External Affairs Program Coordinator, School of Architecture and Planning

Position Summary

The External Affairs Program Coordinator will report to the Director of Communications for the School of Architecture and Planning and be responsible for planning, organizing and implementing a diverse range of programs and events in support of the external engagement goals of the Dean’s Office. The scope of the position includes conducting audience analysis and outreach to inform programs and events, overseeing the preparation of event programs and agendas, developing mailing lists and promotion strategies, and coordinating event budgeting and staffing. Events and programs range from public lectures and exhibitions to firm and employer visits to the School to donor-sponsored events to semi-annual meetings of the Dean’s Advisory Council of leading executives in our professions. The External Affairs Program Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Dean’s Office, faculty and staff in the School of Architecture and Planning, and related offices across the University at Buffalo, to leverage existing programs and coordinate new engagement opportunities. Areas of oversight include annual program planning, event-specific project management, event promotion, audience list development and management, and event logistics.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate with the Dean and leadership of the School of Architecture and Planning to plan, organize and prepare annual programming and event management for external audiences, including:
  • Build participation of professional and public audiences in the School’s annual lecture series, exhibitions and special events
  • Support firm visits and student-to-alumni professional engagement in coordination with career development office in the Department of Architecture and the Department of Urban and Regional Planning
  • Organize receptions and meet-and-greets around donor visits and sponsored lectures and events
  • Support industry engagement boards such as the Dean’s Council and degree-specific boards (e.g., MS in Real Estate Development Advisory Council)
  • Plan special events and initiatives of the Dean’s Office as needed, including public engagements, exhibitions and Commencement
  • Develop audience lists and segmentation strategies to reach and engage key external constituencies, including interested publics, employers, professional and industry partners, community leaders, alumni and friends
  • Develop and implement event outreach and marketing materials, including creating and producing promotional content for the School’s website while leveraging email, social media; facilitate cross-promotional strategies with event partners and sponsors
  • Coordinate the full scope of event planning and implementation, from catering and vendor logistics to marketing and contract management to event implementation
  • Assess event performance metrics, from digital engagement and reach to event participation; provide status reports and updates on event performance to the Dean and Director of Communications
  • Work with University and School business systems and protocols, to support event logistics; develop templates and systematic approaches that support efficiency and consistency in the School’s external programming and public events.

The University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning is seeking an External Affairs Program Coordinator to support events and programs that engage external audiences, including professional partners, industry and community leaders, interested publics, alumni, friends, and donors. A professional school within the most comprehensive public research university in the Northeast, we offer degrees in architecture, urban planning, real estate development and environmental design. Established in 1969, the School of Architecture and Planning is a vibrant and closely connected community of faculty, students, alumni and partners in the profession. We are also a School on the rise, with expanding enrollment and degree programs and pioneering faculty members who are carving out intellectual territory in climate action, affordable housing, food systems planning, inclusive design and sustainable development and building. Situated in the City of Buffalo and embedded in the world around us, we are a spirited community of “makers and doers” who embrace a learn-by-doing, activist approach to teaching and research. Our ambition is to amplify our story, reach new audiences, raise the global profile of the School, and foster support for our students and programs. We invite you to learn more about the School at http://archplan.buffalo.edu .

The School and its departments and programs are interested in candidates who have demonstrated commitment to excellence by providing leadership in teaching, research, or service toward building an equitable and diverse environment.

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, the Research Foundation will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and veteran or disability status.
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of professional or equivalent experience related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to develop, plan, organize, and facilitate a range of special events
• Ability to manage event logistics, including booking venues, coordinating with vendors, managing contracts, staffing events and post-event assessment
• Ability to prepare and implement event promotion and marketing strategies
• Experience with social media networking and outreach
• Experience with website content management systems and web copywriting and content development
• Knowledge of and involvement in the University at Buffalo community and its strategic relationships, and a willingness to learn and develop an in-depth understanding of our programs
• Experience with Google Analytics and social media analytics
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, audience database systems, and Adobe Creative Suite
• Project management experience
• Travel and flexible hours may be required

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