Special Events Project Manager

University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35-hour work week

Flexible working model

Paid parental leave

Health and wellbeing services

Salary packaging options

Job summary

The University of Sydney invites applications for a Special Events Project Manager within the Alumni and Supporter Experience team. You will provide strategic project management, leadership and delivery across engagement, cultivation, stewardship and community-focused events, with the Community Festival as the flagship project.

You will lead and contribute to a range of initiatives, building strong stakeholder relationships and ensuring high standards in planning, risk management and delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience coordinating delivery of a broad range of events, including high‑profile activities.
• Confident stakeholder management with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Advanced verbal and written communication with keen attention to detail.
• Previous project management and administration experience.
• Ability to think critically and resolve complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic project management and leadership across events and special projects.
• Oversee the Community Festival as the flagship project and primary focus.
• Lead and contribute to other event initiatives throughout the year.
• Offer specialist advice on engagement, cultivation and stewardship activities.

Skills

Event coordination

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Project management

Critical thinking

Time management

Adaptability

Job description

About the opportunity

It is an exciting time to join the Alumni and Supporter Experience team that provides an innovative engagement program for a community of over 450,000 people. The Special Events Project Manager provides strategic project management, leadership and delivery expertise across a portfolio of engagement, cultivation, stewardship and community-focused events and special projects within the Advancement Portfolio. While the Community Festival is the flagship project and primary focus of the role, the incumbent also leads, contributes to, and provides specialist advice on a range of event initiatives throughout the year.

About you

• Proven experience in coordinating the delivery of a broad range of events, including high-profile and large-scale events
• You are a confident stakeholder manager with a passion for building and maintaining relationships
• Advanced verbal and written skills with a keen attention to detail
• Previous project management and administration experience
• A natural ability to think critically and resolve complex issues
• High-level organisational and time management skills, including ability to prioritise workload and work well under pressure
• Ability to adapt to a fast paced and changing event environment.

About us

Since 1850, the University of Sydney has been shaping a better future through education, discovery and leadership. Today, our community extends far beyond campus, encompassing hundreds of thousands of alumni, donors and supporters around the world. The Alumni and Supporter Experience team brings this community together through events, programs and initiatives that celebrate achievement, strengthen connections and inspire support for the University's mission.

Why The University of Sydney

When you join the University of Sydney, you become an integral part of a community in which you are fully supported to achieve your career ambitions. You’ll be in a workplace where development is encouraged, and intellectual pursuits foster a sense of purpose and confidence including:

• 35-hour work week
• flexible working model
• up to 36 weeks paid parental leave
• access to health and wellbeing services
• tax-efficient salary packaging options
• ongoing training and development

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

Closing Date: 11:59 Sunday 20th September

Applications Close Tuesday 20 October 2026 11:59 PM