Assistant Director of University Events

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 09/17/2026. Position Summary: The Assistant Director of University Events plays an integral role in creating meaningful experiences that bring the University of Northern Colorado community together and strengthen connections with alumni, donors, community partners, and other key audiences. As a member of University Advancement’s events team, this position helps plan and deliver high-profile events that celebrate UNC, advance institutional priorities, and leave a lasting impression on those we serve. Working alongside the Director of University Events, the Assistant Director manages a diverse portfolio of events and special projects—from signature campus celebrations and presidential events to alumni, donor, and community programs held across Colorado and nationally. The role combines creative event planning with thoughtful strategy, strong project management, and exceptional hospitality to ensure each experience reflects UNC’s brand and supports the university’s broader goals. The Assistant Director oversees events from concept through execution, including logistics, communication, budgets, vendor coordination, constituent engagement, and post-event evaluation. The position also supervises student staff and collaborates closely with colleagues across University Advancement and throughout UNC, as well as with alumni, donors, volunteers, vendors, and community partners. This is an opportunity for an experienced event professional who enjoys turning big ideas into memorable experiences, thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, and takes pride in the details that make people feel welcomed and valued. With events taking place on campus, throughout Colorado, nationally, and online, the Assistant Director will have the opportunity to represent UNC through experiences that build relationships, inspire engagement, and advance the university’s mission. Job Duties: 40% Event Leadership and Management – Manage a portfolio of assigned in-person and virtual events, as well as staff all university events with an aim to enhance brand awareness and accelerate levels of engagement. *Must be willing to work evenings and weekends* -For all assigned events, serve as the project manager with responsibility for event strategy, venue selection, timelines, budgets, catering, logistics, hospitality, décor, programming, registration, communications, technology, vendor management and assessment -For all assigned events, ensure accurate and complete event and constituent records, to include managing and maintaining registration and participation lists and tracking of pre-and post-event communication -For all assigned events, ensure completed event budgets, accurate financial records, and full compliance with all university, state, and foundation accounting and purchasing policies -For all assigned events, coordinate delivery of event support and effort across advancement, conference services, facilities, procurement and other administrative units -Coordinate guest hospitality services for all university events including guest correspondence, reservation support, event preparation, check-in protocols, and guest material and nametag printing -Ensure all university events are executed at the highest level. This includes being present before, during, and after each event held both on and off campus -Manage and maintain event supplies and orders to ensure operational success of all events hosted by the division 20% Event Operations and Strategic Planning – Provides operational leadership for the university events program by developing processes, evaluating outcomes, and implementing standards that support efficient and effective event execution. -Assist the Director in establishing and implementing event standards, policies, procedures and best practices -Develop and maintain event management systems, project timelines, operational workflows and assessment processes -Analyze participation, engagement, and satisfaction data to evaluate effectiveness and recommend improvements -Contribute to annual event planning, prioritization and resource allocation decisions -Serve as a departmental resource regarding event planning, hospitality, and university event protocols 15% Budget and Administrative Management – Manages assigned financial and administrative resources to ensure fiscal responsibility, operational effectiveness, and compliance with university, foundation and state policies. -Develop, manage, and reconcile assigned event budgets -Monitor expenditures and revenues to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with university, foundation and state policies -Assist the Director with budget forecasting, resource planning, and financial reporting -Review contracts, purchasing requests, and vendor agreements for compliance and operational effectiveness 15% Event Communications and Constituent Engagement – Develops and coordinates event communications, guest services, and constituent engagement efforts that promote participation and enhance the overall event experience. -In collaboration with advancement and campus colleagues, create and execute event marketing plans that attract constituent interest and participation, to include planning website, phone, social, print and other communication outreach activities -Coordinate event registration, guest management, and hospitality services -Coordinate and edit event listings published to online calendar, internal calendars, websites, social media and other communication channels to ensure optimal awareness of events among internal and external constituents -Manage event related public email accounts with timeline and responsive customer service -Respond to and resolve constituent requests for assistance, which may include event registration, general correspondence, referrals to other university offices, and other ad hoc requests -Maintain positive relationships with alumni, donors, community partners, volunteers, vendors and university leadership 10%Student Staff, Volunteer Management and Departmental Leadership – Provides leadership and oversight for student staff and event volunteers while supporting departmental operations and ensuring successful execution of university events. -Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate the University Events Student Assistant. -Delegate assignments and provide mentorship to the Student Assistant -Develop and coordinate volunteer engagement opportunities that support university events and institutional priorities -Recruit, train, schedule and steward event volunteers to expand event capacity and enhance the constituent experience -Coordinate volunteer engagement with advancement colleagues and campus partners to ensure volunteers have a meaningful interaction and experience acting in support of an event -Track volunteer participation and engagement in accordance with university advancement protocols -Serve as departmental lead when delegated by the director Minimum Qualifications: -Bachelor’s degree required -Preferred educational emphasis includes business administration, communication, hospitality, marketing, tourism, or a related field of study. -Two years of direct event planning and management experience preferred, with a broad understanding and proven history of hospitality, stewardship and volunteer management and communication techniques. Abilities: -Outstanding organizational, customer service and project management skills -Ability to prioritize work, work independently and within a team, and anticipate the needs of all special events. -Proficient in Microsoft Office, Windows -Above average communication skills, writing and proof reading, telephone and speaking skills -Knowledge and experience with Raiser’s Edge are desired -Available to work weekends and evenings -Available to travel as needed -Able to carry events supplies -Able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds -Ability to manage several projects simultaneously -Ability to prioritize workload -Ability to exercise good judgment when dealing with confidential information and interaction with donors, community and business leadership.