Manager, Special Events

Loyola Marymount University; Westchester (IL); On-site; USD 61,800 - 77,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

Loyola Marymount University seeks an Events Manager to enhance its visibility through high-impact special events. This role involves strategic planning and delivery of events aimed at alumni and donors, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of event planning experience, strong project management skills, and a Bachelor's degree in a related field. The position requires some evenings, weekends, and travel, offering a competitive salary between $72,100 – $75,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in event planning, including in-person and virtual events.
• Ability to lead staff, volunteers, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management skills to handle multiple events at once.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute high-profile events for donor engagement.
• Oversee all phases of event execution, including marketing and budget management.
• Collaborate with various partners to align with institutional priorities.

Skills

Event planning and production

Project management

Interpersonal communication

Budget management

Event marketing strategies

Virtual event platforms

Decision-making skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in event planning or related field

Industry-related certification (e.g., CMP or CSEP)

Tools

Cvent

Smartsheet

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

Promote and enhance the visibility and reputation of Loyola Marymount University by leading the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of high-impact special events that advance the goals of the University Advancement division. Drive the successful planning and delivery of alumni, volunteer leadership, and donor engagement experiences, cultivating strong partnerships with University Advancement colleagues, LMU staff, and external partners. Support institutional fundraising priorities through donor cultivation and stewardship strategies, strengthening relationships and contributing to long‑term philanthropic support.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and execute a portfolio of high‑profile events that enhance LMU’s visibility, reputation, and engagement objectives (85%).
• Oversee all phases of event planning and execution for assigned events, including strategic planning, marketing coordination, constituency engagement, budget management, venue and vendor management, risk mitigation, program development, staffing and volunteer coordination, registration and guest management, event execution, and post‑event evaluation.
• Collaborate closely with University Advancement Marketing & Communications (AdvComm), campus partners, and external vendors to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and brand standards.
• Lead and participate in strategic planning sessions and post‑event evaluations to assess performance, measure outcomes against established goals, and inform future event strategy.
• Establish, implement, and maintain professional standards, processes, and procedures that ensure the successful delivery of events consistent with LMU’s brand and reputation (10%).
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Director of Special Events and the University Advancement division (5%).
• Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university, communicating with professional, ethical conduct and a commitment to outstanding customer service.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in event planning and production, including in‑person and virtual events, preferably within higher education or a similarly complex organization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and oversee event staff, volunteers, vendors, and cross‑functional teams in a collaborative, results‑driven environment.
• Strong project management skills, managing multiple concurrent events from concept through execution while meeting deadlines and delivering high‑quality outcomes.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, timelines, and competing priorities in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, engaging diverse audiences and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Highly developed judgment and decision‑making skills, providing clear direction and resolving issues effectively.
• Knowledge of event marketing, communications, and social media strategies, including familiarity with relevant tools and platforms.
• Proficiency in virtual event and meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom) and the ability to learn new technologies quickly.
• Working knowledge of the Los Angeles event market and established relationships with vendors preferred.
• Experience with university events and environments preferred.
• Discretion in handling confidential information, particularly with senior leaders, dignitaries, and high‑profile donors.
• Proficiency in enterprise event and project management systems (e.g., Cvent, Smartsheet, Salesforce) and Microsoft Office applications.

Education & Certification

A bachelor’s degree, an industry‑related certification (e.g., CMP or CSEP), and/or equivalent experience in event planning, public relations, or a related field.

Job Requirements

• Some evening and weekend hours are required.
• Some travel may be required (approximately 10%).
• Frequency of standing, walking, sitting, and desk‑based computer tasks.
• Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a California Non‑commercial Class driver’s license and to operate a vehicle and golf cart.

Compensation

Reasonable expected salary: $72,100 – $75,000 annually (salary offer commensurate with education and experience). Regular salary range: $61,800 – $77,300 annually.

EEO Statement

Loyola Marymount University is an equal employment opportunity employer that prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin (including language and language use restrictions), ancestry, disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, legally protected medical condition, denial of Family and Medical Care Leave, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age 40 or over, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other bases protected by federal, state or local law. The University does not discriminate on these bases, or any other basis protected by law, in the administration of any of its education or admissions policies, scholarship or loan programs, athletics, and other school‑administered policies and programs, or in its employment policies and practices. All University policies, practices, and procedures are administered in a manner consistent with LMU's Jesuit identity and character.

To report questions or concerns about sex‑based discrimination, please contact [e-mail] or 310.568.6105.