Events Planner

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University of New Mexico is seeking an experienced Events Planner to lead the end-to-end execution of a diverse calendar of events for the School of Engineering. The role requires hands-on leadership, strong organization, and proactive collaboration with facilities, catering, and external partners.

The ideal candidate will manage multiple events at different stages, balance competing priorities, and meet deadlines while engaging a broad range of audiences within a university setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 5+ years of related experience.
• Completed degree(s) above the minimum may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Bachelor’s degree in any area is preferred.
• Project management experience with complex tasks and multi-project prioritization.
• Experience in a university or large organization with multiple units.
• Familiar with facility schematics and A/V technology.
• Experience managing the full lifecycle of events and serving as primary liaison.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Comfort with creating marketing materials to promote events.
• Proficient in MS Office, InDesign, Adobe applications; willing to learn new software.
• Able to negotiate and manage contractual arrangements.
• Experience scheduling appointments, RSVPs, and coordinating live and virtual events.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a broad range of events from lectures to convocations.
• Coordinate with facilities, catering, venues, and university partners.
• Lead event planning and manage the lifecycle from concept to completion.
• Create and manage event budgets, cost proposals, and documentation.
• Negotiate contracts and liaise with multiple stakeholders.
• Schedule appointments, RSVPs, and meetings for internal/external participants.
• Plan and deliver both in-person and virtual events.

Skills

Proactive

Detail oriented

Communication

Leadership

Negotiation

Event management

Budgeting

Marketing writing

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in any area

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

InDesign

Adobe Creative Cloud

Chrome River

LoboMart

Job description

Events Planner

The School of Engineering Office of the Dean invites applications from self-motivated and creative individuals to join our team as an Events Planner. The ideal candidate will be proactive, approachable, responsive, and skilled at fostering positive relationships while delivering exceptional event experiences. We are a small office, so this position requires an individual who is a hands-on leader, detail oriented, flexible, self-directed, and has excellent decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills. The successful candidate will manage numerous events at different stages of planning while balancing competing priorities and meeting established deadlines.

A typical calendar of events includes lecture and speaking engagements, award banquets, receptions, lunches, dinners, trainings, retreats, summits, student recruitment and outreach events, as well as the UNM Engineering Convocation, and will require the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of audiences, from students and alumni to donors and industry leaders, faculty and university officials, and other community partners. The ideal candidate will also build excellent collaborative relationships with various service providers, such as facilities, catering, venue providers, and other campus and external partners.

This position will work occasional early mornings, late evenings, and weekend hours and require someone comfortable with light physical activity, including occasional assistance of others in the manipulation of heavy objects and some standing or walking, usually for not more than 2 hours a day. Some events will require more lifting and longer periods of standing and/or walking.

Interested applicants will provide a cover letter that addresses the preferred qualifications for this position, as well as their experience managing and promoting events. Applicants are also encouraged to provide communication/marketing samples which can include marketing fliers/programs, writing samples, or samples of emails that were used to communicate details of meetings or events to participants and other stakeholders. Applications will not be accepted without a cover letter.

If you are a self-motivated professional who has a passion for creating exceptional, memorable, and meaningful event experiences, we encourage you to apply and join our team!

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

High school diploma or GED; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Bachelor’s degree in any area
• Project management experience, including performing complex tasks and prioritizing multiple projects
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
• Familiar with a university environment or large organizational structures and able to orchestrate details with multiple university units including but not limited to parking, catering, purchasing and UNM purchasing card, and facilities
• Familiar with facility schematics, audio/video equipment and technology in general
• Experience with the full lifecycle of an event, serving as primary administrative or operational liaison
• Experience and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Experience or interest in learning about creating, writing and editing marketing materials to promote events in the school
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), InDesign, Adobe applications, and comfortable learning new software applications that manage event activity
• Skilled in creating event cost proposals and maintaining/maximizing budgets with appropriate documentation
• Ability to negotiate and manage contractual arrangements
• Experience with scheduling appointments, RSVP’s and meetings with internal and external participants, planning and executing live and virtual events
• Experience with a Corporate Credit Card
• Experience or willingness to learn UNM financial systems, including Chrome River and LoboMart

Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department: SOE Deans Office (052A)

Employment Type: Staff

Staff Type: Regular - Full-Time

Status: Exempt

Pay: Monthly: $3,841.07 - $5,148.00, depending on education and experience

This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required: Yes

For Best Consideration Date: 10/23/2026

Eligible for Remote Work: No

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisionswithout regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or anyother protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.