| Location | Knoxville, TN |
| Salary | $58,000–$60,000 Per Year |
The Special Events Manager plays a critical role in the development of major programs and special events from enrollment to commencement and beyond for the Division of Student Success and the Office of the Provost. The Manager leads the coordination and planning of high-impact programming initiatives for the Division, including recruitment initiatives, alumni and donor engagement, engagement of special populations, and signature stakeholder experiences hosted through the Senior Vice Provost Office.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's Degree
Experience:
3 years of experience working in the area of 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.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
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
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master's Degree
Hospitality, Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or Student Affairs related from an accredited institution
Experience:
Certified Special Events Professional preferred;
5-8 years experience working in event planning, alumni engagement, or advancement;
Management of high profile events on a college campus;
Experience with relevant technology programs (CRM, Survey software, etc.)
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Specialized knowledge of hospitality and event best practices
Work Location
Location: Knoxville, TN
Onsite
Compensation and Benefits
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted.
Resume
Cover Letter
Event Planning & Program Development
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Programming, the Special Events Manager will lead in the oversight of all aspects of event and special program development (receptions, donor engagement, professional development series, speakers, recruitment programs, etc) for the Division of Student Success, including an expansive portfolio of high-profile, high-visibility events and cross-divisional partnerships.
The manager will be the primary point of contact for divisional programs and signature events in partnership with collaborative units in engaging alumni, prospective families, VIP guests, and other stakeholders.
The incumbent will work with campus partners (Office of the Chancellor, Student Life, Athletics, UTPD, etc.) to develop programs for special populations and strategic initiatives, and will manage all stages of the event planning process, including program development, vendor relationships, communication, staff oversight, and day-of execution.
The manager is responsible for appropriately navigating and planning for VIP protocol, reputational risk management, safety planning, accessibility, confidentiality, and complex vendor management in all events and programs.
Leadership & Collaboration
Supervision
Assessment, Data, & Technology
Office Responsibilities
Other Duties as Assigned
Event Planning & Program Development
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Programming, the Special Events Manager will lead in the oversight of all aspects of event and special program development (receptions, donor engagement, professional development series, speakers, recruitment programs, etc) for the Division of Student Success, including an expansive portfolio of high-profile, high-visibility events and cross-divisional partnerships.
The manager will be the primary point of contact for divisional programs and signature events in partnership with collaborative units in engaging alumni, prospective families, VIP guests, and other stakeholders.
The incumbent will work with campus partners (Office of the Chancellor, Student Life, Athletics, UTPD, etc.) to develop programs for special populations and strategic initiatives, and will manage all stages of the event planning process, including program development, vendor relationships, communication, staff oversight, and day-of execution.
The manager is responsible for appropriately navigating and planning for VIP protocol, reputational risk management, safety planning, accessibility, confidentiality, and complex vendor management in all events and programs.
Leadership & Collaboration
Supervision
Assessment, Data, & Technology
Office Responsibilities
Other Duties as Assigned