"Spec II, University Events"

Overview

The Office of Special Events is accepting applications for the position of University Events Specialist. The University Events Specialist plays a key role in planning and executing high-profile events hosted by the President of Auburn University and the Board of Trustees. As part of the Office of Special Events, this position ensures exceptional experiences for distinguished guests, donors, alumni, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities include supporting event preparation, managing logistics, and assisting with on-site execution to uphold the University's standards of excellence. Working under the guidance of senior staff, the Specialist collaborates with campus partners and external vendors to deliver well-organized, detail-oriented events.

This role requires strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, along with flexibility to work evenings and weekends in support of major University programs.

Responsibilities

• Develops and administers special events, projects, and programs for the Office of Special Events. Collaborates with University colleagues to execute the development, planning, and support of events and experiences to meet Auburn University's strategic goals. Supports and ensures special projects and programs are implemented and operating within specifications.
• Develops plans and organizes events, including activities such as selecting speakers, negotiating contractual obligations for resources, setup, and logistical considerations. Leads and supports the execution of events, including, but not limited to, reunions, tailgates, awards ceremonies, professional development training, board of directors' meetings, and other internal and external experiences.
• Responsible for monitoring expenditures and adherence to budgets for programs and services. Responsible for transaction reconciliation, reimbursement accuracy, budget status reporting, and in-house budget training. Completes daily operational duties for programs or events to include coordination and organization of activities, meetings, and events, including coordinating the speakers and vendors, reservation of venues, and budget monitoring.
• Monitors and manages event RSVPs and attendance lists, ensuring all guest responses are accurately tracked and entered into the appropriate systems. Provides regular updates to event leadership and planning teams to inform strategic decisions related to event logistics, guest experience, and engagement opportunities. Exercises sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information related to donors, students, volunteers, and university officials.
• Provides leadership for the planning, coordination, and execution of all athletic event initiatives hosted by the Office of the President. This role exercises independent judgment in managing complex, high-visibility events and serves as a key institutional representative in partnership with Athletics, Advancement, Alumni Affairs, and external stakeholders.
• Leads the strategic planning and execution of Presidential athletic event initiatives, including the President's Suite, Presidential tailgates, game watch events, and postseason travel. Establishes operational plans, timelines, and priorities; anticipates logistical and guest experience needs; and ensures consistent, high-quality execution aligned with University standards and the expectations of the Office of the President.
• Manages operations for the President's Suite during home football games, overseeing invitation strategy, multi-phase RSVP processes, guest communications, ticketing, seating assignments, credentials, and day-of logistics. Exercises discretion and independent judgment in resolving issues and adjusting plans in real time to ensure seamless delivery for distinguished guests.
• Manages the ongoing upkeep and operational readiness of athletic event spaces managed by the Office of Special Events, partnering with internal stakeholders to maintain the quality, functionality, and presentation of each space. Ensures all areas are appropriately stocked, serviced, and maintained in advance of events, proactively addressing needs and coordinating support to uphold University standards and deliver a consistently high-quality guest experience.
• Responsible for the planning and delivery of Presidential game watch events hosted at the residence, overseeing all logistical and hospitality elements including event layout, audiovisual coordination, catering, decor, and branding. Serves as the primary point of contact for campus partners and external vendors, ensuring alignment with event objectives, institutional messaging, and the standards and protocols of the Office of the President.
• Plans and executes Presidential tailgate events, coordinating site logistics, catering, decor, branding, staffing, and guest flow. Collaborates with campus partners and external vendors to deliver a polished, welcoming environment that reflects Auburn's brand, hospitality standards, and risk management requirements.
• Works in close collaboration with the Director to oversee logistical planning for all Presidential postseason and championship travel, including transportation, lodging, ticketing, credentials, scheduling, and hospitality arrangements. Coordinates with Athletics, conference representatives, host institutions, and security partners to ensure seamless execution and compliance with University policies, protocol standards, and security requirements under compressed timelines.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

AND

Level II
4 years of experience in event or program coordination or management

Level III
6 years of experience in event or program coordination or management

Desired Qualifications:

Experience in a complex organization and supervisor experience preferred.
Experience using Sales Force, Social Tables and other internal systems.

Salary Range: USD $53,610.00/Yr. - USD $98,740.00/Yr.

Locations: Auburn University, Alabama

Categories: Marketing, Communications, & Multimedia

Job Type: Non-Faculty

Position Type: Full-Time

Department: Special Events

Associated Division: Office of the President

Req ID: 7584