Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $45,300.00 - $75,600.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Flexible work schedule
Professional development opportunities
Job Description
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a prestigious public research university known for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and public service. Within this esteemed institution, the School of Medicine and Public Health's Department of Human Oncology is dedicated to advancing the field of radiation oncology through cutting-edge research, quality education, and compassionate patient care. This department focuses not only on training future leaders such as radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapy professionals but also on developing innovative treatments that improve outcomes for cancer patients. The department fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diversity and strives to make a significant impact in cancer treatment and care.
The role of Event Manager within the Department of Human Oncology represents a critical position focused on supporting the university's mission through strategic leadership and hands-on management of the department's signature fundraising and community engagement events. This position primarily oversees the Badger Challenge event portfolio, which includes the annual Badger Challenge walk, run, and ride event, the Badger Challenge Ball, the Champions Dinner, golf outings, partner events, and additional fundraising efforts. The Event Manager is responsible for orchestrating every aspect of these events—from initial planning and coordination through to execution—to maximize fundraising outcomes while delivering exceptional experiences for all stakeholders involved.
As Event Manager, the successful candidate will handle project management, logistical coordination, vendor relations, volunteer engagement, budgeting, contract and purchase order management, and on-site event operations. This role requires collaboration with the Director of Volunteers and the Director of Sponsorship and Community Engagement along with faculty, staff, sponsors, community partners, cancer patients, and their families. The ideal professional will bring over five years of experience organizing large-scale endurance, fitness, or charity events, including events with over 500 participants, demonstrating a proven ability to manage complex logistics, timelines, and teams effectively.
Attention to detail, innovation, creativity, and a deep commitment to the mission of accelerating cancer research through philanthropy are essential. The Event Manager is expected to build and sustain robust relationships internally and externally to foster event growth, sustainability, and long-term success. Operational responsibilities also include procurement, safety compliance, budget oversight, and program evaluation. This role may be partly remote but requires some presence on-site at the designated campus location.
The expected salary range for this position is $69,000 to $92,300, depending on experience and qualifications. Applicants will also have access to significant benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, sick leave, competitive insurance plans, savings accounts, and retirement benefits. The University of Wisconsin-Madison prides itself on its inclusive workplace culture that celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and other needs.
The role of Event Manager within the Department of Human Oncology represents a critical position focused on supporting the university's mission through strategic leadership and hands-on management of the department's signature fundraising and community engagement events. This position primarily oversees the Badger Challenge event portfolio, which includes the annual Badger Challenge walk, run, and ride event, the Badger Challenge Ball, the Champions Dinner, golf outings, partner events, and additional fundraising efforts. The Event Manager is responsible for orchestrating every aspect of these events—from initial planning and coordination through to execution—to maximize fundraising outcomes while delivering exceptional experiences for all stakeholders involved.
As Event Manager, the successful candidate will handle project management, logistical coordination, vendor relations, volunteer engagement, budgeting, contract and purchase order management, and on-site event operations. This role requires collaboration with the Director of Volunteers and the Director of Sponsorship and Community Engagement along with faculty, staff, sponsors, community partners, cancer patients, and their families. The ideal professional will bring over five years of experience organizing large-scale endurance, fitness, or charity events, including events with over 500 participants, demonstrating a proven ability to manage complex logistics, timelines, and teams effectively.
Attention to detail, innovation, creativity, and a deep commitment to the mission of accelerating cancer research through philanthropy are essential. The Event Manager is expected to build and sustain robust relationships internally and externally to foster event growth, sustainability, and long-term success. Operational responsibilities also include procurement, safety compliance, budget oversight, and program evaluation. This role may be partly remote but requires some presence on-site at the designated campus location.
The expected salary range for this position is $69,000 to $92,300, depending on experience and qualifications. Applicants will also have access to significant benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, sick leave, competitive insurance plans, savings accounts, and retirement benefits. The University of Wisconsin-Madison prides itself on its inclusive workplace culture that celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and other needs.
Job Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of proven experience in organizing endurance, fitness, or charity events
- Experience planning large-scale events of 500 or more participants
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in event management software and registration platforms
- Experience managing budgets and vendor contracts
- Commitment to the mission of supporting cancer research through philanthropy
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups including volunteers, sponsors, patients, faculty, and community partners
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
- Availability to work onsite with some remote work options
- Bachelor's degree preferred
Job Qualifications
- Proven experience in organizing endurance, fitness, or charity events with a strong track record managing logistics, timelines, and teams
- Experience planning events of 500 or more participants
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and manage complex event details coordinating with various stakeholders
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for liaising with partners, sponsors, and participants and promoting events across media platforms
- Experience managing event budgets controlling costs while maximizing impact and event quality
- Understanding safety standards for fitness events including crowd control, medical preparedness, emergency action plans and road safety for cyclists
- Familiarity with event management, registration, mapping, volunteer platforms and social media tools
- Experience with permitting
- Bachelor's degree preferred with focus in marketing, public relations or business
Job Duties
- Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the Badger Challenge event portfolio including the annual walk, run, and ride event, the Badger Challenge Ball, Champions Dinner, golf outings, partner events, and other fundraising and stewardship activities to advance fundraising goals and ensure exceptional experiences
- Manage event logistics and operations including venue selection, event setup and teardown, course planning, aid station coordination, permitting, transportation, safety planning, audiovisual needs, equipment rentals, signage, and vendor management
- Administer event registration and fundraising platforms including website development and maintenance, participant communications, fundraising tools, reporting, and data management while partnering with UW Foundation and university stakeholders for accurate records
- Oversee event merchandise and apparel programs including design coordination, vendor relations, purchasing, inventory management, fulfillment, and distribution of materials for participants, volunteers, sponsors, and donors
- Serve as the primary point of contact for participant, donor, sponsor, volunteer, and community inquiries addressing issues professionally and mission-focused
- Recruit, coordinate, train, and manage over 350 event volunteers annually in collaboration with the Director of Volunteers, including developing leadership structures and communication plans
- Collaborate with development, marketing, and communications staff to support event promotion, sponsorship activation, participant recruitment, fundraising initiatives, stewardship activities, and social media engagement
- Develop and manage annual event budgets, financial forecasts, and expense tracking, oversee procurement, negotiate vendor contracts, process purchase orders and invoices, manage event donations, and ensure compliance with university financial policies
- Build and maintain relationships with sponsors, vendors, community organizations, university departments, and external partners to support the sustainability and growth of the Badger Challenge fundraising program
- Evaluate event performance through data analysis, participant feedback, fundraising outcomes, and operational metrics to implement continuous improvements
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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