Program And Events Coordinator, Co-Curricular Acad
City : Hamilton
Category : Other
Industry : Education
Employer : McMaster University
UNIT/PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The DeGroote School of Business (DSB) is a comprehensive, research intensive, business school offering undergraduate, graduate and executive development programs across two campuses in Hamilton and Burlington. DSB’s mission is to foster interdisciplinary thinking and evidence-based management to transform business and society.
The Faculty provides outstanding educational programs to over 4000 students across B. Comm, MBA, executive MBA, Masters and PhD programs. Annually, over 1300 students enroll in DeGroote’s Executive Education development programs and the Directors College. Over 1200 participants register annually for external outreach events.
Consistent with its mission, The DeGroote School of Business has joint programs and partnerships with the Faculties of Health Sciences, Engineering and Humanities and intends to continue to expand interdisciplinary programs as part of the University’s Strategic Mandate Agreement and the School’s strategic plan.
DSB is also the administrative home of several interdisciplinary programs and enterprises including the Health Leadership Academy, MSc in eHealth, Bachelor of Commerce in Integrated Business and Humanities and the Directors College.
The Program & Events Coordinator supports with co-curricular experiential events and programs for the Academic Experiential Learning team.
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for planning, supporting, and maintaining the efficient operation of a program division and its related programs, and coordinating all aspects of the program including events, curriculum administration, implementation, promotion, resource and financial management. Working in close collaboration with the Manager as well as internal and external stakeholders, this position is responsible for overseeing the effective planning and implementation of projects, programs and events related to the unit’s mandate.
PURPOSE AND KEY FUNCTIONS:
- Develop, coordinate and implement programs/projects/events taking into consideration the needs of internal and external stakeholders, costs, restrictions/limitations, technologies, equipment and/or platforms needed.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to research the required infrastructure (processes, software, contingency plans) for programs/projects/events.
- Develop plans for various programs/projects/events to successfully meet milestones/deadlines, ensure stakeholder awareness of tasks and dependencies, completion of action items, and effective communication with senior leadership.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of various projects within a program area and provide recommendations regarding efficiencies, timing, audiences, resources, costs, and improvements.
- Stay up-to-date on new programs, program changes and future program plans.
- Organize, coordinate, and assist with educational programs/projects/events such as professional development courses, grant programs, international conferences, retreats, education days and other capacity-building programs.
- Act as the first point of contact for faculty, students and staff with regard to inquiries, program policies, program requirements and issues related to programs/projects/events.
- Support the development, delivery, evaluation, and review of academic and scholarly programs/projects/events.
- Collect, analyze, assess, and summarize information relevant to the decision-making process and develop recommendations for final approval and implementation.
- Communicate, work collaboratively and build strong working relationships with various internal and external organizations, departments and senior university leaders.
- Create budget estimates for programs and events and make adjustments throughout the fiscal year.
- Ensure that financial accounts and reports are completed and managed competently and efficiently.
- Complete financial forms such as travel expense reports, vouchers and purchase orders.
- Contribute to and support the hiring process for casual and contract positions including communicating with candidates, coordinating interview schedules, conducting interviews, evaluating candidates and creating/processing employment contracts.
- Handle sensitive material in accordance with established confidentiality policies.
- Ensure timely and efficient processing of timesheets and payroll for temporary and casual staff.
- Provide functional guidance on an ongoing basis to train and mentor casual, part-time and student support staff.
- Facilitate meetings with various individuals including, but not limited to, program stakeholders and senior university leaders.
- Gather and compile information to write various documents including, but not limited to, reports, correspondence and minutes.
- Update and maintain a variety of records and databases.
- Provide front line service to faculty, students and staff, and in consultation with senior staff, set standards for the quality of department services.
- On rotational schedule manage the general email inbox to respond to inquiries from instructors, students and staff and redirect inquiries to appropriate program or contact.
- Develop and execute small and large scale events (in-person, hybrid and virtual), including but not limited to, registration, venue sourcing, space requirements, arranging catering and other contracted services, preparing programming schedules and agendas, crisis management protocols, setting up and taking down of all events, marketing coordination and the recruitment and training of all volunteers and staff involved.
- Research potential venues, availability and required equipment. Coordinate the use of all facilities and meeting spaces and liaise with on-site contacts.
- Source pricing information to recommend the best value for money, manage inventory and order event supplies/promotional items. Liaise with suppliers of contracted services to ensure agreed upon services have been provided and the accuracy of billings.
- Track actual expenditures and provide proper documentation to substantiate expenses and revenues.
- Prepare estimates of time and resources required for various in-person, hybrid and virtual events.
- Coordinate scheduling for speakers, guest lecturers and senior leadership for events and programs while resolving scheduling conflicts.
- Provide necessary documents/information to international presenters/attendees for travel Visas and other requests.
- Provide support and training for internal and external stakeholders on the events platform (as presenters or attendees).
- Attend events to monitor arrangements and ensure the smooth functioning of all activities.
- Distribute evaluation surveys to participants and volunteers and collect feedback for assessing and improving future events and activities.
- Prepare a briefing report after each event which includes reporting event revenues and expenses for discussion with various stakeholders.
- Maintain all related documentation in regards to the events to ensure an audit trail and business continuity.
- Remain current in the area of event management, and event platforms (online/hybrid delivery).
- Provide event management and marketing advice to others.
- Plan and coordinate a variety of departmental activities and events.
- Act as the key contact for large and small scale events to resolve problems or issues that may arise.
- Prepare contingency plans in the case of inclement weather conditions and/or respond to other unforeseen event disruptions.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of studios and tech stations to provide introductory tutorials and equipment troubleshooting for users.
- Maintain and coordinate a schedule for front desk reception coverage by casual and part-time staff and act as a backup to greet and direct visitors.
- Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff and volunteers for events and activities.
SUPERVISION:
- Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff and volunteers.
- Provide orientation and show procedures to others.
ASSETS:
- Previous experience in a fast-paced administrative role with strong emphasis on customer service, attention to detail and multi-tasking.
- Responsible for managing high volume of requests from various stakeholders with strict deliverable deadlines.
- Computer literacy is necessary for this role in particular emphasis on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
- Excellent written, oral skills are essential (facilitation skills are an asset).
- Strong teamwork is essential as this role supports and works with multiple team members
- A skilled communicator with strong interpersonal skills to communicate and partner effectively with students, vendors, employer partners, alumni, faculty and peer colleagues, both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate and deliver on multiple large scale events simultaneously.
- Ability to collect, analyze, and summarize data to shape recommendations and/or identify trends for new/improved initiatives.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to independently resolve front line inquiries and issues.
- Knowledge of career services and work integrated learning is in an asset.
- Experience in a student focused setting is required.
- Previous experience in managing a multi-faceted workload to ensure timelines are met from multiple stakeholders.