Events Operations Manager

Boston, MA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $60,315.00 - $85,192.50

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Flexible

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Assistance

wellness programs

Retirement Plan

commuting benefits

Job Description

Northeastern University, a prestigious institution known for its commitment to innovation and excellence in higher education, is seeking an experienced and motivated Events Operations Manager to join its Advancement Operations team. With a portfolio of premier, on-campus event spaces such as the Alumni Center, EXP, and 300 Mass Ave, this role is central to managing a high volume of events – historically over 500 events annually – ensuring seamless, professional service and operational excellence. As a university deeply invested in its community, Northeastern emphasizes collaboration, superior client relations, and continuous improvement in operational standards across its event venues. The university fosters a dynamic environment where adaptability, proactive thinking, and detailed execution are highly valued, especially for mission-critical events often scheduled outside standard working hours, including evenings, holidays, and weekends.

The Events Operations Manager will act as the primary liaison for all event reservations, approvals, and confirmations, providing end-to-end service to event hosts and guests. This service includes assessing event needs such as audio/visual technology, furniture, and other logistics, maintaining the event spaces’ pristine condition, and coordinating closely with essential campus partners including Facilities, Chartwells, and ITS. Rooted in exceptional customer service, this position will engage regularly with VIPs, senior leadership, and external clients, requiring a high level of professionalism and diplomatic communication skills.

Beyond event coordination, the manager will serve as the technical lead for all Advancement-operated venues, supporting and troubleshooting AV systems like videoconferencing equipment, projectors, and digital screens. They will partner with vendors to maintain and upgrade technology, develop operational guides, and train a team of student staff to support technical needs and event staffing. The leadership and management of approximately 25-35 student supervisors and staff, plus about 10 student employees at 300 Mass Ave, are also a key responsibility, involving recruitment, training, scheduling, goal setting, and performance management.

This role demands strong organizational skills, an innovative and self-starting attitude, exceptional time management, and the ability to operate effectively both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and an ability to engage thoughtfully with multiple stakeholders is crucial. The manager will also oversee financial processes, from invoicing to payment reconciliation, and ensure compliance with university policies. They will play a critical role in updating and managing the Advancement Venues website and driving process improvements to enhance efficiency and the client experience.

In summary, this position offers a unique opportunity to lead the operations and technical aspects of high-profile event venues at Northeastern University, impacting internal and external communities through expert event management, outstanding customer service, and strategic operational leadership. Compensation ranges from $60,315 to $85,192.50, commensurate with education, experience, and expertise. Northeastern University is committed to offering comprehensive benefits including medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness programs, retirement plans, and commuting support, fostering a supportive workplace environment for its employees.

Job Requirements

bachelor’s degree preferred
two to five years of experience working in an office environment
two to three years of experience in a customer service, client facing or office management role
must be able to work in a fast-paced environment
strong organizational skills
effective written and oral communication skills
proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
extremely detail oriented
high level of self-confidence and enthusiasm
positive, helpful attitude
innovative and self-starting
ability to work proactively and independently
exceptional time management skills
confident and diplomatic interpersonal skills

Job Qualifications

bachelor’s degree preferred
two to five years of experience in an office environment, preferably higher education
two to three years of experience in customer service, client-facing, or office management role
strong organizational skills
excellent communication skills, both written and oral
proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
extremely detail oriented
high level of self-confidence and enthusiasm
positive and helpful attitude
ability to be an innovative self-starter
demonstrated ability to be proactive and productive with minimal supervision
exceptional time management skills
ability to interact confidently and diplomatically with diverse stakeholders

Job Duties

provide a high level of customer service to all clients and colleagues
handle reservation requests, approvals, and confirmations for multiple event spaces
work with clients to determine event and meeting needs including A/V, furniture, etc., and coordinate event details
serve as primary liaison with Facilities, Chartwells, ITS, and other partners to ensure meeting and event needs are met
facilitate and manage walk-throughs of event spaces for clients and vendors
work with outside vendors to ensure seamless events
manage work and IT requests for event venues
propose and lead updates and renovations of event spaces
develop and maintain consistent operational standards across venues
develop and implement streamlined workflows and improve processes
manage invoice and payment processes including generating invoices and processing payments
support external clients with contracts and vendor cost consolidation
update and manage the Advancement Venues website
assist with reservation requests for other Advancement spaces
manage Advancement-owned inventory related to event spaces
recruit, hire, train, and develop student supervisors and staff for event venues
recruit, hire, train, develop, and manage student employees for front desk operations
create and manage training programs and resources for staff
set and communicate performance expectations and provide feedback
manage student staff schedules for events and front desk coverage
communicate regularly with staff and scheduling teams
oversee and support audio/visual and technical services for events
make recommendations to ensure technology meets event goals
manage and troubleshoot high-profile event technical needs
partner with vendors to maintain equipment
develop and maintain AV/IT equipment guides
train student staff on AV protocols
oversee AV needs for division-wide events
provide logistical and operational support for internal division events
perform other Operations team duties as required