Event Planner And Communication Specialist

Department

Office of the President

Job Posting Title

Event Planner and Communication Specialist

Job Description

The Event Planner and Communication Specialist provides support to the Office of the President. Duties include coordination of all aspects of events sponsored by the Office of the President and/or university-wide events; serves as the president's campus and community liaison; manages the president's written communications. This position reports directly to the President. The ideal candidate will possess excellent time management skills, strong verbal communication abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple projects independently.

Minimum Qualifications:

• This position requires a bachelor's degree in Communications, Hospitality Management, Public Relations, or a related field. Four years of experience, particularly in the development, coordination, and dissemination of a communications program, as well as in an organizational leadership role, may be accepted in lieu of the educational requirement.
• Three years of related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the leadership of event planning
• Attention to detail
• Outstanding written communication skills
• Experience in using Excel, Microsoft Word, Adobe Creative Suite

Appointment Date: December 1, 2025

Priority Deadline: November 2, 2025. Review of applications will begin after the priority deadline and continue until the position has been filled.

Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and coordinate events sponsored by the Office of the President, assist with University-wide annual or special events such as dinners at the president's house, President's Club Gala, the University Holiday Party, etc. Estimated number of guests included in coordinated events can range from 5 to 300.
• Determine appropriate venue for event and manage all details: décor, catering, entertainment, transportation, guest lists, equipment, and printed materials
• Partner with University Communications to develop and implement marketing strategies and materials to support events and initiatives.
• Liaises with other university units regarding event protocol
• Assist in visits of dignitaries and other special groups
• Attend events hosted by the president to proactively handle issues and troubleshoot emerging problems at the event. Events may be scheduled on weekends and evenings.
• Manages hospitality office budget.
• Manage written communication: business letters, reference letters, award nominations, acknowledgement for outstanding achievement, etc.
• Serve on university committees and task forces
• Oversee scholarships administered by the president's office
• Serve as advisor and mentor for approximately 20 VIP Student Ambassadors
• Work collaboratively and independently to continuously improve outcomes and experiences

Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Required Application Documents: Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references.

Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:

Name: Laurie Larrick

Email: lelarrick@fhsu.edu

Phone: (785) 628-4175

Community of Hays

FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.

Notice of Non-discrimination - Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.