Communications Specialist & Events Manager

Princeton University; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 69,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University’s Department of Mathematics seeks a Communications Specialist & Events Manager to lead departmental communications, website content, publications, and outreach, while also managing conferences, events, and related financial processes. The role collaborates with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and University partners to enhance visibility and engagement.

The successful candidate will be a self-directed, strategic communicator with strong project management skills, able to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 1 year of relevant professional experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong professional relationships, work collaboratively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and work styles, and thrive under pressure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and content management systems (e.g., Drupal).

Responsibilities

• Conference and event management: develop event budgets, identify funding opportunities, and manage logistics for conferences, workshops, seminars, and other events; coordinate with sponsors and venues; manage expenditures.
• Communications and website management: maintain Drupal-based website content; publish news and events; support conference and event-related online content; manage the department's annual newsletter.
• Departmental outreach and community engagement: coordinate advisory councils and committees; foster relationships with university departments, student organizations, alumni and external partners; develop engagement programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Prioritization under pressure

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Drupal

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

The Department of Mathematics seeks an energetic, highly organized, and collaborative professional to serve as Communications Specialist & Events Manager. This position is responsible for managing departmental communications, including website content, publications, social media, and outreach initiatives, as well as managing conferences, special events, and related financial processes.

Working closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and University partners, the successful candidate will help promote the department's research, conferences and events, and community engagement efforts. The Communications Specialist & Events Manager will also develop innovative ideas and strategies that enhance the department's visibility, communications effectiveness, and outreach impact.

The successful candidate will be a self-directed professional and strategic communicator with strong project management expertise and a collaborative approach. They will effectively manage competing priorities while supporting and advancing the department communication, outreach and engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Conference and Event Management

• Responsible for the development of event budgets, will identify funding opportunities, and prepare funding requests. Administrative leadership working with Princeton and outside faculty organizers for conferences, workshops, seminars, lecture series, and other special events. Arrange cost sharing parameters with outside event sponsors.Manages financial transactions, event-related expenditures and ensures compliance in accordance with University regulations, other sponsor institutions and sponsored-research funding requirements for supported events.
• Directs event logistics, including:
• Venue identification and reservations.
• Publicity and communications.
• Audio-visual and technical support.
• Coordination with department and University offices regarding catering and other event services.

Communications and Website Management

• Manage and maintain the department’s Drupal-based website, serving as the principal content editor. Develop, publish, and update department content, including news, events, faculty accomplishments, and announcements. This requires original writing content at a professional level. Collaborate with faculty, staff, and student organizations to create and support conference and event-related web content.

• Manage and edit the department's annual newsletter, including:
  • Generating and soliciting content ideas from faculty, students, alumni, and staff.
  • Writing and editing articles and feature stories.
  • Sourcing and curating external content when appropriate.
  • Photographing and documenting department events and conferences.
• Design and produce promotional materials, including event posters, department reports, brochures, and other publications.
• Attend University communications meetings to coordinate messaging, share best practices, and remain informed about institutional priorities.
• Promote faculty research, academic programs, student and alumni accomplishments, departmental initiatives, and special events through a variety of communication channels.

Departmental Outreach and Community Engagement

• Administrative lead and full responsibility for budget, meeting agendas, materials and communication for Advisory Council, Life in Fine Hall Committee (LiFHC) and other special committees as designated by the Chair and Department Manager. Steward for highly confidential communication received for Math Advisory Council and LiFHC.
• Works independently to organize and coordinate the Horizons Lecture Series after speaker is selected by the department's Life in Fine Hall Committee (LiFHC).
• Foster relationships with University departments, student organizations, alumni, and external partners to expand outreach opportunities.
• Develop and recommend programs and activities that strengthen department engagement and contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Support additional outreach, communications, and engagement initiatives as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 1 year of relevant professional experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong professional relationships, work collaboratively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and work styles, and thrive under pressure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and content management systems (e.g., Drupal).

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years relevant professional experience.
• Proficiency in strategic communications, marketing, public relations, digital communications, or social media management.
• Project management or event planning experience, preferably in a higher education, nonprofit, or research-focused environment.
• Print and digital material design expertise.
• Familiarity with sponsored research administration, grant-funded activities, or university financial processes.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver’s License Required

No

Experience Level

Associate#LI-ZY1

Salary Range

$69,000 to $77,000