Empire State University seeks a special events coordinator (State Title: Staff Assistant) at our Saratoga Springs, NY location.

The individual would be part of a special events and communications team, and is responsible for the development, design, planning, and organizing of event activities across New York state. This individual will assist in the coordination and oversight of in-person and virtual meetings, events, statewide commencement ceremonies, and conferences. The person in this role will work with internal and external clients to conceptualize events that further SUNY Empire's mission and support the university as a whole, focusing on high-level, high-profile special events on behalf of the Office of the President.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, and practices of event planning, including event design, vendor relations, organization, branding, communications, and production is required. The individual will ensure smooth, effective events, including recognizing and resolving potential and real problems in a timely manner using tact, sensitivity, discretion, and political acumen.

The special events coordinator will work cooperatively with university-wide faculty and staff to coordinate logistics involved with developing and implementing event plans to ensure successful execution. In addition, the successful candidate will engage with administration and distinguished guests. As a result, thorough knowledge of SUNY Empire, its vision, mission, strategic plan, programs, policies, achievements, and infrastructure is a must. The successful candidate must be capable of working independently and collaboratively with all levels of the organization in-person and at a distance. Attention to detail is a must, as are strong customer-service skills and solid project management skills. The successful candidate will work closely with culturally diverse faculty, staff and students in a multicultural learning work environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• 1-2 years of experience in event planning
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Active listening and critical thinking skills are a must.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software
• Driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Related work experience in a higher education setting
• Experience with planning conferences and large-scale events
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to navigate virtual platforms including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and similar programs

Special Information:

• VISA sponsorship is not available for this position
• This position is located in Saratoga Springs, NY
• Some evening and weekend work, as well as travel, is required

Rank/Salary: $60,000 , commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Empire State University is an EOE employer.

We are pleased to offer our employees an excellent benefit package which includes NYS health insurance, free dental and vision, competitive retirement options, and generous vacation, sick and holiday accruals; and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. We also offer professional-development activities for professionals and support staff.

IF YOU NEED A DISABILITY-RELATED ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CALL THE ADA COORDINATOR AT (518) 587-2100, ext. 2240. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TITLE II CRIME AWARENESS AND SECURITY ACT, A COPY OF OUR CRIME STATISTICS IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST BY CALLING (518) 587-2100, ext. 2800. IT CAN ALSO BE VIEWED ON-LINE AT THE SAFETY AND SECURITY WEBSITE AT http://www.sunyempire.edu/safety-security.