
Event Services Reservationist - Student Union - UTK
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $16.25 - $21.25
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Employee assistance program
Flexible work schedule
Job Description
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a renowned flagship land-grant university with a rich history dating back to 1794. It serves a vibrant community of over 38,000 students and employs approximately 10,000 staff members statewide who embody the Volunteer spirit through leadership, service, and innovation. The university offers more than 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools, along with extensive research opportunities supported by strong partnerships with industry leaders and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. UT Knoxville prides itself on fostering a supportive work environment that values work-life balance, professional development, and employee engagement. Known nationally for its inclusive and family-friendly culture, the university has received multiple accolades such as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America’s Best Large Employers," "Best Workplace for Women," and "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
The Student Union at The University of Tennessee serves as the central hub for student activities, offering a welcoming space where students can eat, study, work, and connect. It houses key offices like the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, the Jones Center for Leadership and Service, the Dean of Students Office, the Center for Student Engagement, among others. This dynamic environment is supported by the Division of Student Life, which provides transformational experiences outside the classroom, supporting students to learn, lead, and serve in ways that enhance their personal and professional growth.
The Event Services Reservationist plays a vital role within this ecosystem by managing reservation and event services at the Student Union. This full-time position is responsible for advancing campus community engagement by efficiently allocating space, coordinating event logistics, and ensuring meetings and events run smoothly and adhere to university policies and emergency protocols. The Reservationist serves as the primary point of contact for event planners and campus offices, providing essential services such as managing room setups, attendee counts, equipment needs, and dining catering coordination with Vol Dining.
In this role, the Reservationist maintains detailed operational data, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and event satisfaction metrics using specialized software like reservation and room diagramming tools (e.g., Social Tables). They provide on-site facility oversight during events and lead professional staff responsibilities when required. Beyond logistical support, they offer planning guidance and resource support to student organizations, helping to foster a productive and positive event experience on campus.
This position also contributes to the broader strategic efforts of the department by participating in meetings, planning sessions, and monitoring trends in Student Union operations. The Reservationist represents the university in regional and international professional organizations, positioning UT Knoxville as a leader in innovative event and facility management. The role reflects a commitment to collaboration, customer service, efficiency, and adherence to university standards, making a direct impact on campus life and student success.
The University of Tennessee values its employees as its number one asset and offers comprehensive benefits, career development opportunities, and a culture that supports innovation and professional growth. This role is based at the Student Union, located at 1502 Cumberland Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee, with some flexibility for remote work when event schedules permit. Interested candidates who are passionate about event coordination, facility management, and community engagement are encouraged to apply and become part of the Volunteer family.
The Student Union at The University of Tennessee serves as the central hub for student activities, offering a welcoming space where students can eat, study, work, and connect. It houses key offices like the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, the Jones Center for Leadership and Service, the Dean of Students Office, the Center for Student Engagement, among others. This dynamic environment is supported by the Division of Student Life, which provides transformational experiences outside the classroom, supporting students to learn, lead, and serve in ways that enhance their personal and professional growth.
The Event Services Reservationist plays a vital role within this ecosystem by managing reservation and event services at the Student Union. This full-time position is responsible for advancing campus community engagement by efficiently allocating space, coordinating event logistics, and ensuring meetings and events run smoothly and adhere to university policies and emergency protocols. The Reservationist serves as the primary point of contact for event planners and campus offices, providing essential services such as managing room setups, attendee counts, equipment needs, and dining catering coordination with Vol Dining.
In this role, the Reservationist maintains detailed operational data, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and event satisfaction metrics using specialized software like reservation and room diagramming tools (e.g., Social Tables). They provide on-site facility oversight during events and lead professional staff responsibilities when required. Beyond logistical support, they offer planning guidance and resource support to student organizations, helping to foster a productive and positive event experience on campus.
This position also contributes to the broader strategic efforts of the department by participating in meetings, planning sessions, and monitoring trends in Student Union operations. The Reservationist represents the university in regional and international professional organizations, positioning UT Knoxville as a leader in innovative event and facility management. The role reflects a commitment to collaboration, customer service, efficiency, and adherence to university standards, making a direct impact on campus life and student success.
The University of Tennessee values its employees as its number one asset and offers comprehensive benefits, career development opportunities, and a culture that supports innovation and professional growth. This role is based at the Student Union, located at 1502 Cumberland Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee, with some flexibility for remote work when event schedules permit. Interested candidates who are passionate about event coordination, facility management, and community engagement are encouraged to apply and become part of the Volunteer family.
Job Requirements
- High school education required
- Minimum of three years of office experience
- Proficiency with business communication essentials including grammar and formatting
- Knowledge of organizational culture
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and event management technologies
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills
- Experience with scheduling or event management software
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to interpret and summarize information
- Ability to foster strong professional relationships
- Customer service-oriented with a professional demeanor
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
- Legal authorization to work in the United States without visa sponsorship
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma
- Three years of office experience
- Knowledge of business communications, including grammar, spelling, and formatting
- Knowledge of organizational culture
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and event management technology platforms
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple reservations simultaneously
- Experience with scheduling or event management software
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to create targeted documents
- Ability to summarize information accurately
- Strong relationship-building skills
- Customer service-oriented with a professional and welcoming demeanor
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment
- Preferred associate’s degree
- Experience in space scheduling, planning, and event implementation
- Experience in a college or university setting
- Knowledge of event management, conference services, and facility operations in higher education
- Familiarity with event management software and room scheduling systems such as EMS, Mazevo, or Social Tables
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to perform facility walkthroughs and verify event readiness
- Ability to apply university policies and safety requirements consistently and fairly
Job Duties
- Manage meeting and event space reservations and enter corresponding information into reservation software
- File and print event schedules and setup reports for the next day
- Follow up with guests regarding room setup, attendee numbers, and equipment needs
- Communicate with campus offices and individuals about event requests
- Serve as liaison for Vol Dining catering coordination and ensure adherence to university event policies and emergency protocols
- Process event invoices for Student Union spaces approved by Associate Director
- Maintain operational data, KPIs, and event satisfaction metrics
- Communicate room setup, AV, catering, and other event needs to Student Union staff and operational teams
- Provide facility oversight and management during events as lead professional staff when others are unavailable
- Manage reservations and event execution for outdoor spaces and tabling locations
- Provide event support through consultations, meetings, and facility tours
- Coordinate technical setups and collaborate with Tech staff on AV equipment operation
- Assist with event crowd management
- Monitor services, safety, and security of the Student Union
- Identify and resolve facility operation issues
- Manage fulfillment of morning event room setups and respond to last-minute requests
- Use Social Tables software for event diagramming as needed
- Support and advise student organizations with event planning guidance and resource allocation
- Participate in departmental and divisional meetings and planning efforts
- Implement Student Union Emergency Action Plan when needed
- Represent the university at regional and international professional organizations
- Monitor trends in Student Union operations for potential departmental impact
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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