venues, timelines, vendors, and safety to deliver high-quality experiences for students, faculty, staff, and guests.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong stakeholder communication, and the ability to balance long-term planning