Event and Outreach Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Event and Outreach Coordinator is responsible for providing outreach and maintaining strong relationships with both new and existing customers, with the goal of increasing yearly revenue and enhancing the guest experience. This role coordinates and provides on-site hospitality for campus guests and visitors, assists with the execution of summer conferences, and supports student employment related to event operations. 

The coordinator drives the programmatic vision and execution for Scholars' Convocation programming and external weddings, overseeing programmatic budgets, marketing, committee management, and event execution. This position collaborates closely with campus partners to ensure exceptional coordination of internal and external events and programs.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach and Relationship Development

• Lead outreach and maintain relationships with new and existing customers to promote campus event services and expand external partnerships
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to align external engagement with institutional goals and ensure customer satisfaction

Scholars' Convocation

• Drive programmatic vision, planning, and execution of the Scholars' Convocation series
• Manage budgets, coordinate marketing and logistics, and serve as liaison to speakers, committees, and departments

Wedding Liaison

• Serve as primary campus contact for weddings and related receptions
• Coordinate logistics including scheduling, facilities, catering, safety, and audiovisual needs
• Provide on-site hospitality and ensure successful event execution

Campus Liaison and Event Coordination

• Serve as liaison with campus offices and departments to schedule and manage internal and external events.
• Represent the Office of Event Coordination and Scheduling on assigned committees

Summer Conferences and Student Employment Support

• Assist with the coordination and execution of summer conferences and campus programs
• Focus on guest relations, logistical support, and student employment coordination

ABOUT GRINNELL COLLEGE

Grinnell College is a top-ranking private liberal arts institution that values diversity, equity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility. We seek candidates that align with these values and have the ability and desire to advance our values and belonging within our community and the communities we engage. Ideal candidates will be prepared to collaborate and contribute to the mission and values of the college across all constituencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Three years or more of event coordination, customer service, or related administrative experience.
• Demonstrated use of intermediate computer operations (relational databases and operating systems) and software packages (Word, Excel, Outlook, and event management systems).
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and evolving event needs while maintaining professionalism.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for diverse guests and partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for varied audiences.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Confident and professional presence when representing the department and guiding event operations.
• Skill in navigating and resolving conflicts constructively to support positive outcomes.
• Experience coordinating complex logistics, managing budgets, and executing events from planning to completion.
• Consistent professionalism in conduct and interactions with internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within teams, including students, committees, and campus partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree preferred