Organization's Summary Statement:

xFoundry is seeking an experienced, highly dependable Program Coordinator to take ownership of several important workstreams across our programs and events.

The primary focus during this contract will be supporting the planning and execution of the April 2027 NEXPLORE summit. This person will own defined areas of event coordination, including speaker and guest logistics, venue and contract management, information tracking, follow-up, and the preparation of event communications and materials.

Beyond NEXPLORE, the coordinator will support related program and communications projects to support program growth. This includes coordinating additional partner-facing events, drafting practical content, updating existing materials, and keeping time-sensitive projects organized.

This is a hands-on execution role for someone experienced with a fast-moving workplace who can take responsibility for an assignment, exercise good judgment, and carry it through to completion.

About xFoundry

Founded at the University of Maryland, College Park, xFoundry is a novel, timely, and groundbreaking initiative that turns universities into solution engines for higher education in the age of AI. xFoundry runs experiential innovation programs that connect university students to real-world problem solving, entrepreneurship, and industry-backed challenges. Grounded in multidisciplinary collaboration, xFoundry launches students with a passion for technology, entrepreneurship, the arts, athletics, and science (TEAMS) into the market with over a year of experience designed for the next generation of the workforce. xfoundry.org

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland catalyzes high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the 21st century Grand Challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, accelerating entrepreneurship, and transforming research and learning activities into innovations that benefit millions.

Primary responsibilities

NEXPLORE summit coordination

• Oversee all event logistics, details, deadlines, and coordination

• Own and maintain accurate speaker, guest, partner, and attendee trackers

• Coordinate invitations, confirmations, scheduling, pre-event meetings, and follow-up

• Gather speaker information, biographies, headshots, presentation materials, and logistical requirements

• Coordinate speaker travel details as needed

• Serve as a day-to-day liaison among internal team members, speakers, partners, vendors, and the event-production team for assigned workstreams

• Identify missing information or potential problems and follow through until they are resolved

• White glove communication and partner asset preparation

• Support onsite execution during the week of April 5, 2027

Marketing and communications support

• Coordinate selected meetings, dinners, partner engagements, student-facing events and smaller program events

• Draft straightforward, elegant, clear, and on-brand content such as emails, invitations, event descriptions, agendas, speaker materials, and program updates

• Support the Programs team on student outreach and engagement efforts and materials

• Create or update presentations, flyers, one-pagers, and other materials using established templates

• Make basic content updates to existing webpages and other digital materials

• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 6 years of professional workplace experience

• Demonstrated experience coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills

• Proficiency with standard workplace and collaboration tools

Additional Information:

1. UMD will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future. This position can not support a F1 STEM OPT.

2. Location: Preferred in DC, Maryland, Virginia, or the Northeast corridor

3. Type: 6-month contract, Full-time

4. Available to be occasionally onsite (Washington, D.C. metro area), leading up to and for the event (week of April 5, 2027)

Required Application Materials:

1. Resume

2. Brief cover letter explaining your interest and relevant experience

3. Two references (names and contact information)

4. One or two examples of relevant communications or event materials you have created or coordinated

5. Applicants may also submit an optional video of up to 90 seconds responding to the following questions:

• What type of work are you especially good at owning from beginning to end?

• How do you keep a project moving when you are waiting on information from multiple people?

• What interests you about xFoundry and NEXPLORE? 

Best Consideration Date:

09.24.2026

Posting Close Date:

NA

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Physical Demands:
This position requires extended periods of sitting, standing, or walking, as well as occasional bending, reaching, and lifting or carrying event materials weighing up to 30 pounds.

Preferences:

Skills and abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail, consistency, and clarity, particularly when handling names, dates, schedules, and externally distributed materials

• Experience leading corporate events or external-facing, large-scale programs

• Experience supporting external-facing communications, messaging, and events

• Confidence in efficient, persistent follow-up and problem-solving on the spot

• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Graphic or web design experience a plus

• Start-up or established entrepreneurial experience a plus

Licenses/ Certifications:

CMP, CMES or other certification preferred

Other:

About the NEXPLORE Summit

NEXPLORE is xFoundry’s annual, national convening of industry, academia, the public sector, startup, and investment communities to explore bold ideas and scale the multidisciplinary model that powers xFoundry at universities across the country. The 2-day event features over 50 speakers, marquee names, industry leaders, visionaries, and a curated executive audience of 400+ alongside student teams working to define and solve society’s grand challenges. xfoundry.org/nexplore