Assistant Director, Special Events & Engagement

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State health plans

Retirement options

Paid time off

Professional growth

Tuition assistance

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The University of Florida is seeking an Assistant Director of Special Events & Engagement on the Main Campus in Gainesville to lead high-profile donor events and engagement initiatives. You will coordinate with UF Advancement, Facilities, Risk Management and campus partners to deliver flawless experiences that reflect UF’s excellence.

Ideal candidates bring a Master's or relevant Bachelor's with experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and a track record in event planning,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or a bachelor's with one year of applicable experience.
• Valid Florida driver's license and willingness to travel as needed.
• Strong organizational, planning and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute high-impact UF Advancement events and activities.
• Oversee the master calendar and coordinate with Facilities and Risk Management.
• Recruit and manage event staffing, vendors and volunteers.
• Prepare post-event analysis and continuous improvement recommendations.
• Collaborate with campus partners and program sponsors throughout planning.

Skills

Event planning

Vendor management

Project management

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of experience

Tools

Donor databases

Microsoft Word

Excel

Access

Job description

Assistant Director, Special Events & Engagement

Job No: 541098

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Advancement, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support, Recreation/Event Services

Department: 50010000 - AD-VP ADVANCEMENT

Job Description

Classification Title: AST DIR, Alumni Relations

Classification Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of experience.

Job Description: Great events do more than bring people together. They inspire connection, engagement and impact. The University of Florida Advancement team is seeking an Assistant Director of Special Events & Engagement to help create memorable experiences that support donors, volunteers and university leaders. Reporting to the Senior Director, this role plans and executes high-profile events while collaborating with partners across the university to ensure every detail reflects the excellence of the Gator community. This exciting, highly visible role blends strategy, creativity and execution to create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Event Management

• Plan and execute high-impact UF Advancement events and activities such as development and donor engagement events, quarterly All-Staff meetings, holiday celebrations, employee retirement/farewell celebrations and UFF Board events.
• Oversee the master calendar ensuring strategic alignment and resource optimization.
• Research, negotiate and contract room blocks with hotels for staff and guest accommodations.
• Review and manage event contracts in coordination with the Legal department to obtain necessary approvals.
• Review contracts with venues and vendors.
• Monitor and track RSVP's.
• Liaise with Facilities Management to coordinate logistical needs.
• Recruit and manage event staffing, including Cicerones and volunteers.
• Conduct vendor research and procurement for event materials and mementos.
• Evaluate venue options and present comparative analysis through visual aids (e.g. PowerPoints, charts).
• Manage vendor relationships from initial contact through contract execution.
• Oversee the assembly and distribution of event supplies to ensure readiness and quality.
• Prepare and submit appropriate request forms including:
• UF Special Event Approval Permits.
• Health Compliance.
• Assist with product research, i.e., special mementos for events:
• Using local and online vendors, research products for volunteer engagement.
• Order as directed.
• Ensure timely payment and receipt of materials.

Event Planning

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to execute event goals and objectives; develop and recommend event operating procedures; establish and manage event planning timelines; create task assignments; and propose resources needed to execute event.
• Meet regularly with UFA Facilities and Risk Management and Alumni Relations event personnel to ensure open communication.
• Prepare post-event analysis to assess opportunities and make recommendations for improving events and services to internal and external constituencies, and to implement recommendations as appropriate.
• Conduct brainstorming sessions with the events team to conceptualize innovative event formats.
• Research industry standards, trends, breakthroughs and best practices to enhance event impact.

Campus Partnership Management

• Act as team liaison with campus partners including colleges/units and other UF departments as program sponsors for events.
• Together with the Sr. Director, guide program sponsors through the planning process ensuring the guest experience and takeaways are aligned with goals of the university, and event program sponsor.
• Refine and adjust planning process guidelines as needed based on each program sponsor's available resources.
• Ensure campus partners are informed throughout all stages of the planning process by working collaboratively.
• Collaborate with other SCME and Advancement partners ensuring all parties are up to date and informed to produce high-quality deliverables in line with the event planning process and timelines.

Expected Salary

$64,000 -74,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience.

Exceptional Benefits We Offer

• Affordable State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Comprehensive Coverage: Life and Disability Insurance
• Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future
• Paid Time Off: Including 11 paid holidays, as well as family, sick, and vacation leave
• Professional and Personal Growth: Opportunities through UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn learning, and more
• Tuition Assistance: Benefit from the UF Employee Education Program
• PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of experience. valid driver's Florida license

Preferred

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Bachelor's degree in events management.
• Prior experience in development, fundraising, alumni relations or higher education.
• Prior experience in event planning, public relations, marketing.
• Prior project management experience.
• Prior experience working with vendors and contracts.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Must take initiative, possess strong work ethic, and demonstrate the ability to handle a demanding workload while managing various multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively and as a team player.
• Competency in problem solving
• Strong organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines, ability to work independently and problem-solving capabilities.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and a customer service-oriented attitude.
• Able to foster and maintain sound working relationships with key stakeholders influencing without authority.
• Demonstrate sense of urgency, creativity, attention to detail and flawless execution.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals are essential.
• Support the University's commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions; demonstrated success collaborating with stakeholders; strong project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; excellent organizational abilities; and the capacity to lead, influence, and inspire others are essential.
• Proficient in the following areas: Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, as well as internet browsers and email platforms. Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems is also highly preferred.

*Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system. The ability to pay for expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.

Applications Close

08 September 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.