Senior Manager, University Events, OCCM

Responsibilities

• This position is for Office of Corporate Communications and Marketing (OCCM).
• Event Planning and Delivery
• Lead the end-to-end planning and delivery of major events, including local and overseas events, thought leadership programmes, customer experience events, performances, video productions and virtual or hybrid events.
• Event Concept Development and Execution
• Develop event concepts and customer experience initiatives within the strategic direction established for the event. Translate strategic objectives into engaging programmes, formats and experiences for event attendees.
• Event Operations and Technical Planning
• Independently develop comprehensive event operation plans, master administrative programmes, technical specifications, logistics plans and onsite operating arrangements. Coordinate operational and technical requirements to ensure seamless event delivery.
• Risk, Contingency and Security Management
• Develop and implement event risk management and contingency/recovery plans. Coordinate security requirements and implementation for high-level events and engagements, escalating significant or sensitive matters to the Head.
• Protocol and Guest Management
• Manage detailed protocol arrangements for events involving SMU Leadership and distinguished guests. Coordinate with relevant offices, vendors and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate protocol, hospitality and onsite arrangements.
• Programme and Content Development
• Develop detailed event programmes comprising speeches, panel discussions, performances, breaks and other segments. Develop master administrative programmes setting out staff responsibilities, operational requirements and protocol arrangements.
• Speaker and Panellist Management
• Independently manage speakers and panellists, including invitations, logistics, travel arrangements where required, publicity and marketing consent, customised programmes and individual guest requirements.
• Stakeholder and Vendor Management
• Liaise directly with Schools, Offices, institutes, centres, external partners and vendors to manage programming, operational and logistical requirements. Translate event needs into clear operational and technical specifications and coordinate vendors to deliver agreed requirements.
• Marketing and Communications Implementation
• Implement event marketing and communications plans in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Develop supporting communications and engagement initiatives and recommend appropriate platforms and formats, including physical, virtual and hybrid approaches.
• Thought Leadership Programme Development
• Conduct research and develop relevant topics, synopses and programme concepts for thought leadership events. Identify suitable speakers and develop programmes that support the agreed strategic narrative and objectives.
• Stakeholder Coordination and Problem-Solving
• Manage diverse stakeholder requirements, anticipate operational issues and provide practical recommendations. Escalate matters requiring higher-level judgement with clear proposals for consideration.
• Vendor and Procurement Management
• Support vendor negotiations, contract management and procurement processes, including the preparation of technical specifications and tender documentation. Manage vendor relationships to achieve quality, value and effective delivery.
• Team Guidance and Mentoring
• Guide and mentor junior staff in event planning, programme development, stakeholder engagement and event operations, supporting their professional development and performance.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• Degree with 10 years of events management experience.
• The Senior Manager operates with a high degree of independence in event planning, operational management and delivery, with responsibility for translating strategic direction into successful outcomes.
• The role leads complex events from conceptualisation through execution and post-event follow-up and works closely with internal stakeholders, external partners, vendors, speakers and distinguished guests to ensure seamless delivery.
• The role requires strong expertise in event operations, programme development, technical production, stakeholder management, protocol, logistics, risk management and guest experience.
  
  

Other Information

Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary.