Manager of Research Events and Facilities

Position Title: Manager of Research Events and Facilities

Department : 5000|VP Research

Responsibilities

The Office of Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development at UL seeks the Manager of Research Events and Facilities, who will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of research-related events while ensuring research facilities' optimal management and functionality. This role involves collaborating with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to foster a supportive environment for innovation and knowledge sharing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in event management and facilities operations and an understanding of the research environment.

Job Duties

Event Management:

• Plan, organize, and execute research-related events, including conferences, seminars, workshops, and symposia.
• Collaborate with researchers, faculty, and institutional leaders to design engaging programs and schedules.
• Manage event budgets, logistics, and vendor relations to ensure high-quality execution within resource constraints.
• Coordinate promotional activities for events, including outreach to internal and external audiences.
  
  

Monitor and evaluate event success through feedback and data analysis to improve future events.

Facilities Management

• Serve as a tenant liaison for the University’s research facilities such as LITE, among others.
• Oversee and coordinate the safe, secure, and environmentally-sound operations and maintenance of the LITE building in a cost-effective manner aimed at long-term preservation of the asset value, including management of building rental agreements, required approvals and maintenance/security needs. Ensure maintenance and general building needs are met. Oversee activities of research, innovation, education, and outreach events and activities held at LITE; monitor to ensure compliance with policies and approved procedures.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of research facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of researchers and staff.
• Coordinate maintenance, upgrades, and repairs of equipment and infrastructure in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Implement policies and procedures to ensure safety, compliance, and optimal use of research spaces.
• Develop and manage a system for reserving and utilizing research spaces effectively.
• Liaise with technical teams to ensure that facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources.
  
  

Collaboration And Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all research events and facility-related inquiries.
• Foster partnerships with external organizations to support and enhance research initiatives.
• Lead and mentor a small team or work collaboratively with other teams to achieve goals.
• Identify and implement strategies to increase the visibility and impact of research programs.
  
  

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) is in a region known for incredible food, music, hospitality, and joie de vivre — an exuberant enjoyment of life. Located in the heart of Cajun and Creole country, you will find this rich heritage celebrated within our traditions and day-to-day life.

What you will find also is a Carnegie R1 Top-Tier Research University with multi-year, multi-million-dollar strategic partnerships with federal agencies, state agencies, and industry. Only about 3% of the nation's colleges and universities have R1 status, which is synonymous with academic excellence, research, innovation, and global impact. As of 2023, R&D has topped more than $200 million dollars for the first time, more than triple expenditures in 2013. The National Science Foundation recently ranked UL Lafayette in the Top 7 Universities in the US for industry-funded research.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in event planning, facilities management, or research administration.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge, Etc.

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency with event planning tools, facility management software, and general office applications.
• Knowledge of compliance standards and safety regulations in research facilities is a plus.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Keen attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
  
  

Job Ad# (req4132)