Communications and Event Manager - Department of K-12 Education Innovation and Scholar Success

Grand Rapids, MI (Pew Campus)

Full Time

R103699

This position is responsible for the planning and successful execution of all GVSU Charter Schools Office (GVSU CSO) events and supporting community outreach initiatives through the development and oversight of various communication projects. This role utilizes a wide variety of tactics, tools, and platforms to promote positive stories stemming from the GVSU CSO, the charter public schools GVSU authorizes, Thompson and Charter Scholars and alumni. This position ensures stakeholder engagement experiences are promoted and delivered in a clear, timely, and professional manner.

Salary & Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $65,000, commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
PRIMARY DUTIES

• Communication Campaign Management: Oversee the design and delivery schedule of the division's mass email campaigns including newsletters, targeted updates or requests, and event promotion.

• Event Planning & Execution. Lead logistical planning of all events hosted by the division such as conferences, strategic planning retreats, social gatherings, community and alumni outreach engagements, and celebrations.

• Vendor Coordination and On-Site Support: Identify, secure, and communicate with event vendors including venues, caterers, A/V teams, and graphic designers, and act as the division's on-site event representative to handle questions and issues.

• Multimedia Story Development: Promote division events, activities, and successes through multimedia content such as social media, short-form stories, photography and videography, working with university partners as necessary to fulfill duties.

• Website Management: Ensure all divisional websites are current, error-free, and designed to meet the University's accessibility standards.

• Data Collection and Reporting: Frequently collect feedback and report on event performance, participant satisfaction, communication channel reach, and other key metrics to gauge overall impact of CSO events and campaigns.

• Branding Alignment: Ensure the division aligns with university brand guides and broader campaigns by periodically reviewing communication assets and channels and developing material to further inform division team and CSO stakeholders.

• Communication Asset Support: Assist division unit leaders with design of presentations, flyers, promotional material, and stakeholder gifts.

• School Engagement and Celebration: Periodically represent the office at special events hosted by GVSU-authorized charter public schools or statewide partners to show support for students and educators and amplify good news.

• Additional Duties: Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, hospitality, or related field.

• Minimum of two (2) years of full-time post-graduate experience in communications, public relations, or event management.

• Proven experience planning and overseeing events from development to completion

• Advanced organization abilities including time management, goal setting, and task prioritization.

• Ability to manage a marketing campaign or social media campaign.

• Ability to problem-solve and handle unforeseen challenges.

• Strong cross-cultural, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Strong customer service skills.

• Good understanding of data analysis, especially regarding social media and digital communication impact.

• Ability to navigate traditional office computer software such as Microsoft Office.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Experience with graphic design and developing visual elements for campaigns.

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite.

• Experience with professional-level photography or videography.

• Experience giving presentations to colleagues and/or stakeholders.

• Understanding of budget planning and management

• Understanding of charter public schools and charter public school authorization.

• Understanding of general state and federal legislative processes.

How to Apply: Attach your cover letter and resume, applications missing required documents will not be considered. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Michael Cousins (mailto:cousinmi@gvsu.edu). If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at mailto:hro@gvsu.edu.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline: Application review begins Monday November 3, 2025 and this posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See http://www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6641641

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