Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Summary

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) seeks an Events Associate to provide administrative and logistical support for virtual meetings and in-person convenings of public higher education leaders in North America. In addition, the Events Associate will provide administrative support for the association’s annual meeting sponsorship program. The successful candidate will have experience planning various virtual meetings or in-person convenings, possess extraordinary interpersonal skills, have strong organizational skills, a keen attention to detail, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. This position is an excellent opportunity to gain experience with various-sized meetings, interact with sponsors, and work with a team of diverse individuals to support public higher education. This full-time position is in Washington, DC. The incumbent must reside in DC, MD, or VA, be up-to-date with COVID vaccinations, and pass standard background checks. The Events Associate is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. For more information, consult www.aplu.org.

Background

APLU is a membership organization that fosters a community of university leaders collectively working to advance the mission of public research universities. The association’s membership consists of more than 250 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations spanning across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, four US territories, Canada, and Mexico. APLU and its members collectively focus on increasing access, equity, completion, and workforce readiness; promoting pathbreaking scientific research; and bolstering economic and community engagement. Drawing on its members’ powerful collective action, APLU’s advocacy arm helps shape federal policy that maximizes the positive impact of public and land-grant universities. Annually, member campuses enroll 5.4 million undergraduates and 1.4 million graduate students, award 1.5 million degrees, employ 1.3 million faculty and staff, and conduct $51 billion in university-based research.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support virtual meetings, such as scheduling and initiating meetings, managing break-out groups and chat features, spotlighting speakers, running presentations through screen sharing, troubleshooting technical issues, etc., using Zoom and MS Teams. Facilitate event practice sessions/run-throughs and coordinate panelists’ log-in details and presentations.
• Support all aspects of the planning and implementation of APLU’s Annual Meeting. Coordinate APLU’s annual meeting sponsors, including working with the conference production company, creating sponsorship packages, managing timelines, etc.
• Respond promptly and accurately to internal and external constituents regarding APLU meetings and events.
• Create, edit, and maintain event registration websites and pre- and post-event reports using Cvent (APLU’s event management software).
• Provide backup support for face-to-face convenings, which may include managing the on-site registration (may require domestic travel) as needed.
• Closeout assigned meetings and convenings to include archiving the event and coordinating with finance to reconcile registration and sponsorship revenue.
• Coordinate meeting communications, including drafting and editing messages, invitations, and scheduling using Cvent or Marketo (APLU’s email marketing software).
• As part of the Events Team, create content for APLU’s internal events virtual newsletter.
• Participate as an integral member of the President’s Office Team and APLU, and contribute to an inclusive, welcoming, and collegial workplace.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or a minimum of 1 years’ experience working in an office environment managing events. Experience with non-profits or in the hospitality industry is a plus.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, which must be effective and courteous. Ability to interact and build a rapport with various internal and external stakeholders and establish effective working relationships with employees from diverse backgrounds and at all levels of APLU and its members.
• Excellent time management skills. Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, identify and establish priorities, work independently, and exercise sound judgment related to providing support and assistance.
• A keen attention to detail.
• Highly skilled in the use of Office 365 (including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint) and Zoom. Experience with Dynamics, Salesforce, Marketo, or a similar customer relationship management system preferred. Experience with event management software, preferably Cvent, is a plus.
• Commitment to the mission of APLU.
• Ability to travel several times per year to meetings (primarily within the United States), including over weekends and the Veteran’s Day holiday.

To Apply

Please send a letter of interest and resume to APLU’s Human Resources Department at resume@aplu.org with the subject line Events Associate. Applications will be reviewed as received and continue until the position is filled with preference given to applications received by August 18, 2023. APLU is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, and supports staff with a generous benefits package.

APLU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment and promoting a sense of belonging, which includes recruiting, employing, training, compensating, and promoting staff regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.