EVENTS SPECIALIST SENIOR-SOD

University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, AL, is seeking an EVENTS SPECIALIST SENIOR-SOD to lead planning and execution of high-profile university events. This in-office, split appointment position reports to the Executive Director of Alumni Affairs/Senior Director of Development for the School of Dentistry.

The role also supports alumni engagement initiatives, communications, and day-to-day operational support to the Senior Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of related experience required.
• Experience in alumni relations, advancement, or development in higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Ability to manage donor relationships and coordinate engagement initiatives.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute professional and special events hosted by the School of Dentistry.
• Determine range and scope of event services; promote hospitality and public relations.
• Build timelines, lead weekly event meetings, set agendas, drive decisions, and approve minutes.
• Coordinate with caterers and venues; monitor contracts to ensure terms and budget compliance.
• Monitor expenditures and maintain accurate financial documentation.
• Ensure university protocol and a positive hospitality experience reflecting UAB’s brand.
• Support staff development related to event planning processes and best practices.
• Attend planning meetings with directors and keep stakeholders aligned throughout the process.
• Support alumni membership growth and engagement initiatives.
• Assist with Alumni Association publications and related communications.

Skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Independent work

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree and five years of related experience

Job description

Job Description - EVENTS SPECIALIST SENIOR-SOD (T234233)

EVENTS SPECIALIST SENIOR-SOD - ( T234233 )

EVENTS SPECIALIST SENIOR-SOD

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Description

This is an in-office, split appointment position reporting directly to the Executive Director of Alumni Affairs/Senior Director of Development for the School of Dentistry. The role provides comprehensive support across all School of Dentistry (SOD) programs and is expected to maintain a consistent on-site presence. This visibility is essential for building relationships, facilitating collaboration, and responding to the evolving needs of the School. The incumbent will lead the planning and execution of high-profile university events, including donor receptions, leadership meetings, fundraising galas, and performance events. Responsibilities encompass the full event lifecycle, from strategic planning and implementation to post-event evaluation, ensuring successful outcomes that align with institutional goals.

In addition, this position supports alumni engagement initiatives, assists with Alumni Association communications, including publications and newsletters, and provides day-to-day operational support to the Senior Director. The role is integral to strengthening alumni relationships, enhancing donor engagement, and advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the School of Dentistry.

General Responsibilities

To plan, coordinate and execute professional and special events hosted by the School of Dentistry.

To determine the range and scope of event services to arrange a well-planned and executed event that promotes hospitality and public relations while presenting a positive impression of the School of Dentistry

Additional Responsibilities

Plan and Produce Events: Build timelines, lead weekly event meetings, set agendas, drive decisions, and approve meeting minutes.

Vendor Contract Coordination: Collaborate with caterers and venues and, when appropriate, negotiate agreements and monitor contractual obligations to ensure compliance with established terms and budget guidelines.

Budget Stewardship: Monitor expenditures, ensure spending remains within approved guidelines, and maintain accurate financial documentation.

Protocol and Guest Experience: Ensure appropriate university protocol, maintain run-of-show accuracy, and deliver a hospitality experience that reflects UAB's brand and standards.

Quality and Compliance: Maintain event documentation and review historical event files to ensure complete, accurate, and compliant records.

Team Enablement: Support staff development related to event planning processes, procedures, and best practices.

Stakeholder Partnership: Attend planning meetings with or without the Director and keep stakeholders and leadership informed and aligned throughout the event planning process.

Alumni Engagement: Support alumni membership growth and engagement initiatives.

Communications Support: Assist with Alumni Association publications, newsletters, and related communication projects.

Administrative Support: Provide day-to-day support to the Senior Director.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to problem solve

Ability to work as part of a team

Ability to perform work independently

Organizational skills

Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively

Preferred Skills

Experience in alumni relations, advancement, or development within a higher education or nonprofit setting.

Ability to manage donor relationships, coordinate engagement initiatives, and support fundraising efforts.

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities while maintaining strong communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Salary Range: $55,180 - $89,670

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of related experience required.

Work experience may substitute for education requirement

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Primary Location

University

Job Category

Professional & Managerial

Employee Status

Regular

Shift : Day/1st Shift

Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager) : Onsite