Temporary Advancement Events Specialist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Washington's College of Built Environments has an exciting opening for an Advancement Events Specialist. This is a full-time, temporary position with an appointment through June 30, 2027. The Advancement Events Specialist plans and executes a wide range of events that engage alumni, donors, volunteers, industry partners, and friends of the College of Built Environments. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Development, College of Built Environments, this role oversees all aspects of event management, from planning and logistics to onsite execution and post-event evaluation, while partnering closely with college leadership and other key stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring strong project management, customer service, and relationship-building skills to deliver high-quality events that strengthen engagement with the College and the University of Washington.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree AND two years of experience in event management, marketing/communications, advancement, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience planning and executing events from start to finish, including logistics, vendor management, registration, communications, and onsite event support.
Experience managing multiple events or projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
Strong customer service and relationship management skills, with experience partnering with diverse stakeholders, clients, vendors, sponsors, donors, volunteers, or senior leaders.
Experience supporting events of varying size and complexity, from small meetings and receptions to larger engagement programs and special events.
Experience using event registration, invitation, or email marketing platforms such as Cvent, Marketo, or similar tools.
Experience creating event communications and promotional materials, including invitations, presentations, signage, or digital content.
Proficiency with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver a variety of in-person and hybrid events that engage alumni, donors, industry partners, volunteers, and other members of the College community.
Manage events from start to finish, including timelines, budgets, registration, guest communications, venue coordination, and event logistics.
Develop and coordinate event communications and materials, including invitations, registration pages, programs, signage, surveys, and other attendee-facing resources.
Coordinate with vendors and service providers, including caterers, venues, rental companies, photographers, and other event partners.
Lead onsite event execution, including setup and teardown, registration, audiovisual coordination, volunteer support, and troubleshooting to ensure a positive attendee experience.
Partner with college leadership, faculty, and colleagues across the College to develop event content, schedules, and speaker materials.
Maintain event information and registration platforms, provide event updates to stakeholders, and evaluate event outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement.
Collaborate with colleagues across the College, University, and broader community to support engagement efforts and coordinate event opportunities.
Connect faculty and college leadership with speaking engagements and other event participation opportunities.
Help ensure consistent event planning practices, timelines, and high-quality guest experiences across College and University events.
Represent the College on committees, task forces, and working groups as needed.
Stay informed on University event policies and help ensure events are planned and executed in accordance with established guidelines.
Collaborate with event professionals across campus to support university-wide initiatives and share best practices.