Program Manager of Special Events

Position Details

University of Colorado | Denver

Official Title: External Relations Program Manager

Working Title: Program Manager of Special Events

FTE: Full-time

Salary Range: $72,359 - $79,976

Position #00791084 - Requisition #36948

Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top ranked bachelors, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

This position is an important member of the CU Denver Events team. The _____ of special events, under the supervision of the Director of University Events & Ceremonies, will be responsible for assisting with the planning, coordination, and execution of internal and external events on the CU Denver campus that impact reputation, student engagement, employee engagement, and general business operations. This will include major university events and ceremonies such as fall and spring commencement, CU Denver Block Party, New Student Welcome, end of the year recognitions and celebrations, among others. Additionally, the position will serve as the primary scheduler in the event reservation system (EMS) to view and manage meeting & event space requests for the locations our office oversees. They will also assist to manage the events and commencement emails to ensure efficient and correct communication with our constituents.

This position requires autonomy, high attention to detail, communication, critical thinking, decision-making ability, resourcefulness, and diplomacy. The _____ of special events will be responsible for collaborating with representatives from internal and external university departments, schools and colleges, and external partners to determine goals and objectives, develop future plans and build consensus, and must be comfortable working with senior leadership of the organization.

Program Manager of Special Events

What you will do:

• 
  

  Responsible for assisting or being the lead with the planning, coordination, and execution of internal and external events on and off the CU Denver campus that impact reputation, student engagement, employee engagement, and general business operations.

  
  
• 
  

  Assist or serve as the key planner of major university events and ceremonies, such as fall and spring commencement, CU Denver Block Party, New Student Welcome, end of the year recognitions and celebrations, among others under the direction of the Director of University Events & Ceremonies.

  
  
• 
  

  Serve as the primary scheduler in the event reservation system (EMS) to view and manage meeting & event space requests for the locations our office oversees

  
  
• 
  

  Oversees the budget management for their events

  
  
• 
  

  Assist to coordinate billing and budget reconciliation for Terrace Room

  
  
• 
  

  Creates registration pages and monitors event registrations utilizing our event management software.

  
  
• 
  

  Serves as lead campus contact for Cvent event registration software, coordinating with CU System e-communications staff on trainings for campus users.

  
  
• 
  

  Assist in the management of the events and commencement emails to ensure efficient and correct communication with our constituents.

  
  
• 
  

  Collaborate with the University Marketing professionals to design, develop, and execute comprehensive project plans for all communication & marketing needs of events.

  
  
• 
  

  Collaborate with third party vendors to fulfill event needs

  
  
• 
  

  Serves as a backup for the Director of University Events & Ceremonies and works alongside them on large complex events.

  
  
• When needed, represent the Events Team in necessary leadership, campus partner and division meetings.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• 
  

  A bachelor's degree in hospitality, marketing, communications, public relations, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution

  
  
• 
  

  3 years' experience planning and leading special events for an organization(s)

  
  
• Experience coordinating with marketing/communications teams to promote events

Conditions of Employment:

• 
  

  This position will be required to be in-office a minimum of 3 days a week during a normal business week.

  
  
• 
  

  The position must be available to work all assigned events (including December and May Commencements, irregular shifts and work occasional evening and weekend events).

  
  
• Capable of physical demands such as continuously lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds, but rarely moving more than 25 to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• 
  

  5 years' experience planning and leading special events for an organization

  
  
• 
  

  Experience in Higher Education

  
  
• 
  

  Budget management experience

  
  
• 
  

  Experience with serving as the lead in planning large-scale special events and university ceremonies

  
  
• 
  

  Experience negotiating vendor contracts

  
  
• 
  

  Experience collaborating closely with executive leaders of an organization and assisting with speaker preparation

  
  
• Experience utilizing event management and diagram software (example: Cvent, SmartDraw, AirTable)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 
  

  Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally

  
  
• 
  

  Prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet frequent deadlines in fast-paced environment

  
  
• 
  

  Outstanding customer service skills

  
  
• 
  

  Envision, develop, and execute high-impact, brand-aligned special events

  
  
• 
  

  Ability to lead events independently

  
  
• 
  

  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution

  
  
• 
  

  Learn, use, and manage event management and diagram software, and project management tool

  
  
• 
  

  Proven commitment and leadership in fostering an equitable and welcoming environment for all individuals

  
  
• 
  

  Outstanding attention to detail, follow-through, and foresight

  
  
• 
  

  Understanding of how to leverage and maximize special events to realize business and branding goals

  
  
• Understanding of special events program design, experiential marketing, decor, and venue and menu selection

Conditions of Employment

• 
  

  Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.

  
  
• This position requires an onsite presence on campus 3 days a week.

Mental, Physical, and/or Environmental Requirements

• 
  

  The ability to sit for extended periods, stand and walk occasionally, reach with hands and arms, use hands to manipulate a keyboard and mouse, and have good near vision for computer work;often requiring minimal lifting, but may involve bending or reaching to retrieve items from shelves or drawers.

  
  
• 
  

  Exchanging ideas, information, and opinions with others to formulate policies and programs and/or jointly arrive at decisions, conclusions, solutions, or solve disputes.

  
  
• Teaching subject matter to others, or training others through explanation, demonstration, and supervised practice; or making recommendations on the basis of technical disciplines.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

The University of Colorado Denver is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting diverse faculty and staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications inclusive of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, political philosophy, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Employment Sponsorship

Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $72,359 - $79,976.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by June 4, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:

To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

1. 
   

   A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications

   
   
2. 
   

   A current CV/resume

   
   
3. List of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)

Questions should be directed to Emilia Covault, Emilia.covault@ucdenver.edu

Background Check Policy

The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.