Senior Event Manager

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a prestigious public research university committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community. As part of the University of Wisconsin System, UW-Madison serves as a hub for academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. The university is renowned for its comprehensive educational programs and vibrant campus life. It embraces values of diversity, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence across teaching, research, and outreach. This commitment makes UW-Madison not only a top choice for students and faculty but also an employer that values the unique backgrounds and contributions of its staff. The university promotes an inclusive environment for all, ensuring equal employment opportunities while supporting individuals with disabilities and other specific needs to thrive in their professional roles.

Wisconsin Athletics, the university's athletic department, plays a vital role in enhancing campus spirit and community engagement through its competitive sports programs and major live events. The event operations team within Wisconsin Athletics coordinates a wide spectrum of events, ranging from collegiate athletic contests to major concerts and special gatherings at iconic venues such as Camp Randall Stadium and the Kohl Center. These venues are central to campus life, hosting thousands of attendees for major events that require meticulous planning and flawless execution.

The Senior Event Manager position available at Wisconsin Athletics offers an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional passionate about live events management, particularly in a collegiate sports and entertainment environment. This role is critical in supporting concerts and large-scale live events, ensuring a seamless event experience from pre-planning through post-event evaluation. The Senior Event Manager serves as the main liaison between the university, event promoters, and production teams, coordinating all operational aspects to meet and exceed client and venue expectations. The role demands strong leadership, organizational abilities, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

This full-time academic staff role comes with a competitive starting salary of at least $75,000 per year, with potential negotiation based on experience and qualifications. The position also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous vacation and paid time off, competitive insurance plans, retirement benefits, and exclusive access to university athletic events and gear. In this role, the Senior Event Manager will also support broader athletic event operations and might take on management responsibility for a specific sport, depending on departmental needs and candidate expertise.

Ideal candidates will bring more than five years of experience in the entertainment or live events industry, preferably with a background in managing events at stadiums or arenas of comparable size (8,000 to 60,000 seats). Knowledge of AutoCAD, facility operations, and event coordination is highly desirable. Experience with basketball or hockey events adds an additional advantage but is not mandatory. A bachelor's degree in Sports/Event Management, Hospitality, Business, Theater, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. The university seeks a motivated, adaptable team player who can perform well under pressure, maintain a strong work ethic, and demonstrate creativity and leadership in delivering exceptional event experiences.