Sr Events Management Specialist

University of Notre Dame; Notre Dame (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Notre Dame Law School is seeking a Senior Events Management Specialist to lead planning and execution of high-visibility events on and off campus, working with faculty and staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Reporting to the Events Associate Director, you will manage budgets, vendor relations, and timelines, while guiding event sponsors and coordinating with a wide network of university partners for domestic and international programs.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or up to 3 years of college or technical school.
• 3-5 years of experience planning and executing complex, high‑profile events, including managing budgets, vendors, venues, logistics, timelines, and multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills
• Commitment to customer service
• Detail oriented
• Experience successfully managing several events simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment
• Collaborative team player

Responsibilities

• Lead organizer for events both on and off campus, coordinating with Law School and University partners.
• Plan and manage event budgets, track projected expenses against actual costs, and identify solutions within budget.
• Plan and execute major Law School events including Commencement Weekend, Alumni Weekend, and conferences (domestic and international).
• Oversee travel planning for events and travel logistics as needed.
• Improve event management technology and templates with Marketing and Communications teams.
• Manage RSVP, registrations, guest communications, event data, and timelines.
• Build relationships with faculty, senior leaders, alumni, vendors, and stakeholders.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Detail oriented

Team player

Budget management

Vendor coordination

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Excel

MailChimp

Canva

Cvent

Google Workspace

Job description

The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842 in Notre Dame, Indiana, is a premier American research university. As a Catholic institution, it uniquely blends faith with intellectual inquiry, striving for excellence in teaching, research, and serving the common good. Notre Dame offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for its diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, who are all dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus and being a force for good in the world. With world‑class facilities, acclaimed academic programs, and a strong commitment to innovation and ethical leadership, Notre Dame is an ideal place to make a meaningful impact.

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission‑driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well‑being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world‑class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Position Overview

At Notre Dame Law School, our events bring people together to exchange ideas, build community, and advance our mission of educating a different kind of lawyer. The Law School Events Team is seeking an energetic and experienced event professional who has a love of Notre Dame, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for flawless and distinctive events. Reporting to the Events Associate Director, the Senior Events Management Specialist will work closely with the events team, faculty, and staff to oversee the planning and execution of high visibility events, both domestically and internationally. This candidate should possess strong leadership skills, exceptional written and verbal communication skills, excellent project management skills, superb critical thinking skills, and the ability to make decisions independently. The ideal candidate should have demonstrated full‑cycle event planning experience, with the ability to manage events from initial conception and strategic planning through execution and post‑event closeout, including evaluation, reconciliation, and follow‑up. The Senior Events Specialist will provide guidance and leadership to faculty and staff event sponsors helping them desire outcomes and goals of the event within budget, select venues, and navigate policies, procedures, and other considerations for on- and off‑campus events. Working closely with the whole events team, the Senior Events Management Specialist will create extraordinary, on‑brand guest experiences that reflect the University’s mission across faculty conferences, VIP events, signature program events, and alumni events.

Responsibilities

Events lead: Serve as the lead organizer for events both on and off campus, coordinating with Law School and University partners as needed. Develop and manage event budgets, track projected expenses against actual costs, and identify creative solutions that achieve event goals while remaining within budget. The Senior Events Management Specialist will help plan and/or execute some of the Law School’s largest external‑facing events, including Commencement Weekend, Alumni Weekend, the spring and fall Advisory Council meetings, faculty conferences, and select international conferences. This would include both domestic and international travel regularly.

Technology improvements: Support the effective use and continuous improvement of event management software, digital invitations, registration tools, and other technology that enhance event planning and team efficiency. Collaborate with the Law School Marketing and Communications team to develop and maintain polished, on‑brand templates and event collateral. Identify opportunities to streamline event processes and improve the overall guest experience.

Event‑related administrative functions: Own the administrative and communications functions supporting high‑profile events, including RSVP and registration management, guest communications, event data, and critical timelines. Partner with the Law School Marketing and Communications team on strategic, timely event promotion aligned with event goals and University brand standards. Build strong relationships with faculty, senior leaders, alumni, vendors, and other stakeholders, ensuring proactive communication, follow‑through, and seamless coordination throughout the event lifecycle.

Vendor relations: In collaboration with the Events Associate Director, serve as the Events Team member responsible for coordinating external vendor contracts and University approvals and routing. Apply knowledge of the contract approval process and BuyND contracts portal, and work closely with the Law School Contracts Manager to facilitate timely review, approval, and execution of event‑related contracts.

Provide direction and guidance to events coordinator: This position provides guidance and will assign tasks related to and in support of events to Events Coordinator when required.

Qualifications

Minimum

• Associates degree or up to 3 years of college or technical school.
• 3-5 years of experience planning and executing complex, high‑profile events, including managing budgets, vendors, venues, logistics, timelines, and multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills
• Commitment to customer service
• Detail oriented
• Experience successfully managing several events simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment
• Collaborative team player

Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience supporting events in a higher education environment
• Experience with software such as Excel, MailChimp, Canva, CVent, and Google Suite

Additional Information

Pay range: $60,000 - $70,000, commensurate with experience

Please submit your application by October 21st.

This position is an on‑site position in South Bend, IN.

Benefits page: https://hr.nd.edu/benefits-compensation/

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.