Posting Details
Work experience or education that is NOT included on the application will NOT be considered when screening your application. Please include ALL work experience and education on the application to ensure that you receive the appropriate credit toward qualification for this position.
Position Summary Information
Classification Title University Program Specialist Working Title Research Events and Communications Coordinator Location Boone, NC Job Category 2 Position Number 080981 Not Eligible for Visa Sponsorship
VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S
Department Office of Research and Innovation- 282000 Primary Purpose of Position
The Research Events and Communications Coordinator position reports to the Research and Innovation Business Officer within the Management Department, and provides primary support for the planning, coordination, communication, and operational execution of broad stakeholder convenings, research development programs, and events across ORI. The position serves as a central coordinating role for campus-wide research and creative activity engagement initiatives, faculty development programming, student research events, and communications related to ORI activities and services.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
License/Certification Required Essential Job Functions
The Research Events and Communications Coordinator provides critical support for the coordination, communication, and execution of research development programming within the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). The position ensures that ORI-sponsored events, initiatives, and communications operate efficiently, professionally, and in alignment with the university's mission to advance research, scholarship, creative activity, and public impact.
Plan, organize, and execute major ORI events that promote faculty, staff, and student engagement in research and creative activity, including examples such as Student Research Day, Research and Creative Activities at App (ReCApp), and Research and Creative Activity Connections (ReCon).
Coordinate all logistical elements including venue reservations, catering, registration systems, scheduling, signage, materials, technology coordination, accessibility needs, and event communications.
Event-specific supply and equipment transport and set-up. This role will manage all logistical and practical aspects of day-of-execution including coordination with all collaborators, often including physically sourcing and setting up, operating, and breaking down event support needs. These needs will be event-specific, including e.g. venue preparation, inventory and storage, equipment logistics, registration processes, load and transport, food and beverage, facilitation supplies, A/V tech requirements.
Collaborate with ORI leadership and event leads to design programs that align with strategic priorities and enhance campus visibility of research and creative activity.
Coordinate with multiple campus and external units to ensure smooth event execution and alignment with university branding and accessibility standards.
Develop and maintain standardized event workflows, timelines, templates, and documentation for recurring ORI programs and events.
Manage event calendars and support coordination of faculty workshops, training programs, recognition events, and research engagement activities.
Assessment and inventory activities to maintain supplies and overall event-readiness
Support post-event assessment activities including attendance tracking, survey collection, reporting, and documentation of lessons learned and best practices.
Maintain and update ORI websites and digital communication platforms, in coordination with ORI leaders responsible for developing the content for their departmental communication needs, to ensure timely dissemination of program information, deadlines, and event details.
Develop and manage promotional and informational materials for ORI-sponsored events, including newsletters, flyers, presentations, social media content, and digital announcements.
Manage the dissemination of communication campaigns related to research engagement programming and strategic ORI initiatives.
Assist with development of consistent messaging, templates, and communication standards across ORI units.
Collaborate with University Communications and ORI Communications Liaison to help them in their role of storytelling and promoting major ORI initiatives and accomplishments.
Coordinate with R&I leadership division-wide and their delegates to maintain distribution lists, communication schedules, and outreach tracking systems for ORI initiatives.
Support events and communications-related administrative needs of the ORI Management Department through coordination of activities such as scheduling, purchasing, communication, and event-related operational processes.
Coordinate purchasing and payment processing related to ORI events and innovation programming activities in accordance with university procedures.
Assist with some travel coordination and reimbursement processing related to ORI-sponsored events and visitors.
Maintain records and documentation related to event planning, vendor coordination, communications materials, and operational procedures.
Minor financial responsibilities associated with event coordination, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and reconciliation.
Assist with development and implementation of standard operating procedures, templates, and process documentation to improve operational consistency and efficiency.
Represent ORI in university planning meetings and committees related to events, communications, and campus engagement initiatives.
Serve as a liaison between ORI and campus partners to facilitate coordination and resolve operational issues related to events and communications.
Provide responsive and professional communication support to faculty, staff, students, and external partners participating in ORI programming.
Assist faculty, staff, and campus partners with registration systems, event participation, and communication needs related to ORI initiatives.
Support onboarding and informational sessions related to ORI programs, events, and engagement opportunities.
Foster a service-oriented culture within ORI by proactively assisting campus stakeholders and ensuring accurate and timely information sharing.
Contribute to outreach initiatives that strengthen institutional awareness of research and creative activity opportunities and programs.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
The Research Events and Communications Coordinator serves as a key administrative and operational coordinator supporting research development programming, communications, and event management functions within the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). The role focuses primarily on the planning and execution of campus-wide events and initiatives that support faculty, staff, and student engagement in research and creative activity.
Primary responsibilities include coordinating logistics, communications, scheduling, registration systems, marketing materials, website updates, and operational workflows for ORI-sponsored events and initiatives. This position supports major recurring events such as Student Research Day, Research and Creative Activities at App (ReCApp), Research and Creative Activity Connections (ReCon), Idea-to-Impact Collider events, faculty workshops, proposal development activities, research recognition programs, and other strategic convenings sponsored by ORI.
Preferred Qualifications
Exceptional organizational, planning, and multitasking skills.
Strong written and interpersonal communication abilities.
Experience coordinating events, meetings, or large-scale programs involving multiple stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and follow-through in administrative and operational work.
Demonstrated customer-service orientation and professionalism when engaging with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
Ability to work collaboratively across diverse university units and functions.
Initiative in identifying operational improvements and implementing efficient processes.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, website content management systems, event registration platforms, and university administrative systems.
Experience with graphic design, marketing, or digital communication tools preferred.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive information.
Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties. Type of Position Permanent Full-Time Staff/Non-Faculty Staff/Non-Faculty Appointment Type 1.0 Work Schedule/Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with some flexibility. Some early, evening, and weekend work is required when holding special, ORI-sponsored events both on and off campus.
Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12 Mandatory Staff No Physical Demands of Position
Must be able to lift easels, signs, and boxes of supplies/materials for ORI-sponsored events.
Overall Competency Level Journey Salary Grade Equivalency Salary Range Anticipated Hiring Range $51,286 - $51,422
Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.
Posting Details Information
Posting Date 06/12/2026 Closing Date 06/28/2026 Competency Level Statement Management will only consider applicants who meet the required competencies. Special Instructions to Applicants
For consideration please provide the following:
List three references and contact information in the body of the application.
Search Chair Name Amanda Whittington Search Chair Email whittingtonar@appstate.edu Applicant Pool Preference External (Post on the Web)
Departmental Information
Quick Link https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/54713 Posting Number 201502989P
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