Director of Special Events, Division of Communications and Marketing - UT System Administration

The University of Tennessee System, established as the state’s oldest and preeminent public higher education institution, is comprised of multiple campuses including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, and Martin, in addition to the Health Science Center at Memphis, and state-wide Institutes of Agriculture and Public Service. Through its extensive educational, research, and outreach programs, it serves all 95 counties in Tennessee, engaging students, industries, governments, and communities across the state. The institution is committed to maintaining its leadership in higher education through strategic initiatives, excellent educational programs, and community involvement.\n\nThis role focuses on leading strategic management, planning, and execution of all high priority system-led events for the University of Tennessee System Administration (UTSA) and the UT System Division of Communications and Marketing (DOCM). As the pivotal position responsible for designing, coordinating, and managing special events on and off campus, this role ensures that events align with the University’s brand, core values, mission, and strategic goals. Reporting directly to the UT System President and Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the position involves a collaborative approach to setting goals and delivering high-level events that represent the institution’s leadership and vision.\n\nThe position includes a broad range of responsibilities, including developing strategic plans for events, managing budgets and contracts, and directing all procurement processes to ensure consistent high-quality service from vendors. It also entails continuous improvement initiatives for both small and large-scale annual events, maintaining operational and creative oversight of event themes, venue presentation, and event-related communication and photography. This position also manages a multi-year planning calendar for the President, ELT, DOCM, and broader UTSA events to ensure streamlined coordination and continuity.\n\nCandidates for this role are expected to have a proven track record of successful event management at a high level, particularly in large-scale settings such as conferences, seminars, and leadership retreats. The position requires advanced organizational skills, deep knowledge of protocol and etiquette in academic settings, strong analytical capabilities, and exceptional interpersonal skills that foster productive collaboration with senior management and distinguished guests. The role also demands the ability to navigate complex event logistics with a calm and professional demeanor, even under pressure, while ensuring meticulous attention to details and adherence to budgetary constraints.\n\nThis full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $75,000 to $90,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent healthcare, tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement plans, professional development opportunities, and supportive work-family benefits. Additionally, Tennessee residents benefit from the absence of state income tax, which adds to the overall appeal of the compensation offering. This is an exceptional opportunity for a skilled event management professional to lead nationally impactful events within a renowned educational institution dedicated to excellence and innovation.