Event Operations Coordinator

Southern Arkansas University; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Arkansas University is seeking a dedicated individual for an event coordinator role at Hangar 01 in Dayton, Ohio. This position requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related fields, or at least three years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include coordinating various events and logistics, managing stakeholder engagement, and ensuring high-quality execution. The role demands strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. U.S. citizenship is required due to government contract obligations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, event management, or a related field OR at least three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience coordinating events in professional settings.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality execution.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute a wide range of events, including facility tours and employee engagement events.
• Support logistics and scheduling for various mission-critical activities.
• Manage day-of event logistics including setup and coordination.

Skills

Event planning

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, event management

Job description

About the Role

Hangar 01, located at the Greene Towne Centre, serves as the central hub for the Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO), supporting a collaborative and innovative environment focused on advancing new technologies, processes, and sustainment capabilities. Success is driven by teamwork and a shared respect for the unique strengths each team member contributes.

This position supports both the RSO and UDRI teams through the coordination and execution of a wide range of events, including facility tours, distinguished visitor engagements, employee engagement events, pitch days, demonstrations, and other mission‑critical activities. Events are primarily hosted at Hangar 01. Tours and many visits typically take place at the Advanced Technology and Training Center (ATTC) and the Integrated Technology Operations Center (ITOC), with some activities occurring at other designated locations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, event management, or a related field OR at least three (3) years of relevant experience in event planning, communications, or marketing
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience coordinating and supporting a variety of events in professional settings, including logistics, scheduling, and stakeholder engagement
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality execution
• Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Experience working under shifting priorities and tight deadlines
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision
• Professional appearance and demeanor appropriate for military, government, and academic guests
• Resourceful and deadline‑driven, with strong problem‑solving skills and adaptability
• Effective communicator and presenter with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and engage with individuals at all levels, including senior leadership and external stakeholders
• Comfortable supporting day‑of event logistics, including physical setup and coordination during events
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams to support communications and event initiatives
• Flexibility in task assignments and work hours to accommodate event demands
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally for events or engagements
• Strong organizational skills with strategic thinking abilities and experience in developing and delivering presentations
• Knowledge of event planning best practices and marketing principles, with the ability to contribute to professional event and promotional material creation
• Experience organizing and managing local, regional, national, or international conferences or large‑scale events
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Familiarity with virtual event platforms and organizing online events
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.