Coordinator, Special Events

University of Maryland; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PAID leave

Health insurance

Tuition remission for employees

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

University of Maryland, Baltimore is seeking a Coordinator of Special Events to provide administrative, logistical, and fundraising event support across the School of Medicine and Medical Center. You will help plan, coordinate, and execute a growing portfolio of donor events and engagement activities.

The role offers hands-on experience across the full event lifecycle, from concept through on-site delivery, with collaboration across gift officers, staff, volunteers, vendors, and external

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years of experience supporting event planning, meeting management, fundraising, development, hospitality, or client/customer relations
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit fundraising preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Cvent, Smartsheet, and donor database systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar). Familiarity with donor reporting techniques preferred.
• Clery act designated job as campus security authorities (CSA) member and will comply with Clery Act requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional and administrative support for department, school, and medical center fundraising and engagement events.
• Coordinate day-to-day activities associated with fundraising, donor recognition, stewardship, and strategic donor cultivation events across the School of Medicine and Medical Center.
• Support the planning and execution of strategic donor cultivation events, including intimate gatherings in donor and prospect homes, University of Maryland Medicine facilities, and regional locations, working closely with frontline fundraising staff and institutional partners.
• Plans, organizes, and implements key activities related to the philanthropy office.
• Coordinate facility logistics for meetings and events, including room set-up, catering, audiovisual needs, seating arrangements, registration, and other event requirements.
• Assist in developing event timelines, project plans, and implementation activities for multiple fundraising and engagement events throughout the year.
• Coordinate proposals, contracts, and other documentation related to assigned events, including facilities, catering, printing, speakers, and other vendors.
• Assist with coordinating vendor services and monitoring contractual requirements for assigned events.
• Represent the School or Medical Center in a professional manner when interacting with internal and external constituents.
• Provide administrative and on-site support for meetings and events, including assisting with troubleshooting and responding to operational needs during event execution.

Skills

Planning

Organization

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Cvent

Smartsheet

Donor databases

Job description

Job Description - Coordinator, Special Events (260000XY)

Job Description

The Special Events Coordinator provides administrative, operational, and event-related support for fundraising and engagement activities across the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Reporting to the Senior Director of Special Events, this position plays a critical role in supporting the day-to-day functions of the philanthropy office and Special Events team by coordinating event logistics, managing vendor relationships and service agreements, developing and distributing event and marketing materials, coordinating staff and volunteers, and supporting the logistical execution of a growing portfolio of fundraising, stewardship, donor recognition, and strategic cultivation events. This role offers the opportunity to experience the full event lifecycle—from planning and developing new ideas that enhance the guest experience through on-site execution—while building skills and growing professionally within a dynamic philanthropy program.

As a key member of the philanthropy operations team, the Coordinator supports the successful planning and execution of fundraising, donor recognition, cultivation, and engagement events while ensuring efficient administrative processes and exceptional constituent experiences. The position is responsible for supporting a broad range of activities related to fundraising events, donor recognition, stewardship, prospect engagement, and event logistics.

The Coordinator works collaboratively with gift officers, operations staff, faculty, administrators, volunteers, vendors, and external constituents to facilitate effective communication, maintain documentation, coordinate workflows, and provide outstanding service and support to donors and stakeholders. Responsibilities include preparing correspondence, reports, event materials, meeting documents, and other resources necessary to support fundraising and engagement initiatives. The Coordinator will also attend and support the on-site execution of most major events, providing the opportunity to see plans through from concept to completion, contribute to real-time problem-solving and event delivery, and gain hands-on experience across a broad range of high-level philanthropic events.

Operating within established policies and procedures, the Coordinator applies professional knowledge, organizational skills, and sound judgment to manage assigned responsibilities, resolve routine and non-routine issues, and ensure the accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity of donor and event information. The position exercises initiative, discretion, creativity, and analytical thinking in carrying out assignments and may independently manage projects, processes, resources, or event-related activities. The Coordinator contributes to the development and evaluation of goals and objectives, identifies opportunities for process improvement, and helps ensure compliance with institutional policies, procedures, and legal requirements.

The Coordinator receives general direction regarding assignments, expectations, and deadlines while demonstrating the ability to work independently within defined parameters. The position may coordinate the work of staff, volunteers, vendors, or other stakeholders to support successful event execution and fundraising outcomes.

As an integral member of the philanthropy team, the Coordinator supports the mission of Maryland Medicine by providing high-quality administrative, operational, and professional event management and operational support that advances fundraising effectiveness, donor engagement, and institutional priorities.

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Primary Duties

• Provide professional and administrative support for department, school, and medical center fundraising and engagement events.
• Coordinate day-to-day activities associated with fundraising, donor recognition, stewardship, and strategic donor cultivation events across the School of Medicine and Medical Center.
• Support the planning and execution of strategic donor cultivation events, including intimate gatherings in donor and prospect homes, University of Maryland Medicine facilities, and regional locations, working closely with frontline fundraising staff and institutional partners.
• Plans, organizes, and implements key activities related to the philanthropy office.
• Coordinate facility logistics for meetings and events, including room set-up, catering, audiovisual needs, seating arrangements, registration, and other event requirements.
• Assist in developing event timelines, project plans, and implementation activities for multiple fundraising and engagement events throughout the year.
• Assist in the development and implementation of event concepts, processes, and event materials.
• Coordinate proposals, contracts, and other documentation related to assigned events, including facilities, catering, printing, speakers, and other vendors.
• Assist with coordinating vendor services and monitoring contractual requirements for assigned events.
• Represent the School or Medical Center in a professional manner when interacting with internal and external constituents.
• Provide administrative and on-site support for meetings and events, including assisting with troubleshooting and responding to operational needs during event execution.
• Schedule meetings, coordinate calendars, prepare meeting materials, reserve meeting space, and arrange catering and audiovisual support.
• Assist in evaluating event outcomes and participant feedback to support continuous improvement of fundraising and engagement events.
• Invitation management, RSVP management, maintain event records and other documentation related to assigned events.
• Assist with monitoring event budgets, invoices, and expenditures for assigned activities.
• Assist in preparing promotional, marketing, and informational materials for fundraising and engagement events.
• Prepare and pack event materials for events, including but not limited to, name tags, dietary cards, etc.
• Coordinate volunteers and assist with event staffing and volunteer support as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Due to the collaborative nature of philanthropy, fundraising, and alumni relations, provide administrative support across the office as needed to ensure successful execution of organizational priorities.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of experience supporting event planning, meeting management, fundraising, development, hospitality, or client/customer relations
• Experience working in higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit fundraising preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Cvent, Smartsheet, and donor database systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar). Familiarity with donor reporting techniques preferred.
• Clery act designated job as campus security authorities (CSA) member and will comply with Clery Act requirements.
• Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience, and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the job may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong planning, organizational, and event coordination skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, volunteers, vendors, and institutional leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and provide excellent customer service.
• Familiarity with event planning principles and donor database systems preferred.
• Commitment to the University's Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Hiring Range: $53,000 - $60,000, Commensurate with education and experience

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request . You may also contact [e-mail] Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.