Research Events and Communications Coordinator

VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S

The Research Events and Communications Coordinator position reports to the Research and Innovation Business Officer within the Management Department, and provides primary support for the planning, coordination, communication, and operational execution of broad stakeholder convenings, research development programs, and events across ORI. The position serves as a central coordinating role for campus-wide research and creative activity engagement initiatives, faculty development programming, student research events, and communications related to ORI activities and services.

Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

The Research Events and Communications Coordinator provides critical support for the coordination, communication, and execution of research development programming within the Office of Research and Innovation ( ORI). The position ensures that ORI-sponsored events, initiatives, and communications operate efficiently, professionally, and in alignment with the university's mission to advance research, scholarship, creative activity, and public impact.

1. Event Planning, Design, and Execution
* Plan, organize, and execute major ORI events that promote faculty, staff, and student engagement in research and creative activity, including examples such as Student Research Day, Research and Creative Activities at App (ReCApp), and Research and Creative Activity Connections (ReCon).

* Coordinate all logistical elements including venue reservations, catering, registration systems, scheduling, signage, materials, technology coordination, accessibility needs, and event communications.

* Event-specific supply and equipment transport and set-up. This role will manage all logistical and practical aspects of day-of-execution including coordination with all collaborators, often including physically sourcing and setting up, operating, and breaking down event support needs. These needs will be event-specific, including e.g. venue preparation, inventory and storage, equipment logistics, registration processes, load and transport, food and beverage, facilitation supplies, A/V tech requirements.

* Collaborate with ORI leadership and event leads to design programs that align with strategic priorities and enhance campus visibility of research and creative activity.

* Coordinate with multiple campus and external units to ensure smooth event execution and alignment with university branding and accessibility standards.

* Develop and maintain standardized event workflows, timelines, templates, and documentation for recurring ORI programs and events.

* Manage event calendars and support coordination of faculty workshops, training programs, recognition events, and research engagement activities.

* Assessment and inventory activities to maintain supplies and overall event-readiness

* Support post-event assessment activities including attendance tracking, survey collection, reporting, and documentation of lessons learned and best practices.

2. Communications and Outreach
* Maintain and update ORI websites and digital communication platforms, in coordination with ORI leaders responsible for developing the content for their departmental communication needs, to ensure timely dissemination of program information, deadlines, and event details.

* Develop and manage promotional and informational materials for ORI-sponsored events, including newsletters, flyers, presentations, social media content, and digital announcements.

* Manage the dissemination of communication campaigns related to research engagement programming and strategic ORI initiatives.

* Assist with development of consistent messaging, templates, and communication standards across ORI units.

* Collaborate with University Communications and ORI Communications Liaison to help them in their role of storytelling and promoting major ORI initiatives and accomplishments.

* Coordinate with R&I leadership division-wide and their delegates to maintain distribution lists, communication schedules, and outreach tracking systems for ORI initiatives.

3. Administrative and Operational Support
* Support events and communications-related administrative needs of the ORI Management Department through coordination of activities such as scheduling, purchasing, communication, and event-related operational processes.

* Coordinate purchasing and payment processing related to ORI events and innovation programming activities in accordance with university procedures.

* Assist with some travel coordination and reimbursement processing related to ORI-sponsored events and visitors.

* Maintain records and documentation related to event planning, vendor coordination, communications materials, and operational procedures.

* Minor financial responsibilities associated with event coordination, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and reconciliation.

* Assist with development and implementation of standard operating procedures, templates, and process documentation to improve operational consistency and efficiency.

* Represent ORI in university planning meetings and committees related to events, communications, and campus engagement initiatives.

* Serve as a liaison between ORI and campus partners to facilitate coordination and resolve operational issues related to events and communications.

4. Training, Communication, and Customer Support
* Provide responsive and professional communication support to faculty, staff, students, and external partners participating in ORI programming.

* Assist faculty, staff, and campus partners with registration systems, event participation, and communication needs related to ORI initiatives.

* Support onboarding and informational sessions related to ORI programs, events, and engagement opportunities.

* Foster a service-oriented culture within ORI by proactively assisting campus stakeholders and ensuring accurate and timely information sharing.

* Contribute to outreach initiatives that strengthen institutional awareness of research and creative activity opportunities and programs.

The Research Events and Communications Coordinator serves as a key administrative and operational coordinator supporting research development programming, communications, and event management functions within the Office of Research and Innovation ( ORI). The role focuses primarily on the planning and execution of campus-wide events and initiatives that support faculty, staff, and student engagement in research and creative activity.

Primary responsibilities include coordinating logistics, communications, scheduling, registration systems, marketing materials, website updates, and operational workflows for ORI-sponsored events and initiatives. This position supports major recurring events such as Student Research Day, Research and Creative Activities at App (ReCApp), Research and Creative Activity Connections (ReCon), Idea-to-Impact Collider events, faculty workshops, proposal development activities, research recognition programs, and other strategic convenings sponsored by ORI.

* Exceptional organizational, planning, and multitasking skills.

* Strong written and interpersonal communication abilities.

* Experience coordinating events, meetings, or large-scale programs involving multiple stakeholders.

* Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

* Strong attention to detail and follow-through in administrative and operational work.

* Demonstrated customer-service orientation and professionalism when engaging with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.

* Ability to work collaboratively across diverse university units and functions.

* Initiative in identifying operational improvements and implementing efficient processes.

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, website content management systems, event registration platforms, and university administrative systems.

* Experience with graphic design, marketing, or digital communication tools preferred.

* Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive information.

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with some flexibility. Some early, evening, and weekend work is required when holding special, ORI-sponsored events both on and off campus.

Must be able to lift easels, signs, and boxes of supplies/materials for ORI-sponsored events.

List three references and contact information in the body of the application.