Agency

Department

PURPOSE

The Marketing and Events Manager serves as the primary marketing, communications, project management, and event planning resource for the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs. This position leads strategic communications, oversees divisional marketing initiatives, and manages high-profile Academic Affairs events, including university commencement ceremonies.

Working collaboratively with colleges, academic units, University Marketing and Communications, and campus leadership, the position ensures consistent messaging, brand alignment, and operational excellence across the Academic Affairs division. The manager provides guidance and coordination to support effective communications, event planning, and shares best practices throughout the division.

DESCRIPTION

Functional Area 1: Event Planning and Project Management

Percent Effort: 45%

• Lead planning and execution of all university commencement ceremonies, including project management, logistics, vendor coordination, communications, website updates, ceremony materials, scripts, scheduling, and stakeholder coordination.

• Serve as project manager for major Academic Affairs initiatives and events, including Promotion and Tenure recognition, faculty awards, receptions, student success events, and other special programs.

• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and implementation strategies to ensure successful execution of divisional initiatives.

• Coordinate planning meetings and collaborate with campus partners to manage event logistics and operational requirements.

• Partner with the Business Manager to develop and monitor event budgets and expenditures.

• Evaluate event outcomes and implement continuous improvements to enhance future programs.

• Provide consultation and guidance to college administrative staff on event planning, university protocols, and operational standards.

Functional Area 2: Marketing and Communications

Percent Effort: 35%

• Develop and implement integrated marketing and communication strategies that promote Academic Affairs initiatives, programs, and events.

• Serve as the primary communications resource for the Office of the Provost by preparing executive correspondence, presentations, reports, newsletters, announcements, and other communications.

• Coordinate divisional communications to ensure consistent messaging across colleges, departments, faculty, staff, students, and external audiences.

• Collaborate with University Marketing and Communications to ensure compliance with institutional branding, editorial standards, accessibility requirements, and strategic priorities.

• Manage Academic Affairs websites, ensuring content remains accurate, current, accessible, and aligned with university standards.

• Create and maintain communication calendars, faculty listservs, digital content, and marketing materials supporting divisional priorities.

• Develop and administer surveys and assessments to support planning, communication effectiveness, and continuous improvement.

• Review and provide guidance on marketing, promotional materials, and communication initiatives developed throughout Academic Affairs.

Functional Area 3: Leadership and Collaboration

Percent Effort: 20%

• Serve as a liaison between the Office of the Provost and colleges, academic units, and university departments to strengthen collaboration and information sharing.

• Supervise communications and event staff, including assigning work, establishing priorities, providing coaching, and conducting performance evaluations.

• Provide functional leadership and guidance to college administrative personnel to promote consistent communication and event management practices.

• Recruit, train, and supervise staff and student workers supporting commencement and major events.

• Build collaborative relationships with university partners, including Registrar, Student Success, Institutional Advancement, Enrollment Management, the President's Office, the University Center, and other administrative units.

• Represent Academic Affairs on university committees, task forces, and special projects as assigned.

• Coordinate employee recognition and engagement initiatives within the division.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field.

• Five (5) years of experience in marketing, communications, project management, event management, or a related field.

• Additional education may be considered as a substitute for the minimum experience requirements:

  • Master’s degree in applicable field and three (3) years of experience in marketing, communications, project management, event management, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale events and multiple concurrent projects.

• Experience developing marketing and communication strategies across multiple platforms.

• Experience supervising employees or leading cross-functional teams.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.

• Ability to build collaborative relationships across a complex organization.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of university events.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, or Business Administration.

• Experience in higher education.

• Experience leading commencement ceremonies or other large-scale institutional events.

• Experience with website content management systems, project management software, and survey platforms.

• Experience working collaboratively across multiple colleges or divisions.

• Conversational Spanish proficiency.

SALARY:  Up to $5,833.34 Monthly (Up to $70,000.80 Annually, Approximately)

• Commensurate with experience and qualifications

NOTE: Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

INSURANCE:

• Medical

  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).

  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:

    • Employee and Spouse

    • Employee and Children

    • Employee and Family coverage

• Dental & Vision

• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Public Loan Forgiveness

• Book scholarships

• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.

• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.

• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.

• 12-15 paid holidays each year.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.