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Riley Sullivan

@rileysullivan

Message

I lead complex university events from strategy and budgeting through flawless execution.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead complex events and event operations, bringing together stakeholders, vendors, technology, budgets, and logistics to deliver high-quality attendee experiences.

At MIT Alumni Association, I lead end-to-end planning for 50+ events annually, including the MIT Alumni Leadership Conference. I manage $400,000+ in expenses, registration, venues, AV, executive briefings, and post-event analysis, helping achieve a 90% attendee satisfaction rate.

I've also delivered in-person, hybrid, and virtual programs at Stanford GSB and led event operations at UNLV, where I supervised staff, managed budgets, and oversaw a $100,000 AV upgrade. I build practical workflows and bring teams, vendors, and technology together for seamless event experiences.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Associate Director of Events

Current

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nov 2022 - Present (3 years 10 months)

Designed and implemented standardized event planning templates and operational workflows, improving team efficiency across 200+ annual events. Lead end-to-end event planning for the annual MIT Alumni Leadership Conference, including budget tracking, venue sourcing, and post-event debriefs.

Event Planning Budget Management Vendor Management Cvent Encompass Executive Briefings Stakeholder Collaboration

Assistant Director for Event Operation

Stanford University

Jan 2020 - Nov 2022 (2 years 10 months)

Planned and executed in-person, hybrid, and virtual events for the Stanford GSB, including high-profile speaker series and academic conferences. Initiated and led stakeholder meetings to establish needs, format, and budget for events.

Event Planning Virtual Events Zoom Stakeholder Management Registration Logistics

Event Operations Manager

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Dec 2017 - Jan 2020 (2 years 1 month)

Supervised training and development of two full-time staff and 50 student employees. Oversaw event operations budget and coordinated vendor rentals for events.

Staff Supervision Budget Management Vendor coordination 25Live Kinetic Software Social Tables Risk Management

Event Operations Coordinator

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Jul 2015 - Dec 2017 (2 years 5 months)

Hired, trained, and supervised 30 student employees to execute client and event needs. Managed equipment inventory and participated in pre-event planning meetings.

Corporate Trainer Event Setup Inventory Management Stakeholder Communication

Building Supervisor

University of the Pacific

May 2015 - Jul 2015 (2 months)

Assisted clients with finalizing event logistics and served as facility liaison with outside vendors. Updated and developed building policies and procedures.

Event Logistics Vendor Management Policy Development Social Tables

Graduate Assistant for Student Leadership & Involvement

University of the Pacific

Aug 2014 - May 2015 (9 months)

Supervised 18 student employees and supported implementation of large-scale campus-wide programs. Managed student employment recruitment process for the Division of Student Life.

Student supervision Program Implementation Recruitment Event Coordination