Event Specialist I

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is a renowned public university known for its commitment to providing excellent education and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Nestled in Edmond, Oklahoma, UCO is dedicated to serving its community through a variety of academic programs, cultural events, and student services that enhance learning and personal growth. The university prides itself on maintaining state-of-the-art facilities and offering dynamic roles that contribute significantly to the student experience and campus life. It encourages a collaborative atmosphere where staff and faculty members work together to meet the evolving needs of students and external stakeholders.

The role of Event Coordinator at UCO is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position based at the Nigh University Center— a vibrant hub for campus activities. This position is benefit-eligible and typically requires a standard 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends, specifically to support campus events. The primary focus of the role is to coordinate the logistics of a wide range of events—including conferences, seminars, special promotions, programs, camps, and direct mail campaigns—ensuring seamless execution from event conception through to cleanup. Responsibilities include organizing every aspect of events such as scheduling staff, catering services, contracts, venue selection, and event layout while adhering closely to budgetary guidelines.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about event management and customer engagement within a university setting. The Event Coordinator acts as the key liaison for event bookings and customer relations at the Nigh University Center, working collaboratively with on-campus entities, off-campus groups, and student organizations to realize their event goals. This requires excellent interpersonal skills for negotiating event needs, providing recommendations for room arrangements, and creatively utilizing the facility’s resources. The coordinator is tasked with ensuring compliance with facility policies, maintaining reservation data accurately in scheduling software, and coordinating catering and multimedia needs with various departments.

Additionally, the position involves problem-solving to address any customer concerns promptly and professionally while consistently supporting the delivery of high-quality services. Although entry-level, the role demands effective communication, attention to detail, and the ability to operate within a defined structure of policies and procedures. Leadership may delegate it as a critical role for supporting events that enhance campus life and the university experience. There’s also potential for earning sales commissions based on event bookings, providing an added incentive for those motivated by performance-based rewards.

Overall, this position is ideal for organized, detail-oriented professionals eager to develop their event planning skills within a vibrant academic environment. By ensuring events run smoothly, the Event Coordinator plays a vital part in the university's mission to provide enriching experiences that support educational success and community engagement.