Event Planner

The University of Alabama is a renowned public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As a flagship institution in the state, it offers a broad range of academic programs and remains committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities, advancing research, and serving the community. The University Libraries department plays a critical role in supporting the academic mission by managing extensive resources, hosting educational and cultural events, and providing services to students, faculty, and visitors alike. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the University Libraries fosters an engaging and supportive environment where diverse ideas and collaboration thrive.

Within this dynamic setting, the University Libraries is seeking a skilled Event Planner to join their team. This position is a salaried role with an annual pay grade ranging from a minimum of $48,600 to a midpoint of $60,800, classified as E7. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with nights and weekends required as needed to support events. The Event Planner plays a pivotal role in conceptualizing, organizing, and managing a wide variety of events hosted both on and off-campus, ensuring each event runs flawlessly from start to finish.

As the Event Planner, you will take full ownership of event themes, itineraries, and logistics while efficiently developing and managing event budgets to maintain financial control. Your responsibilities include overseeing event execution, negotiating contracts with vendors such as florists, caterers, print shops, and event venue staff, creating invitations, selecting venues, and arranging seating plans. Additionally, you will manage on-site contract staff and student workers to ensure smooth event operations. Beyond event implementation, the role involves promoting events through maintaining content on the website, managing the University’s Events calendar, handling social media accounts, and coordinating travel logistics for guest speakers.

The Event Planner serves as a key liaison among multiple campus and library departments, acting as a bridge to ensure seamless communication and execution. This involves graphic design duties to enhance event promotional materials and preserving memories of events through professional video or still photography. The role demands a detail-oriented and proactive individual who excels at multitasking and delivering consistently high-quality results, contributing to the University’s mission of academic excellence and community engagement.

Candidates must possess at least a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two years of experience in event planning or coordination, or alternatively hold a master’s degree. Essential skills include proficiency with digital presentation applications and standard office software packages such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities are critical to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining a keen attention to detail.

Preferred qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or higher in hospitality management, experience collaborating with catering providers and vendors, familiarity with the University of Alabama’s Procurement system (Concur), graphic design skills, social media management experience, and knowledge of best practices in video production and photography. The final candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation, which includes a review of social media and online sources. A prior conviction does not automatically disqualify candidates but will be reviewed on an individual basis.

The University of Alabama is committed to equal employment opportunities, emphasizing non-discrimination and inclusivity in its hiring practices. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the vibrant academic community by creating memorable and impactful events that support the University Libraries and its diverse stakeholders.