Coordinator, Event Engagement

Illinois International; Champaign, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

Company paid life insurance

Generous vacation time (24 days)

Job summary

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION seeks an Event Engagement Coordinator in Champaign, IL to support board and donor engagement events, coordinating pre-event tasks, on-site staffing, and post-event follow-up.

The role requires strong communication, teamwork, and proficiency with MS Office and CRM systems; occasional travel and a hybrid work schedule are expected. Salary ranges from $52,000 to $58,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Interest in philanthropy and support of UI Foundation mission.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Able to lift 30 pounds.
• Proficiency with MS Office; willingness to learn Blackbaud or equivalent CRM.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate events for board and donor engagement, including pre-event, on-site staffing and post-event follow-up.
• Provide logistical support for event management, vendor coordination and budget review.
• Manage space requests in Philanthropy Center and coordinate with internal and external partners.
• Maintain knowledge of the Foundation’s data systems impacting event engagement.
• Support Board-related and advancement events; some evenings, weekends and travel may be required.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Office

Blackbaud/CRM

Job description

Coordinator, Event Engagement

Champaign, IL Board and Donor Engagement

Description

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION has an immediate opening for an Event Engagement Coordinator.

The University of Illinois Foundation (Foundation) is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving organization of the University of Illinois (University). It works closely with alumni and friends, faculty and staff, corporations and foundations, as well as campus development professionals to create fundraising programs and opportunities that benefit the University.

The position supports and assists in the execution of key donor engagement events, planning for event and meeting experiences for multiple audience types including internal and external constituents. The Coordinator will provide logistical support in the planning and organizing of UIF meetings and special events, specifically in the areas of Board and donor engagement, employee communications and events, and community engagement.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists in the coordination of events related to the Foundation’s board and donor engagement activities, including pre-event preparations, on-site staffing, and post-event follow-up.
• Collaborates in providing logistical support to both internal and external UI Foundation partners in event and meeting management including planning, vendor contacting and management, coordination of logistical arrangements, budget review. May be required to provide basic A/V set up and room configuration assistance.
• Works with individuals and groups requesting space use in the Philanthropy Center to determine requestor need, ensure adherence to use policy, and coordinate with internal and external partners to ensure space readiness.
• Maintains personal knowledge of the Foundation’s data system, tools and software impacting event engagement. Working closely with foundation and system partners, reviews and coordinates projects affecting events components of the Foundation’s data system.
• Supports the department in execution of Board-related and general advancement-related events, communications, and programs. Some evening and weekend availability and travel, in-state and out-of-state, will be required.
• Other duties as assigned by the Manager of Event Engagement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Proven interest in philanthropy and belief in the work and mission of the UI Foundation.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with changing priorities and sometimes moving deadlines.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong ability to be personable and professional while working with a wide range of constituents.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and the propensity to become proficient in Blackbaud (or equivalent customer relationship management system) and related technical systems.
• Exhibits development program values of: integrity, civility, collaboration, innovation and impact.

Application Deadline: October 25, 2026

The starting salary range for this position is projected to be $52,000 - $58,000 per year. This is a salaried exempt role. While our job postings include salary ranges, your compensation will be based on your specific experience and qualifications,we're not limited by these posted ranges.

You’ll be inspired daily in our state‑of‑the‑art, environmentally conscious workspace - a stunning LEED‑certified building featuring contemporary amenities including an on‑site wellness center and café with healthy dining options. We encourage work-life balance through our hybrid schedule for many positions, combining in‑office collaboration with up to 2 days of remote work flexibility.

Benefits

Your comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical coverage
• Vision coverage
• Dental coverage
• Company paid life insurance
• Generous vacation time including 24 days annually
• Generous pension benefits

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER