Events Manager College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies UTK

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) is seeking a motivated and highly organizedEvents Managerto play the primary role in bringing CECS events to life. This position offers the opportunity to manage high-profile programs and deliver well-executed events that support CECSs mission. This position reports to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations and will ensure all CECS events are professional engaging and consistently delivered with excellence.

The Events Manager is responsible for the full cycle of CECSs major events including Campus Catalyst Career Catalyst commencement award ceremonies Board of Visitors meetings and other College programs. From early planning through on-site execution and post-event follow-up this role manages all logistics timelines communications vendors and event operations to ensure each event is organized efficient and successful.

Working closely with CECS leadership the Events Manager translates ideas and priorities into memorable events by taking full responsibility of coordination communication and on-the-ground execution. This role is ideal for an experienced event professional who enjoys taking ownership thrives in a fast-paced and collaborative environment takes pride in delivering high-quality events that make a visible impact and has a passion for highlighting the innovative spirit of CECS.

College Event Management

• Provides full lifecycle management for all CECS events programs and meetings.
• Directs the vision planning execution and post-event evaluation of high-profile and mission-driven events that enhance the Colleges visibility and reputation.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for all CECS events:
  • Leads event communications in partnership with Marketing and Communications
  • Oversees logistics vendors speakers and guest experience
  • Coordinates staff participation across the College
• Maintains event calendars develops event playbooks establishes success metrics conducts post-event analysis (including budgets and feedback) and applies best practices to continuously improve event quality impact and efficiency.

CECS Support

• Provides consultation guidance and full lifecycle support for additional meetings and events as assigned by CECS leadership
• Collaborates closely with the Director of Student Engagement and Success to design and advance student engagement initiatives aligned with CECSs mission and strategic priorities
• Supports and advises events managed by the Student Success Coordinator including post-event evaluation and continuous improvements to strengthen student-focused programming

Strategic Planning Budget and Operational Oversight

• Participates in strategic decision-making for events by defining purpose audience scope logistics and alignment with the CECS strategic plan
• Develops manages and forecasts annual event budgets; ensures compliance with university fiscal and operational policies:
  • Oversees vendor selection contracting and payment processes
  • Manages awards recognition items and event inventory
• Proactively identifies challenges implements solutions and ensures events are delivered efficiently responsibly and in alignment with institutional standards

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors Degree in hospitality management or related field
• 5 years of experience in event facilities catering banquets or administration in the hospitality industry or higher education
• Familiarity with operations in a higher education environment
• Previous experience as a supervisor and leading members of a team

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic event planning and execution including management of complex high-visibility events with multiple stakeholders and audiences
• Proven ability to independently manage the full event lifecycle from concept development and planning through execution assessment and continuous improvement
• Advanced project management skills including timeline development prioritization risk mitigation and simultaneous management of multiple events
• Exceptional organizational and attention-to-detail skills with the ability to anticipate needs and resolve issues in real time
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including experience developing event scripts agendas programs and guest communications
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership faculty staff students external partners and vendors
• Demonstrated relationship-building skills with vendors campus partners and external stakeholders
• Ability to work independently exercise sound judgment and remain calm and solutions-oriented in fast-paced high-pressure environments
• Experience using event management tools and systems (e.g. calendaring RSVP tracking project management platforms and budget tracking tools
• Analytical skills to assess event effectiveness through metrics feedback and post-event evaluations and apply insights to improve future initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize new skills technologies and software as required

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of how events support institutional mission brand positioning and strategic goals within higher education
• Knowledge of university policies related to procurement contracts facilities travel and entertainment expenditures
• Experience developing managing and forecasting event budgets with a strong understanding of fiscal accountability compliance and vendor payment processes

Work Location

• Onsite at the University of Tennessee Knoxville

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: 10
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere
• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

Application Instructions:For full consideration interested individuals should provide a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required minimum qualification a resume and complete contact information for 3 professional references. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.