Event Manager

Job Title: Event Manager

Department: Advancement

Reports To: Director of Engagement

Prepared Date: 8/29/2025

Position Overview: The Event Manager is responsible for managing, coordinating, and executing logistical arrangements for campus and off-campus groups that utilize College facilities for meetings, conferences, workshops, presentations, performances, athletic events and other College or rental opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• The Event Manager is the primary point of contact for all groups that utilize Columbia College facilities for special events.
• Responsible for contacting, coordinating, advising/directing, and negotiating with clients of Columbia College to ensure appropriate event plan development and implementation.
• Ensures that client needs are clearly understood by all support staff and oversees the implementation of the designated plan, which may include responses to technical requirements (computer, audio, visual, multimedia), facility setup, catering as well as patron and attendee safety, direction and access control.
• Works closely with the Internal Support Staff (Facilities, College Police, IT, Dining Services) and External Support Providers when needed to direct and coordinate all support services for events, including oversight of facility, compliance with venue policy and procedures and other special needs.
• Maintains event records utilized for event purposes.
• Uses reservation/scheduling software to schedule, track and document event logistics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Demonstrate strong written and oral skills, problem-solving and organizational abilities, effective interpersonal skills, conflict de-escalation resolution ability, flexibility, and knowledge of industry standards and best practices. Be a self-starter who can effectively work on multiple projects concurrently.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university preferred. Minimum 2 years prior experience in event coordination, technical services and/or conference planning required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Valid South Carolina Drivers license required, Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) or other event industry certifications beneficial. Previous crowd management training is beneficial, and employee will be required to successfully complete the organizations crowd management training program.

Computer/Technology Skills:

Proficiency with computers, cloud services, MS Office programs (Excel, Outlook and Word), Google Suite required. Prior experience with industry based scheduling software such as EMS preferred.

If interested in applying for this position, submit resume with cover letter through the online submission website @ https://www.columbiasc.edu/about/employment.

If you have any additional questions regarding the position, please contact Joye Hipp, Director of Engagement, via email at joyehipp@columbiasc.edu

Columbia College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Columbia College is EOE M/F/D/V.