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Events and Initiatives Manager

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Flexible work schedule
Commuter Benefits

Job Description

The Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL) at MIT is a leading research center dedicated to advancing the frontiers of computer science and artificial intelligence. CSAIL collaborates with top-tier government agencies, industrial partners, and foundation sponsors to promote innovation, education, and impactful research. Known for its cutting-edge programs and pioneering work, CSAIL hosts numerous events and initiatives that foster collaboration between researchers, faculty, students, and its broader community of sponsors and alumni. These events include technical conferences, distinguished lectures, specialized workshops, and social gatherings, all aimed at sharing knowledge, celebrating achievements, and building strong relationships within the field and beyond.

The role of Events and Initiatives Manager at CSAIL is a critical position responsible for planning, managing, and executing a comprehensive range of events that support the Lab's mission and enhance its partnerships. This position reports to the CSAIL Director’s Office and plays an essential leadership role by supervising the Events and Administration Planning Assistant, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, training, development, and performance management for this role. Depending on the Lab’s needs, the manager may also supervise additional headquarters staff members.

Primary responsibilities include organizing prestigious events such as the Dertouzos Distinguished Lecture Series, CEO fireside chats, Hot Topics talk series, special colloquia, symposia, award celebrations, social events, memorial services, retirement celebrations, and other internally coordinated activities. Beyond managing internal special events, this position leads the strategic planning and execution of sponsored events, involving extensive coordination with program faculty, CSAIL staff, other MIT offices, students, external vendors, and alumni groups. The role requires an adept ability to handle logistics and operational activities related to administration, finance, information technology, compliance, communications, and outreach to ensure seamless event execution.

This position demands a collaborative mindset and exceptional communication skills to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders including academics, researchers, professionals, and administrative personnel. The Events and Initiatives Manager must balance multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and confidentiality. The role supports a hybrid working schedule with an expectation to be on-site for key events and as business needs dictate, including potential travel and working during nights or weekends.

The CSAIL Events and Initiatives Manager position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s leading computer science research communities by fostering environments that promote knowledge exchange and partnership-building. Candidates passionate about event management and community engagement in a dynamic, research-focused environment will find this role highly rewarding and impactful.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Three years of experience in events planning and events management
  • Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with diverse colleagues
  • Proficiency in office productivity packages including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Ability to move objects weighing 10 to 20 lbs
  • Ability to deal with confidential information using discretion
  • Willingness to work a hybrid schedule with on-site presence for key events
  • Availability to travel and work nights and weekends if required

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Three years of experience in events planning and events management
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse colleagues
  • Effective communication skills
  • Proficiency in office productivity software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Experience using electronic communication tools

Job Duties

  • Plan and manage a range of events including distinguished lectures, fireside chats, talk series, colloquia, symposia, award celebrations, social events, memorial services, and retirement celebrations
  • Supervise the Events and Administration Planning Assistant including recruitment, onboarding, training, development, and performance reviews
  • Coordinate and collaborate with program faculty, staff, other MIT offices, students, outside vendors, and alumni groups to successfully plan and execute technical conferences, sponsor workshops, site visits, guest lectures, and special projects
  • Manage CSAIL strategic and sponsored related events
  • Oversee logistics and operational activities including administration, finance, IT, compliance, communications, and outreach for events and initiatives
  • Collaborate with CSAIL headquarters staff involved in event execution
  • Handle confidential information with discretion

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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