Program and Event Specialist
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Education
Posted on April 24, 2024
Summary
The VCU Division of Inclusive Excellence (IE) has an exciting opportunity for a Program and Event Specialist.
The mission of the Division of Inclusive Excellence is to build and maintain an inclusive and equitable community in which people from all backgrounds and life experiences are supported and valued.
At VCU, we are UNCOMMON and UNLIKE any other university. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity where your success is supported, and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.
All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's generous benefits package that includes competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity, and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), tuition waiver, partner discounts, and abundant opportunities for career development and advancement. Learn more about working for VCU and job benefits.
Job Description:
The Program and Events Specialist is a dynamic position within the VCU Division of Inclusive Excellence, designed to bridge the strategic objectives of program management with the vibrant execution of special events and social media engagement. This role encapsulates a broad range of responsibilities, from the meticulous planning and coordination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to the creative orchestration of special events and the innovative coordination of social media platforms.
Key Responsibilities:
●Work with the Director of Inclusive Education to plan, coordinate, and document the Division of Inclusive Excellence's events, including lectures, workshops, training sessions, and celebrations, ensuring effective execution both virtually and in-person.
●Coordinate with managers, fiscal and administrative tasks related to event planning, such as budget tracking, vendor negotiations, scheduling, and customer service, acting as the primary contact for participants and stakeholders.
●Enhance operational collaboration across Inclusive Excellence initiatives, supporting a unified approach to promote the university's dedication to inclusivity and diversity.
●Implement assessments and metrics under supervision to evaluate program success and inform ongoing improvement efforts.
●Boost awareness of IE programs and resources through targeted outreach and collaboration with campus and off campusentities to encourage event participation.
●Coordinate and help support a dynamic social media strategy to highlight program goals and events, ensuring consistent branding while engaging a broad audience and expanding our digital footprint.
●Investigate and introduce best practices for diversity and inclusion in event planning, social media posting, and overall as a team member of IE, advising on strategies and benchmarks to gauge and enhance IE's impact.
●Serve as a facilitator for DEI workshops and training as needed.
●Engage in university committees as designated by IE leadership, contributing to broader institutional objectives.
●Approach cultural differences with sensitivity and professionalism, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for all staff members.
●Work with Student Affairs, the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, Enterprise Marketing and Communications, and other units on campus to execute collaborative events.
●Additional duties may be assigned to address evolving division needs.
This role is designed for a forward-thinking individual who is passionate about making a difference through the effective management of programs and events that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Program and Events Specialist will play a pivotal role in enhancing the university's culture and impact by leveraging strategic program management with the power of events and digital communication to celebrate and advance inclusivity across the campus and beyond.
Work Arrangements: Hybrid
Required Qualifications:
●Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of one year in program coordination/management and event planning.
●Skilled in social media management and content generation, inclusive of accessible design and implementation.
●Exceptional project management abilities, adept at juggling multiple priorities and adhering to deadlines in a dynamic setting, with a proven track record of handling diverse tasks and overcoming challenges creatively.
●Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of nurturing solid relationships with both internal and external parties.
●An independent, proactive problem-solver with strong attention to detail, committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
●Knowledgeable in Google Suite, Microsoft Office suite, various spreadsheet/database applications, Zoom, and contemporary event technology.
●Open to adopting new technologies and methodologies relevant to program management and event organization.
●Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
●Demonstrated cultural humility, with a genuine respect for various cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints.
●Demonstrated capability to work effectively across departments.
Preferred Qualifications:
●Proficiency with graphic design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, ProCreate, Canva) and PowerPoint.
●Previous experience working in a university/college setting.
Job Specific Physical and Cognitive Requirements:
Physical Demands & Activities
Light Lifting (<20 lbs): Marginal
Moderate Lifting (20-50 lbs): Marginal
Heavy Lifting (>50 lbs): N/A
Pushing/Pulling: N/A
Standing: Marginal
Sitting: Essential
Repetitive Motion: Essential
Walking: Marginal
Climbing: N/A
Reaching: Essential
Bending: Marginal
Emotional Demands
Fast pace: Essential
Average Pace: Essential
Multiple Stimuli: Essential
Intense Customer Interaction: Marginal
Frequent Change: Essential
Mental/Sensory Demands
Memory: Essential
Reasoning: Essential
Hearing: Essential
Reading: Essential
Analyzing: Essential
Logic: Essential
Verbal Communication: Essential
Written Communication: Essential
Application Process:
All applications should include a cover letter, a resume or CV, a statement of contributions to equity, inclusion, and diversity, and the contact information of three professional references.
Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will close on May 3, 2024.
Work Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm
Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000
Position Details:
Department: VP Inclusive Excellence
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
