Strategic Events Lead: Donor & Campus Engagement

University of Austin (UATX); Austin (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Austin (UATX) is seeking an experienced Events Manager to design and execute events that support our mission for students, faculty, donors, and the broader community. This role emphasizes flawless logistics, strong vendor relationships, and meticulous execution from concept to post-event review.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, you will own responsibilities across planning, budgeting, cross-functional coordination, guest experience, and on-site delivery, while occasionally

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of progressive experience in events coordination or management.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, advancement, or hospitality settings is preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple moving parts and stay organized.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of UATX events — from intimate faculty dinners to large conferences — ensuring each detail aligns with standards.
• Build and manage relationships with vendors, venues, caterers, AV teams, and production partners; negotiate contracts.
• Maintain detailed event plans, run-of-show documents, timelines, floor plans, and staffing assignments.
• Manage event budgets end-to-end, track expenses, reconcile invoices, and maximize impact per dollar.
• Coordinate with academic leadership, advancement, admissions, marketing, and operations to align events with priorities.
• Oversee guest experience and hospitality, including invitations, RSVPs, registration, seating, signage, and on-site management for VIPs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Vendor relations

Budget management

Event coordination

Communication with leaders

Tools

Event management software

Registration systems

CRM tools

Job description

The University of Austin (UATX) is seeking an experienced Events Manager to design and execute events that support our mission for students, faculty, donors, and the broader community. This role emphasizes flawless logistics, strong vendor relationships, and meticulous execution from concept to post-event review.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, you will own responsibilities across planning, budgeting, cross-functional coordination, guest experience, and on-site delivery, while occasionally