Events Manager

Columbia College • Chicago, IL

363d

About The Position

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop. Columbia College Chicago a private urban institution of over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for an Events Manager. Reporting to the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, the Events Manager is a key member of the Development and Alumni Relations team responsible for planning, organizing, and executing a variety of events to support the college's engagement and fundraising goals. This position focuses on enhancing relationships with donors, alumni, and other external stakeholders through high-quality events, including the annual Gala, presidential events, donor events and alumni engagement activities. The Events Manager also organizes annual employee events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in event management, communications, marketing or a related field preferred.
• Minimum five years of event planning or event marketing experience required.
• Prior experience in higher education setting preferred.
• Experience in fundraising and donor relations a plus.
• Budget management and negotiation skills.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple events and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Creative problem-solving abilities, with keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience supervising/leading teams.
• Occasional travel is required for regional and national events.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
• Proficiency in event management software and tools.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Passion for the arts and education, with a strong alignment with the college's mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute the college's signature events, including the annual Gala, donor, alumni events, and employee events such as the annual new hire welcome, staff service award celebration and college-wide holiday party.
• Develop innovative event concepts and formats to create memorable and impactful experiences.
• Lead all event planning and production meetings and discussions.
• Develop annual calendar of events and submit an annual budget proposal.
• Manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources. Submit vendor contracts for review and manage vendor payments.
• Collaborate with the President's Office, Development and Alumni Relations team, Human Resources, and other college stakeholders to develop events supporting the college's strategic plan.
• Manage event logistics, including venue selection, catering, entertainment, transportation, guest accommodations.
• In partnership with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, organize and manage the invitation, registration, and attendee check-in process.
• Coordinate the logistics of shipping supplies, event setup, and travel to the event location if needed.
• Manage event program design, employee certificates, and order service award gifts for employees.
• Coordinate venue layout and arrange for technical support for events as necessary.
• Coordinate marketing and communication efforts to promote events and maximize attendance.
• Oversee event-related contracts and agreements, ensuring compliance with college policies and legal requirements.
• Provide on-site management during events, ensuring smooth operations and handling any issues.
• May hire, train, and supervise student workers to provide event support.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to assess success and identify areas for improvement.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Commuter benefit program.
• Life and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage.
• Paid and unpaid leave options.
• Work/life benefits.
• Educational assistance programs.
• Retirement and financial planning benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree