POSITION TITLE:
COMPENSATION RANGE: 55,000.00 - 61,000.00 USD per year
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Professional Administrative
DEPARTMENT: University Events
TARGET HIRE DATE: 10/16/2026
BENEFITS: UNC's Career Hub
Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; UNC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 09/17/2026.
Position Summary:
The plays an integral role in creating meaningful experiences that bring the University of Northern Colorado community together and strengthen connections with alumni, donors, community partners, and other key audiences. As a member of University Advancement's events team, this position helps plan and deliver high-profile events that celebrate UNC, advance institutional priorities, and leave a lasting impression on those we serve.
Working alongside the Director of University Events, the Assistant Director manages a diverse portfolio of events and special projects-from signature campus celebrations and presidential events to alumni, donor, and community programs held across Colorado and nationally. The role combines creative event planning with thoughtful strategy, strong project management, and exceptional hospitality to ensure each experience reflects UNC's brand and supports the university's broader goals.
The Assistant Director oversees events from concept through execution, including logistics, communication, budgets, vendor coordination, constituent engagement, and post-event evaluation. The position also supervises student staff and collaborates closely with colleagues across University Advancement and throughout UNC, as well as with alumni, donors, volunteers, vendors, and community partners.
This is an opportunity for an experienced event professional who enjoys turning big ideas into memorable experiences, thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, and takes pride in the details that make people feel welcomed and valued. With events taking place on campus, throughout Colorado, nationally, and online, the Assistant Director will have the opportunity to represent UNC through experiences that build relationships, inspire engagement, and advance the university's mission.
Job Duties:
40% Event Leadership and Management - Manage a portfolio of assigned in-person and virtual events, as well as staff all university events with an aim to enhance brand awareness and accelerate levels of engagement. *Must be willing to work evenings and weekends*
- For all assigned events, serve as the project manager with responsibility for event strategy, venue selection, timelines, budgets, catering, logistics, hospitality, decor, programming, registration, communications, technology, vendor management and assessment
- For all assigned events, ensure accurate and complete event and constituent records, to include managing and maintaining registration and participation lists and tracking of pre-and post-event communication
- For all assigned events, ensure completed event budgets, accurate financial records, and full compliance with all university, state, and foundation accounting and purchasing policies
- For all assigned events, coordinate delivery of event support and effort across advancement, conference services, facilities, procurement and other administrative units
- Coordinate guest hospitality services for all university events including guest correspondence, reservation support, event preparation, check-in protocols, and guest material and nametag printing
- Ensure all university events are executed at the highest level. This includes being present before, during, and after each event held both on and off campus
- Manage and maintain event supplies and orders to ensure operational success of all events hosted by the division
- Assist the Director in establishing and implementing event standards, policies, procedures and best practices
- Develop and maintain event management systems, project timelines, operational workflows and assessment processes
- Analyze participation, engagement, and satisfaction data to evaluate effectiveness and recommend improvements
- Contribute to annual event planning, prioritization and resource allocation decisions
- Serve as a departmental resource regarding event planning, hospitality, and university event protocols
- Develop, manage, and reconcile assigned event budgets
- Monitor expenditures and revenues to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with university, foundation and state policies
- Assist the Director with budget forecasting, resource planning, and financial reporting
- Review contracts, purchasing requests, and vendor agreements for compliance and operational effectiveness
- In collaboration with advancement and campus colleagues, create and execute event marketing plans that attract constituent interest and participation, to include planning website, phone, social, print and other communication outreach activities
- Coordinate event registration, guest management, and hospitality services
- Coordinate and edit event listings published to online calendar, internal calendars, websites, social media and other communication channels to ensure optimal awareness of events among internal and external constituents
- Manage event related public email accounts with timeline and responsive customer service
- Respond to and resolve constituent requests for assistance, which may include event registration, general correspondence, referrals to other university offices, and other ad hoc requests
- Maintain positive relationships with alumni, donors, community partners, volunteers, vendors and university leadership
10%Student Staff, Volunteer Management and Departmental Leadership - Provides leadership and oversight for student staff and event volunteers while supporting departmental operations and ensuring successful execution of university events.
- Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate the University Events Student Assistant.
- Delegate assignments and provide mentorship to the Student Assistant
- Develop and coordinate volunteer engagement opportunities that support university events and institutional priorities
- Recruit, train, schedule and steward event volunteers to expand event capacity and enhance the constituent experience
- Coordinate volunteer engagement with advancement colleagues and campus partners to ensure volunteers have a meaningful interaction and experience acting in support of an event
- Track volunteer participation and engagement in accordance with university advancement protocols
- Serve as departmental lead when delegated by the director
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required
- Preferred educational emphasis includes business administration, communication, hospitality, marketing, tourism, or a related field of study.
- Two years of direct event planning and management experience preferred, with a broad understanding and proven history of hospitality, stewardship and volunteer management and communication techniques.
Abilities:
- Outstanding organizational, customer service and project management skills
- Ability to prioritize work, work independently and within a team, and anticipate the needs of all special events.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Windows
- Above average communication skills, writing and proof reading, telephone and speaking skills
- Knowledge and experience with Raiser's Edge are desired
- Available to work weekends and evenings
- Available to travel as needed
- Able to carry events supplies
- Able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds
- Ability to manage several projects simultaneously
- Ability to prioritize workload
- Ability to exercise good judgment when dealing with confidential information and interaction with donors, community and business leadership.
Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.
About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC's commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and to serve more than 44% of our undergraduates who are the first in their family to attend college. UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC's Career Hub, to learn more about UNC's strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!
EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC's compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or human.resources@unco.edu.
Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.
This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.
Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.
