Senior Coordinator, Operations & Events

Vanderbilt University, a prestigious private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee, is committed to fostering an inclusive and engaging campus environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive. The Student Centers department, part of the Student Affairs division, plays a central role in supporting campus life through managing facilities and events that serve the Vanderbilt community and the greater Nashville area. Renowned for its dedication to student development, innovation, and community engagement, the university emphasizes collaboration, respect, and excellence throughout its operations.

The Student Centers Office oversees a diverse range of event spaces across campus, providing services to a broad spectrum of clients, including Vanderbilt student groups, university departments, and external Nashville organizations. Their portfolio of events spans from small meetings to large, high-profile gatherings such as weddings, conferences, concerts, and theatrical performances. The team is composed of event managers, audio/visual technicians, facilities managers, and a dedicated student staff, all working seamlessly to ensure the success of every event hosted within these facilities.

The Senior Coordinator of Operations and Events is a vital part of this dynamic environment, acting as a key individual contributor responsible for planning, managing, and executing events across multiple campus facilities. Reporting to the Associate Director of Events, this leadership position requires a proactive, inclusive, and hands-on approach to managing daily operations, coordinating complex events, and supporting student engagement activities. The role involves direct supervision of full-time professional staff, graduate assistants, and student employees, fostering a positive work culture centered around professional development and accountability.

In this position, the Senior Coordinator is entrusted with overseeing the student employment program within Student Centers, which includes recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, and recognizing student staff. Emphasizing professional growth, the coordinator develops and implements comprehensive training programs and facilitates ongoing evaluations and meetings to support staff development. This role also includes managing large-scale events such as banquets, conferences, receptions, and student performances, guaranteeing that all logistical elements, client interactions, and risk management protocols are meticulously handled.

Engagement with student organizations is another critical component of this position. The Senior Coordinator assists student leaders by advising, supporting event planning, and facilitating adherence to university policies. By helping student groups build financial management skills, communicate policy changes clearly, and create inclusive programming, this role directly contributes to cultivating a vibrant and supportive campus atmosphere.

Operationally, the Senior Coordinator collaborates with various key stakeholders including catering services, vendors, campus police, and parking services to ensure smooth facility operations and event execution. They are also involved in ongoing facility maintenance, inventory oversight, and renovation projects aimed at enhancing the functionality and appeal of the Student Centers' venues.

This leadership role demands excellent organizational capabilities, strong customer service instincts, and the ability to resolve problems efficiently. Flexibility in schedule is essential due to the nature of event timings, including evening and weekend commitments. The Senior Coordinator is also an active member of divisional committees and participates in major university events, contributing to a unified and supportive operating environment.

A bachelor's degree is required to qualify for this role, along with preferably two years of related experience in event coordination, customer service, or student affairs. Candidates with a master’s degree in Hospitality Management, Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related field are preferred. Experience in managing diverse, large-scale, high-risk events and familiarity with university settings adds significant value to the role.

Overall, the Senior Coordinator of Operations and Events at Vanderbilt University is a multifaceted leadership position integral to enhancing student life and community engagement through strategic event management and operational excellence in Student Centers' facilities.