Special Events Manager - Division of Student Success Strategic Programming - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, IA

6d • $58,000 - $60,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Events Manager develops and coordinates major programs and special events for the Division of Student Success and the Office of the Provost, supporting experiences from enrollment through commencement and beyond. The role leads high-impact programming initiatives, including recruitment, alumni and donor engagement, engagement of special populations, and signature stakeholder experiences hosted through the Senior Vice Provost Office.

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Programming, the Manager oversees all aspects of event and special-program development, including receptions, donor engagement, professional development series, speakers, and recruitment programs. The position serves as a primary contact for divisional programs and signature events in partnership with collaborative units, engaging alumni, prospective families, VIP guests, and other stakeholders. The Manager works with campus partners to develop programs for special populations and strategic initiatives and manages the full event-planning process, including program development, vendor relationships, communications, staff oversight, and day-of execution. The role also plans for VIP protocol, reputational risk, safety, accessibility, confidentiality, and complex vendor needs.

The Manager represents the Division in university-wide programming partnerships, leads Senior Vice Provost signature events and hospitality protocol, and supervises student interns while indirectly supervising a student leader group. The position contributes to recruitment and selection of professional and student staff, assesses programs and publications, participates in program review, identifies improvement opportunities, supports print and online publications, and contributes to shared office programming and committee work.

This is an onsite position in Knoxville, Tennessee. The anticipated hiring range is $58,000–$60,000. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States full-time without current or future need for employment-based visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three years of experience working in campus event planning, alumni engagement, advancement, or high-profile event planning.
• Experience coordinating major events with university administrators, organizational leaders, and high-profile guests.
• Direct experience coordinating complex partnership events for diverse audiences.
• Event-planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Proven superior work ethic.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professional confidentiality.
• Commitment to the educational development of students.
• Ability to relate effectively with students, parents, alumni, organizational leaders, and other University partners as a representative of the Division.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without current or future need for employment-based visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Hospitality, Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or a related Student Affairs field from an accredited institution.
• Certified Special Events Professional certification.
• Five to eight years of experience working in event planning, alumni engagement, or advancement.
• Experience managing high-profile events on a college campus.
• Experience with relevant technology programs, such as CRM and survey software.
• Specialized knowledge of hospitality and event best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead oversight of event and special-program development for the Division of Student Success, including receptions, donor engagement, professional development series, speakers, and recruitment programs.
• Serve as the primary contact for divisional programs and signature events in partnership with collaborative units, engaging alumni, prospective families, VIP guests, and other stakeholders.
• Work with campus partners to develop programs for special populations and strategic initiatives.
• Manage all stages of event planning, including program development, vendor relationships, communications, staff oversight, and day-of execution.
• Plan for VIP protocol, reputational risk management, safety, accessibility, confidentiality, and complex vendor management.
• Represent programming and partner in leading event strategy for Elite Honors Recruitment committees.
• Lead Senior Vice Provost signature events, stakeholder experiences, and hospitality protocol for the Division.
• Collaborate across the Division and University and serve as a liaison with campus partners.
• Supervise student interns and indirectly supervise a student leader group.
• Assist with recruitment and selection of professional and student staff.
• Conduct assessment and data analysis of office programs and publications.
• Participate in self-study and program review with peer and aspirational institutions.
• Work with the team to identify trends and recommend improvements to programs, publications, and event scheduling software.
• Contribute to print and online publications and the website in collaboration with the Division.
• Contribute to shared program development and committee work, including materials management, program assessment and data analysis, searches, professional development, and programming expansion.
• Attend meetings and trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Career development and coaching.
• Continued education.
• Development and training opportunities.
• Work-life balance and compensation are among the university’s stated employee values.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level