Program Coordinator, Events & Communications

UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP); United States; On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

xFoundry, founded at the University of Maryland, College Park, seeks an experienced Program Coordinator to own event workstreams including planning the NEXPLORE summit and related programs. You will manage speaker logistics, venue contracts, information tracking, and communications for this fast-paced environment.

This six‑month contract role is based in the DC–MD–VA corridor with occasional onsite duties the week of the event.

Qualifications

• Six or more years of professional workplace experience.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Experience coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee event logistics, deadlines, and coordination for assigned workstreams.
• Manage speaker, guest, partner, and attendee trackers with accuracy.
• Coordinate invitations, confirmations, scheduling, and pre-event meetings.
• Gather speaker bios, headshots, materials, and travel details as needed.
• Serve as a day‑to‑day liaison among internal teams, speakers, partners, and vendors.
• Provide onsite execution support during the event week.

Skills

Stakeholder coordination

Written communication

Editing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Description Summary & Additional Information

Organization's Summary Statement: xFoundry is seeking an experienced, highly dependable Program Coordinator to take ownership of several important workstreams across our programs and events. The primary focus during this contract will be supporting the planning and execution of the April 2027 NEXPLORE summit. This person will own defined areas of event coordination, including speaker and guest logistics, venue and contract management, information tracking, follow-up, and the preparation of event communications and materials. Beyond NEXPLORE, the coordinator will support related program and communications projects to support program growth. This includes coordinating additional partner-facing events, drafting practical content, updating existing materials, and keeping time-sensitive projects organized. This is a hands‑on execution role for someone experienced with a fast‑moving workplace who can take responsibility for an assignment, exercise good judgment, and carry it through to completion.

About xFoundry

Founded at the University of Maryland, College Park, xFoundry is a novel, timely, and groundbreaking initiative that turns universities into solution engines for higher education in the age of AI.

xFoundry runs experiential innovation programs that connect university students to real‑world problem solving, entrepreneurship, and industry‑backed challenges. Grounded in multidisciplinary collaboration, xFoundry launches students with a passion for technology, entrepreneurship, the arts, athletics, and science (TEAMS) into the market with over a year of experience designed for the next generation of the workforce.

xfoundry.org

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland catalyzes high‑quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the 21st century Grand Challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, accelerating entrepreneurship, and transforming research and learning activities into innovations that benefit millions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee all event logistics, details, deadlines, and coordination
• Own and maintain accurate speaker, guest, partner, and attendee trackers
• Coordinate invitations, confirmations, scheduling, pre-event meetings, and follow‑up
• Gather speaker information, biographies, headshots, presentation materials, and logistical requirements
• Coordinate speaker travel details as needed
• Serve as a day‑to‑day liaison among internal team members, speakers, partners, vendors, and the event‑production team for assigned workstreams
• Identify missing information or potential problems and follow through until they are resolved
• White glove communication and partner asset preparation
• Support onsite execution during the week of April 5, 2027

Marketing and Communications Support

• Coordinate selected meetings, dinners, partner engagements, student‑facing events and smaller program events
• Draft straightforward, elegant, clear, and on‑brand content such as emails, invitations, event descriptions, agendas, speaker materials, and program updates
• Support the Programs team on student outreach and engagement efforts and materials
• Create or update presentations, flyers, one‑pagers, and other materials using established templates
• Make basic content updates to existing webpages and other digital materials

• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 6 years of professional workplace experience
• Demonstrated experience coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Proficiency with standard workplace and collaboration tools

Additional Information

1. UMD will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future. This position can not support a F1 STEM OPT.
2. Location: Preferred in DC, Maryland, Virginia, or the Northeast corridor
3. Type: 6-month contract, Full‑time
4. Available to be occasionally onsite (Washington, D.C. metro area), leading up to and for the event (week of April 5, 2027)

Physical Demands

• This position requires extended periods of sitting, standing, or walking, as well as occasional bending, reaching, and lifting or carrying event materials weighing up to 30 pounds.

Preferences

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail, consistency, and clarity, particularly when handling names, dates, schedules, and externally distributed materials
• Experience leading corporate events or external‑facing, large‑scale programs
• Experience supporting external‑facing communications, messaging, and events
• Confidence in efficient, persistent follow‑up and problem‑solving on the spot
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Graphic or web design experience a plus
• Start‑up or established entrepreneurial experience a plus

Licenses/ Certifications

• CMP, CMES or other certification preferred

Other

About the NEXPLORE Summit
xfoundry.org/nexplore

Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: One (1) years of professional event coordination experience. Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

Department ENGR-Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute

Worker Sub-Type Staff Contractual (C1) (Fixed Term)

Salary Range $30/hr - $40/hr

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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