Manager, Conferences & Events

About Emerson College ArtsEmerson is the professional presenting and producing organization of the Office of the Arts at Emerson College. Founded in 2010 by Robert J. Orchard, the year the US Census confirmed there was no single cultural majority in Boston, we committed to building a cultural institution that reflects the diversity of our city. We operate from the core belief that the arts are for everyone. By “putting the world on stage” ArtsEmerson quickly established a reputation for presenting outstanding work from around the globe — work that emanates from the language of theater, yet pushes the boundaries between theater, dance, music, and media arts. And by bringing diverse programming to neighborhoods all over the city, we have become an integral part of Boston’s efforts to transform our bitter history of segregation into a resilient legacy of equity and unity in diversity. ArtsEmerson’s first seasons focused on building a world-class cultural institution, raising awareness of our existence, and forging a reputation for artistic excellence. ArtsEmerson was first named “Boston’s Best Theater” by Boston Magazine following its 2012/13 season. By December of 2013, WBUR critic Ed Siegel cited ArtsEmerson in his annual “Best of” round-up, saying: “In four short years they have established ArtsEmerson as one of the most important cultural institutions in New England.” In 2013 we expanded our focus, through a variety of civic engagement activities, setting out to become an effective partner in our city’s efforts to promote social cohesion. When naming ArtsEmerson “Boston’s Best Theater” again in 2015, Boston Magazine wrote, “Most impressive, ArtsEmerson realizes its global vision while remaining audience-focused and community-centric.” ArtsEmerson is currently led by Executive Director David C. Howse.

Emerson College

Explore new worlds. Discover your own. ArtsEmerson is Boston’s leading presenter of contemporary world theatre.

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E

artsemerson.org

51-200 employees

Performing Arts

Boston, Massachusetts

2010

Public Company

1.5k LinkedIn followers

• Serve as the point of contact for all event-related matters for Business Services-managed spaces, including the Loft, Bordy Theater, Lion’s Den, Beard Room, and other designated spaces, working closely with event organizers such as faculty, staff, students, and external clients.
• Lead and manage the coordination between Conferences & Events and Facilities for all event and program-related operational needs, including space setup, custodial services, maintenance, building access, furniture and equipment, and other facility requirements. Ensure appropriate work orders and service requests are entered and tracked, requirements are communicated in advance, and services are coordinated through completion. Coordinate with Dining, ECPD, Campus Card Services, and other campus partners as needed to ensure seamless event operations.
• Manage the Summer Conference Program, including its budget and financial operations, from invoicing through revenue allocation, with a focus on delivering high-quality experiences for all attendees.
• Design and manage an Internship Housing Program, offering long-term (8+ weeks) housing to college students around the country. Implement a marketing strategy to generate program interest, inquiries, and applications. Manage all inquiries, contracts, and billing for the program.
• Update and manage the Summer Conference and Internship Housing Program website.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers, including soliciting quotes, coordinating services, and ensuring timely and effective delivery of contracted services.
• Provide revenue forecasts and projections and recommend areas of potential growth within the Summer Conference and Internship Housing Program.
• Be present evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed during both the academic year and summer months to support internal and external events.
• Work closely with ECPD and Campus Card Services to coordinate building access and schedules for both internal campus events and external summer programs.
• Oversee the management and operations of the Colonial Apartments, including reservations, client communications, contracts, billing, vendor coordination, maintenance, and turnover, while ensuring the units are well-maintained and effectively utilized.
• Develop and implement proactive sales strategies to promote and expand the Summer Conference Program, leveraging industry contacts and market insights to attract new clients and enhance the scope and quality of events.
• Monitor and manage expenditures within approved budgets, oversee purchase orders and expense reimbursements, and ensure vendors are paid in a timely manner.
• Coordinate comprehensive space management and event logistics, utilizing tools such as Event Management Software (EMS) and Spacebook for optimal space allocation, conducting detailed venue inspections, and ensuring all logistics adhere to high service standards.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure seamless event execution, creating necessary documentation, managing contracts, and accurately aligning event schedules.
• Secure necessary spaces, confirm event specifics such as headcounts and dietary requirements, and supervise daily operations with senior student staff.
• Recruit, train, and manage a dedicated team of 16 student employees, overseeing all aspects of employment and ensuring high performance and compliance with institutional standards.
• Provide 24/7 emergency support to internal campus partners and external clients, serving in an on-call capacity to coordinate timely resolution of operational needs.
• Other duties as assigned.
• QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to perform the job effectively.
• A bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required; in lieu of a degree, 10+ years of equivalent experience will also be considered.
• At least 5-7 years of event management experience, preferably in an educational or large-scale public setting.
• Proven B2B sales experience, with a strong track record of securing corporate clients for large-scale events or conferences.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) certifications preferred.
• Prior sales experience to strategically engage clients and expand the conference portfolio is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – This may be representative but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.
• Proficiency in using event management software such as EMS and Spacebook.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team, including recruiting, training, and supervising staff.
• Strong capability in managing budgets, logistics, and operations for large-scale events.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to act as the institution's liaison
• Adaptable, with the ability to manage changing events and resolve problems efficiently.
• Exceptional troubleshooting, communication, and project management skills are crucial for successful event planning and execution.
• Ability to foster and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance event experiences.
• Ability to establish department goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and/or supervise the work of others.
• This position is active; continuous movement is required.
• Continuous oral and written communication with clients, co-workers, and supervisors is essential.
• Repetitive movements, frequent lifting of up to 35 pounds, reaching, pushing, stooping, climbing, and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding, and read fine print will be expected.
• WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
• This position works in conference, meeting, and office environments
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for event schedules and emergencies.
• Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
• This position requires an in-person presence on the Boston Campus during the work week.
• Compensation: $82,150.00 - $102,650.00 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Grade of Position: 23-10E
• Employment Category: Regular
• .
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25
• Division of Physical & Digital Infrastructure
• In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.
• Emerson Employment Categories influence work schedules, benefits eligibility, and time off policies. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage and commuter offerings, are available.
• Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.

• Health insurance
• Dental plans
• Generous time-off programs
• 403(b) retirement benefit
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Commuter offerings