Strategic Engagement and Events Manager

Strategic Engagement and Events Manager, Graduate School of Education

Position Information

Position Title: Strategic Engagement and Events Manager, Graduate School of Education
Department: GSE Marketing and Communications
Posting Link:
Job Type: Full-Time

Posting Detail Information

Position Summary

The Graduate School of Education ( GSE ) at the University at Buffalo is seeking an experienced and visionary professional to serve as the Strategic Engagement and Events Manager , a centralized leadership position responsible for advancing audience engagement, strengthening student experience and providing strategic oversight for the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of events and engagement initiatives that support GSEs academic mission, strategic priorities and institutional visibility.

Serving as the Schools lead resource for engagement strategy and event leadership, this position provides direction, consultation and partnership support across academic departments, centers and institutes, admissions initiatives and the Deans Office. The Strategic Engagement and Events Manager develops and implements scalable systems, operational frameworks and engagement infrastructure designed to improve coordination, enhance efficiency, reduce duplication of effort and create consistent, high-quality experiences across the School.

This role extends beyond traditional event management responsibilities and functions as a strategic connector among students, faculty, staff, alumni and other key stakeholder groups, with a focus on increasing participation, improving audience experience and strengthening engagement across GSE . The position leads the development of engagement strategies and initiatives that foster belonging, support retention efforts, encourage collaboration and elevate the overall student and stakeholder experience.

The Strategic Engagement and Events Manager oversees a broad portfolio that includes major institutional ceremonies, conferences, academic events, student programming, recognition activities and schoolwide initiatives. The position is responsible for guiding initiatives from concept through implementation while balancing strategic priorities, operational execution, risk management, compliance, resource allocation and assessment of outcomes.

The position also provides leadership in budget planning and fiscal oversight for assigned events and initiatives, manages vendor relationships and contracts, supports resource stewardship and develops data-informed recommendations to improve engagement, operational effectiveness and institutional impact.

Through strategic planning, relationship development, assessment and continuous improvement, the Strategic Engagement and Events Manager contributes directly to student engagement, institutional visibility, audience participation, operational excellence and the long-term success of GSE .

Key Responsibilities

The Events Manager will oversee a diverse portfolio of events, including (but not limited to):

1. Strategic Engagement and Audience Experience

• Develop and support engagement strategies and initiatives that enhance participation, strengthen audience experience and support student engagement goals.

2. Schoolwide Event Leadership

• Provide oversight for schoolwide and departmental events, ensuring alignment with GSE priorities, standards and objectives.

3. Department Partnership and Consultation

• Serve as a planning partner for departments, centers and administrative units by supporting event development, coordination and implementation.

4. Operational Planning and Execution

• Oversee event logistics, operations, vendor coordination, registration systems and compliance with university policies and procedures.

5. Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and manage event budgets, monitor expenditures, negotiate contracts and support efficient use of resources.

6. Training, Infrastructure and Process Development

• Develop processes, tools and best practices while providing training and support to departmental stakeholders.

7. Communications and Institutional Visibility Support

• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to support event promotion, audience engagement and alignment with institutional branding.

8. Assessment, Analytics and Continuous Improvement

• Track participation, evaluate outcomes and use data to improve engagement strategies and event effectiveness.

9. Signature Events and Ceremonial Leadership

• Lead planning and execution for major institutional events including commencement, orientations, conferences, recognition programs and schoolwide initiatives.

This is a full-time, professional position that operates primarily in an on-campus environment to support the planning, coordination and execution of events, engagement initiatives and stakeholder activities across the Graduate School of Education. The position requires a visible and active presence within GSE and regular interaction with students, faculty, staff, alumni, campus partners, vendors and external stakeholders. Some local travel between North and South Campus locations may be required.

Consistent with SUNY guidelines and established School and unit practices, the position may be eligible for remote work opportunities when operational needs permit. Work arrangements will be determined in accordance with university policies, event schedules and business needs. Given the nature of the role, on-campus presence is expected for event planning, stakeholder engagement, meetings and event execution activities.

The Strategic Engagement and Events Manager must be able to work independently while managing multiple priorities, projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. The position requires sound judgment, strong organizational skills and the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, institutional needs and time-sensitive situations.

This role supports a dynamic portfolio that includes institutional ceremonies, commencement activities, student programs, conferences, engagement initiatives and special events. Evening and weekend work, schedule flexibility and periodic extended hours will be required based on event schedules, peak planning periods and institutional priorities. Availability during high-demand event periods, including commencement season, is expected.

Learn more:

• Our benefits , where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.
• Being a part of the University at Buffalo community.

About The University at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo (UB) #ubuffalo is one of Americas leading public research universities and a flagship of the State University of New York system, recognized for our excellence and our impact. UB is a premier, research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. Our research, creative activity and people positively impact the world. Like the city we call home, UB is distinguished by a culture of resilient optimism, resourceful thinking and pragmatic dreaming that enables us to reach others every day. Visit our website to learn more about University at Buffalo .

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in event management, higher education administration, communications, public relations, marketing, project management, business administration or a related field.
• Minimum of five (3) years of professional experience in event planning, engagement initiatives, student affairs, project management or related functions within a higher education environment.
• Demonstrated experience planning and managing complex events or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience managing event logistics , vendor coordination, contracts and operational planning.
• Experience developing and managing budgets and monitoring expenditures.
• Strong project management, organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, administrators and external partners.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience using event registration systems , survey tools, CRM platforms or related technology systems.
• Ability to analyze data , assess outcomes and develop recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules and institutional needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of experience leading commencement ceremonies or events of similar scale, complexity and visibility.
• Experience supporting large-scale academic events including conferences, symposia, lectures, ceremonies or recognition programs.
• Experience with University at Buffalo systems , procurement processes, event procedures and administrative workflows, including familiarity with university approvals, purchasing practices, contracts, reimbursements, event registrations and coordination with campus support units.
• Experience with event management software , CRM systems, CMS platforms, Qualtrics, reporting tools and marketing technologies.
• Experience managing event communications , audience development and participation strategies in collaboration with marketing teams.

Physical Demands

• The position may require movement of event materials, oversight of event setup and breakdown activities, extended periods of standing and active participation during events and ceremonies

Salary Range
Competitive

Special Instructions Summary

The position may require movement of event materials, oversight of event setup and breakdown activities, extended periods of standing and active participation during events and ceremonies

Is a background check required for this posting?
No

Contact Information

Contact's Name: Amber Winters
Contact's Pronouns:
Contact's Title: Assistant Dean for Marketing and Director of Communications
Contact's Email: [email protected]
Contact's Phone: 716-645-4590

Posting Dates

Posted: 06/15/2026
Deadline for Applicants:
Date to be filled: 07/16/2026

jeid-0e0b529f8fd5c84aa3d78e81e36a80d6