Event Specialist

Brown University is a prestigious Ivy League institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and fostering an inclusive community. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown offers a vibrant campus culture enriched by diverse perspectives and a multidisciplinary approach to education. The Office of University Communications plays a critical role in supporting the university's mission by managing communications, marketing campaigns, and organizing key university events that enhance the institution's profile and engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Brown University is dedicated to providing a supportive and dynamic work environment, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and workplace culture. This position is a full-time, regular, employee role with a hybrid work location, offering a workweek of 37.5 hours. The role is classified as Grade 8 within the university's job grading system, reflecting the level of responsibility and expertise required.

The Event Specialist acts as an essential part of the event management team, reporting directly to the Senior Event Manager. This role involves coordinating administrative functions and special projects for a variety of university events, including large annual conferences as well as smaller programs and gatherings. The Event Specialist collaborates closely with clients—who may be internal university departments or external partners—and service providers to ensure every event meets the university's high standards for quality and professionalism. Acting as the primary point of contact between the event management team and clients, the specialist supports all phases of event planning, from initial goal setting and budgeting through to execution and post-event reconciliation. This includes managing logistical details such as securing appropriate university spaces, coordinating resources from various internal departments such as Human Resources, Catering, Media Services, and Facilities Management, as well as liaising with external vendors.

In addition to direct event coordination, the Event Specialist plays an integral role in monitoring departmental expenses and ensuring accurate financial reconciliation associated with events. The individual contributes to coordinating volunteers, staff, and student support for event execution, demonstrating a capacity to oversee multiple complex tasks with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Familiarity with virtual event planning technologies and tools is essential given the growing prevalence of hybrid and online events within higher education environments. The Event Specialist must possess excellent interpersonal and communication abilities to work effectively within a diverse community and maintain productive business relationships with stakeholders at all levels. The job demands a service-oriented mindset, problem-solving aptitude, and the ability to exercise independent judgment while collaborating effectively as part of a team. Brown University prides itself on fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and dependable work culture where employees are empowered to achieve short and long-term goals while embracing diversity and demonstrating commitment to follow through on assigned responsibilities. Applicants should be prepared to provide a resume and cover letter, and be aware that employment offers require successful completion of a background check. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a forward-thinking university communications team and contribute meaningfully to events that advance Brown's educational and community engagement goals.