"University Events Specialist II/III"

Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number: S5077P

Home Org Name: Special Events

Division Name: Office of the President

Position Title: University Events Specialist II/III

Job Class Code: OC66, OC67

Appointment Status: Full-time

Limited Term: No

Job Summary

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.

Essential Functions

• 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, décor, 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, décor, 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.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum 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

Minimum Skills and Abilities

• Critical Thinking & Judgment Ability to make sound decisions under pressure. Strong problem-solving skills to handle shifting priorities and tight timelines. Discretion when managing sensitive information.
• Organizational & Time Management Exceptional ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Flexibility to adapt to after-hours event demands and last-minute changes.
• Facility & Operations Management Knowledge of facility maintenance standards and ability to conduct inspections. Understanding of cleaning protocols and repair coordination.
• Inventory & Asset Management Skills in tracking, auditing, and maintaining equipment inventories. Ability to implement preventive maintenance and ensure event assets are in optimal condition.
• Contract & Vendor Management Competence in preparing, reviewing, and managing vendor contracts. Negotiation skills to ensure accuracy and timely delivery of goods and services.
• Communication & Collaboration Strong verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with stakeholders. Ability to build relationships across departments and with external vendors.
• Technical & Administrative Skills Proficiency in event management systems and inventory tracking tools. Budget monitoring and reporting capabilities.

Desired Qualifications

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

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range: $53,610-$98,740

Job Category: Communications/Public Relations/Marketing

City position is located in: Auburn

State position is located: Alabama

Posting Date: 02/09/2026

Closing Date: 02/19/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: provide 3 references

Documents Needed to Apply

• Required Documents: 1. Resume 2. Cover Letter

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement: It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more.