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

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Events Manager develops and coordinates major programs and special events from enrollment through commencement and beyond for the Division of Student Success and the Office of the Provost. 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 event and special program development across a broad portfolio of high-profile events and cross-divisional partnerships. The Manager serves as the primary contact for divisional programs and signature events, working with campus partners and collaborative units to engage alumni, prospective families, VIP guests, and other stakeholders. The role manages all stages of planning and execution, including program development, vendor relationships, communications, staff oversight, and day-of execution, while addressing VIP protocol, reputational risk, safety, accessibility, confidentiality, and complex vendor needs. The Manager represents the Division in cross-campus programming and event strategy, leads Senior Vice Provost signature events and hospitality protocol, and supervises student interns, with indirect supervision of a student leader group. The position also contributes to assessment, data analysis, publications, website content, program review, office-wide program development, and committee work. The position is onsite in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 3 years of experience 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 requiring now or future sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Hospitality, Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, Student Affairs, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Certified Special Events Professional certification.
5–8 years of experience 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 point of contact for divisional programs and signature events in partnership with collaborative units, engaging alumni, prospective families, VIP guests, and other stakeholders.
Partner with campus units, including the Office of the Chancellor, Student Life, Athletics, and UTPD, 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 the Programming function 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 website content in collaboration with the Division.
Contribute to shared program development and office committee work, including materials management, program assessment and data analysis, student and staff searches, professional development, and programming expansion.
Attend all meetings and trainings.
Perform other duties as assigned.