Events Manager

Kirkland, WA, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Range $70,440.00 - $80,040.00

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional Development

Tuition reduction

Life insurance

Job Description

The University of Washington (UW) stands as a premier institution renowned for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. As one of the leading public research universities in the United States, it boasts a vibrant campus environment rich in diversity, intellectual vitality, and a culture that fosters innovation and collaboration across various disciplines. The University continuously strives to cultivate an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for its students, faculty, and staff, promoting personal and professional growth while contributing positively to global challenges.

Within this dynamic environment, the College of Engineering's Collaboration Core has an outstanding opportunity for an Events Manager. This role is integral to the College's mission to facilitate interdisciplinary research and foster connections among faculty, students, external partners, and the broader academic community. The Collaboration Core serves as a hub for various research units, offering a space where ideas intersect and innovations thrive.

The Events Manager will be responsible for the full spectrum of event production for these research units, handling a diverse portfolio of events including research seminars, conferences, workshops, presentations, lab openings, and networking events. This role requires close interaction with institute directors, faculty members, research and administrative staff, reporting directly to the Associate Director of Operations. As a key member of the team, the Events Manager will lead planning meetings, coordinate logistics, and oversee event marketing and financial administration, ensuring seamless execution and impactful outcomes.

This position demands a keen eye for detail, strong organizational skills, and an ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced academic research setting. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience managing events, preferably within an academic, scientific, or technology-focused environment. They must possess excellent communication skills, a talent for creative event strategy, and advanced proficiency with software tools including Microsoft Office.

The Events Manager will also handle budgeting and vendor contracts, coordinating with University offices and external partners to ensure compliance with funding guidelines and successful sponsorship arrangements. Additionally, the role involves maintaining accurate participant data and managing communications through various channels such as event calendars, web pages, and listservs.

This full-time, regular position offers a competitive salary range of $70,440 to $80,040 annually, along with comprehensive benefits consistent with University of Washington employment policies. It is an excellent opportunity for an energetic, detail-oriented professional eager to contribute to a world-class institution while advancing their career in event management within the academic research sector.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
At least two years of event management experience in relevant fields
Excellent communication skills
Excellent design skills
Proven ability to plan and execute events
Ability to manage budgets and vendor relationships
Strong organizational and multitasking skills
Commitment to diversity and equity
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Advanced proficiency with MS Office suite
Willingness to attend evening and weekend events
Occasional travel outside the university for events

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, communications, design, or related fields or equivalent experience
At least two years of experience managing events in academic research, education, science, engineering, or technology-focused organizations
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Excellent design skills
Demonstrated ability to conceive, implement, and evaluate creative event strategies
Experience executing large events or conferences
Advanced knowledge of MS Office including Outlook, Excel, Access, and Word
Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills
Proven organization and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and equity and ability to work with diverse groups
Ability to work collaboratively and independently with reliability, accuracy, and productivity

Job Duties

Organize and provide support for events as requested by directors or supervisors
Lead planning and debrief meetings with directors and staff, tracking action items and recommendations
Manage event logistics including travel arrangements, workback plans, meeting schedules, space reservations, equipment rentals, and event materials
Develop agendas and draft invitations, reports, surveys, and other professional correspondence
Provide day-of event support including arranging furniture, accepting deliveries, welcoming guests, and tracking attendance
Close up spaces after events, returning furniture, supplies, and refreshments to permanent storage
Manage inventory of all Collaboration Core event supplies including food, beverages, linens, A/V equipment, and branded materials
Manage internal and external communications for events including distributing announcements through various channels
Design promotional and informational materials such as impact reports and recruitment posters
Compile resources and share information about upcoming events and opportunities
Manage program participant data, ensuring contact information and listservs are updated
Oversee event budgets and reconcile all expenses following guidelines
Arrange and execute honoraria for speakers, catering agreements, and vendor contracts
Coordinate event sponsorships with external partners and university offices
Represent institutes at meetings and events to stay current on policies and trends
Continuously seek training opportunities related to events management
Stay current on events marketing and communications practices by peer institutions
Perform other duties as assigned