Events Coordinator, Commencement, Student Affairs

Inside Higher Ed; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Flexible spending accounts

Professional development opportunities

Tuition remission

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking an experienced Events Coordinator to support high-impact university ceremonies in Cincinnati. The ideal candidate will manage logistics and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure successful events. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including health coverage and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in communications, event planning, or social media management.
• Minimum of two years experience coordinating events or managing logistics in a professional setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and execution of high‑profile university ceremonies.
• Coordinate logistical aspects including facility set-up, scheduling, and signage.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and external vendors.

Skills

Event planning

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati Commencement Office is seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented Events Coordinator to support the planning and execution of high‑impact university ceremonies and other events. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to milestone moments for thousands of students and guests, overseeing events such as Doctoral Hooding, Commencement, Convocation, and Memorial Services.

Essential Functions

• Assist with planning and execution of high‑profile university ceremonies.
• Coordinate logistical aspects including facility set‑up, scheduling, signage, etc.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously within tight deadlines, ensuring proactive communication.
• Assist with oversight of project deliverables and timeliness.
• Provide on‑site support as part of the event management team.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, campus departments, and external vendors.
• Serve as point of contact for designated vendors, facilitating scheduling and logistics.
• Maintain detailed records of event logistics.
• May hire, train, and schedule student employees.
• Perform related duties based on department needs.

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.

Required Experience

One (1) year of experience in communications, event planning, and/or social media management.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Minimum of 2 years experience coordinating events or managing logistics in a professional setting.
• Familiarity with commencement or large‑scale ceremonial events.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with timely updates and clear communication regarding project status and event logistics.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in indoor and outdoor environments.

Application Process

Submit a complete application including a cover letter addressed to Melva Karnes, Director of Commencement.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Office environment, no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.
• Typical activities: sitting (often), repetitive hand motion (continuously), hearing (continuously), standing (often), talking (often), walking (often), bending (seldom), climbing stairs/ladders (seldom), pulling/pushing (seldom), reaching overhead (seldom), lifting up to 50 pounds (seldom).

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $45,000 - $49,000 based on experience.
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription).
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs.
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities.
• Tuition remission for employee and eligible dependents.
• Robust retirement plans: state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) with 14–18% UC contribution.
• Work‑life balance: generous time‑off policy, vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, additional end‑of‑year paid time off, 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Cincinnati is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.