Manager, Special Events

Promote and enhance the visibility and reputation of Loyola Marymount University by leading the strategic planning execution and evaluation of high-impact special events that advance the goals of the University Advancement division.

Drive the successful planning and delivery of alumni volunteer leadership and donor engagement experiences by cultivating strong partnerships with University Advancement colleagues LMU staff and external partners. Support institutional fundraising priorities by advancing donor cultivation and stewardship strategies through high-impact events that strengthen relationships deepen engagement and contribute to long-term philanthropic support.

Champion a culture of continuous improvement by assessing event outcomes and supporting the refinement of departmental processes systems and best practices to effectively advance the Universitys mission and engagement objectives.

LMU believes that diversity and excellence go hand-in-hand therefore we seek to hire individuals who have a significant potential for cultural contribution in the workplace and a commitment to working effectively with colleagues and donors from diverse backgrounds.

*For full consideration please upload a cover letter and resume in the attachments section.*

Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities

Develop manage and execute a portfolio of high-profile events that enhance LMUs visibility reputation and engagement objectives. (85%)
Oversee all phases of event planning and execution for assigned events including strategic planning marketing coordination constituency engagement strategy budget management venue and vendor management risk mitigation program development staffing and volunteer coordination registration and guest management event execution and post-event evaluation.
Collaborate closely with University Advancement Marketing and Communications (AdvComm) campus partners and external vendors to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and brand standards.
Lead and participate in strategic planning sessions and post-event evaluations to assess performance measure outcomes against established goals and inform future event strategy.
Establish implement and maintain professional standards processes and procedures that ensure the successful delivery of events consistent with LMUs brand and reputation. (10%)
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Director of Special Events and the University Advancement division. (5%)

Loyola Marymount University Expectations
Exhibit behavior that supports the mission vision and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional responsible accountable and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.

Requisite Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in event planning and production including in-person and virtual events preferably within higher education or a similarly complex organization.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and oversee event staff volunteers vendors and cross-functional teams in a collaborative results-driven environment.

• Strong project management skills including the ability to manage multiple concurrent events from concept through execution while meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality outcomes.

• Proven ability to manage budgets timelines and competing priorities in fast-paced deadline-driven environments.

• Excellent interpersonal written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences and navigate complex stakeholder dynamics with professionalism and diplomacy.

• Highly developed judgment and decision-making skills with the ability to provide clear direction and resolve issues effectively.

• Knowledge of event marketing communications and social media strategies including familiarity with relevant tools and platforms.

• Proficiency in virtual event and meeting platforms (e.g. Zoom) and the ability to quickly learn new technologies.

• Working knowledge of the Los Angeles event market and established relationships with vendors preferred.

• Experience with university events and environments preferred.

• Demonstrated discretion in handling confidential information particularly when working with senior leaders dignitaries and high-profile donors.

• Proficiency in enterprise event and project management systems (e.g. Cvent Smartsheet Salesforce) and Microsoft Office applications.

• Special Instructions to Applicants

• Some evening and weekend hours are required.

• Some travel may be required (approximately 10%).

• Frequently stand walk sit and perform desk-based computer tasks.

• Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a California Non-commercial Class drivers license and operate a vehicle and golf cart.

Required Education
A bachelors degree industry-related certification (e.g. CMP or CSEP) and/or equivalent experience in event planning public relations or a related field. Incumbent is expected to maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills to remain current with industry standards and university policies.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required of this position.

Reasonable Expected Salary:
$72100 - 75000/annually
Salary offer commensurate with education and experience.

#HERC# #HEJ#

Staff Regular

Salary range

$61800.00 - $77300.00 Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Loyola Marymount University a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence the education of the whole person and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being life experience and beliefs to apply. (Visit for more information.)

LMU is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities and ensuring a comprehensive recruitment and selection process for all applicants.

Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the application interview or selection process may contact Human Resources at or by phone at . Applicants who use relay services or other assistive communication technologies are welcome to utilize those services when contacting Human Resources.

When contacting Human Resources please include the job posting number title of the position and department for which you are applying. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of a disability or provide medical information when requesting an accommodation during the recruitment process.

LMU will work with applicants in a timely and interactive process to identify and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable federal and state law.