Manager of Special Events

**Position Title**: Manager of Special Events

**Department**: 1000|President's Office

**Responsibilities**:

Position Summary

The Manager of Special Events is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing high-profile events hosted by the President and Office of the President, as well as select University-wide events. The Manager works closely with the President, Chief of Staff, University leadership, campus partners, external constituents, and vendors to ensure events are professional, strategic, and reflective of the University’s mission and traditions. The position serves as a resource for University event planning, presidential protocol, and institutional traditions and requires exceptional organization, discretion, judgment, communication, and attention to detail.

Essential Responsibilities

* Plan and execute presidential receptions, dinners, recognition events, social events, and other engagements.
* Coordinate major University events, groundbreakings, dedications, memorial services, visiting dignitaries, and special ceremonies.
* Manage event logistics, including venues, catering, décor, audiovisual, security, parking, transportation, registration, photography, and event production.
* Develop event agendas, programs, timelines, budgets, run-of-show documents, scripts, invitations, and briefing materials.
* Serve as the primary event contact during setup and execution and develop contingency plans as needed.
* Advise the President’s Office and campus partners on presidential protocol, ceremonies, etiquette, seating, introductions, speaking order, dignitary engagement, and University traditions.
* Coordinate with University Advancement, Alumni Affairs, Student Affairs, Athletics/RCAF, academic colleges, Marketing and Communications, Facilities, Public Safety, and other campus partners.
* Manage event vendors, budgets, contracts, invoices, and other event-related resources in accordance with University policies.
* Maintain event calendars, guest lists, records, templates, protocols, and planning resources.
* Coordinate with Presidential Student Ambassadors and other student leaders for high-profile University events.
* Evaluate events and recommend improvements to processes, guest experience, and institutional impact.

**Qualifications:**

**Required Qualifications**

* Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
* Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in event planning, hospitality, protocol, communications, public relations, advancement, higher education, or a related field.
* Demonstrated experience managing complex events and multiple stakeholders.

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**

* Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
* Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
* Excellent judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under pressure.
* Strong knowledge of event planning, hospitality, protocol, and production.
* Experience managing vendors, budgets, contracts, and event logistics.
* Ability to build strong relationships with University leadership and internal and external constituents.
* Proficiency with event management technology and Microsoft Office.
* Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

**Job Ad#**(req4613)