Events & Programs Manager

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Accident Plan

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

NC State University is seeking an Events & Programs Manager to direct and develop SBTDC events across North Carolina. You will handle venue sourcing, contract negotiations, vendor management, and on-site execution to ensure high-quality experiences across regions.

The role requires 3-5+ years of leading large multi-location conferences, strong budget skills, and collaboration with internal teams. Travel is involved; position is based in Raleigh, NC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3-5+ years experience designing and managing large-scale conferences or multi-location events.
• Experience negotiating business contracts and managing vendors.

Responsibilities

• Venue sourcing & contracting, evaluating options, leading negotiations and maintaining a vetted venue database across NC.
• Forecast and manage overall event budgets; approve expenditures and coordinate with external sponsors if applicable.
• Develop and implement event frameworks, timelines, registration logistics, and end-to-end production (AV, branding, materials, layouts).
• Serve as final decision-maker for venue, caterers, AV providers, and other key vendors; build statewide network of preferred vendors.
• Establish and monitor quality standards for events, including dietary accommodations and catering decisions.

Skills

Event management

Vendor negotiation

Budget management

Contracting

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Number: PG194870EP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Events & Programs Manager

Anticipated Hiring Range: $70,000 - $75,000

Work Schedule: M-F 8:30-4:30 with travel

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Business and Technology Extension Programs of the UNC System

About the Department: The University of North Carolina System's Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), in partnership with the US Small Business Administration, is the recognized, primary organization through which the state of North Carolina provides business counseling, management education, and technology development services to help the business community successfully meet challenges, manage change, and plan for the future.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The Events & Programs Manager is responsible for directing and developing SBTDC events across North Carolina. This role manages all aspects of event logistics, including venue sourcing, contract negotiation, vendor management, and on‑site execution, ensuring high‑quality, consistent experiences across regions.

Venue Sourcing & Contracting

• Strategically source off-campus venues (hotels, conference centers, restaurants, community spaces) that match the organization's goals.
• Evaluate and select venues based on cost, accessibility, layout, location, and program guidelines and requirements
• Lead contract negotiations
• Maintain and update a vetted venue database covering all regions of NC

Budget Management

• Authorize and forecast overall event budgets to ensure cost-effective decision‑making
• Approve expenditures and track real‑time budget performance across all events
• Secure, manage and coordinate with external sponsors (if applicable)

Event Planning & Management

• Develop and implement event frameworks, operational timelines and registration logistics
• Manage end‑to‑end production execution and needs, including technology/AV setups, branding, materials, and facility layouts.

Vendor Management

• Serve as the final decision‑maker and main contact for contracts with venues, caterers, AV providers, and other key suppliers.
• Build and cultivate a statewide network of preferred vendors

Engagement & Event Standards

• Establish and monitor quality and service standards for all events, including specialized setups and dietary accommodations.
• Approve and oversee catering decisions to ensure they align with both budgets and event goals.

On‑Site Event Execution

• Direct on‑site operations during events, managing any emergency troubleshooting
• Lead operations, ensuring on time start/end and seamless program delivery

Internal Coordination

• Collaborate with the SBTDC communications team and leadership to align event logistics with marketing and organizational goals.
• Provide consultative guidance and direction to regional staff to help plan and execute local events

Other Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with federal grant and state funding requirements
• Maintain compliance with rules and regulations governing the funding for events

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• 3-5+ years of experience in:
  • leading, designing, and managing large-scale conferences or multi-location events.

Other Required Qualifications

• Experience negotiating business contracts and managing vendors.
  • hotel contracts
  • developing and managing complex program or event budgets
  • catering coordination

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating deliverables and financial tracking with corporate or public sponsors
• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) or similar

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

Yes

Commercial Driver's License required

No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date: 09/17/2026

Anticipated Close Date: Open Until Filled

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Details

Position Number: 00065023

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID: 262101 - Business and Technology Extension Programs of the UNC System

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.