CSF-1077-25-R - Strategic Events Manager

Do you have demonstrable experience of managing a busy programme of strategic events? If the answer is yes, this role may be ideal. The Strategic Events Manager will play a leading role in shaping the University’s approach to events, linking clearly with its communications, civic mission and staff engagement strategies. As we prepare to enter our 60th year, the post-holder will be responsible for developing and delivering a year-long calendar of events activity, including graduations, conferences and public engagement events that attract a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. You will help to bring people together to tell the story of a University with decades of rich history and exciting plans for the future. Graduations will be a key priority for the post-holder, ensuring these fantastic occasions are delivered successfully and remain a central element of the student experience, instilling a sense of pride in students, staff, and other stakeholders. You will play a key role across teams, linking with alumni, fundraising, PR, internal communications and other teams to raise the profile of the University, address key priorities and extend its base of supporters. You will provide a focus for events across the University, ensuring coordination in their promotion, delivery and evaluation as appropriate.

As a Strategic Events Manager, you can expect to be involved with:

• Working with the Head of Communications to develop and deliver an extensive events strategy and action plan that includes graduations, civic and staff engagement and other events, in support of the University’s strategic priorities.
• Working across the University to develop a coordinated and joined-up approach to events, ensuring their potential for engagement is maximised and the University’s priorities are addressed.
• Ensuring close alignment between events and the wider priorities of the communications team, including PR, campaigns, internal communications, etc., as well as the priorities of the Directorate, including fundraising, alumni relations and civic mission.
• Developing an approach to the development and promotion of public and civic events, including an annual calendar, that engages local and regional stakeholders, promotes the University and closely aligns with its civic mission.
• Ensuring that the delivery, recording and evaluation of events aligns with the reporting requirements of national initiatives such as the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and others as appropriate.

What you will bring to the role:

• A Degree in a relevant field or equivalent qualification or experience.
• Demonstrable experience of, and a passion for, events.
• A successful track record of developing and translating plans and decisions into operational practice.
• Significant experience of working with senior colleagues.
• Knowledge of technology and their application to the development and delivery of events.
• Significant experience of managing complex relationships which require a bespoke approach and high levels of judgement, skill, tact and diplomacy.

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs).
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff).
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health.

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place.