Events Specialist Senior-Sod

EVENTS SPECIALIST SENIOR-SOD

University of Alabama at Birmingham

This is an in-office, split appointment position reporting directly to the Executive Director of Alumni Affairs/Senior Director of Development for the School of Dentistry. The role provides comprehensive support across all School of Dentistry (SOD) programs and is expected to maintain a consistent on-site presence. This visibility is essential for building relationships, facilitating collaboration, and responding to the evolving needs of the School. The incumbent will lead the planning and execution of high-profile university events, including donor receptions, leadership meetings, fundraising galas, and performance events. Responsibilities encompass the full event lifecycle, from strategic planning and implementation to post-event evaluation, ensuring successful outcomes that align with institutional goals.

In addition, this position supports alumni engagement initiatives, assists with Alumni Association communications, including publications and newsletters, and provides day-to-day operational support to the Senior Director. The role is integral to strengthening alumni relationships, enhancing donor engagement, and advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the School of Dentistry.

General Responsibilities

• To plan, coordinate and execute professional and special events hosted by the School of Dentistry.

• To determine the range and scope of event services to arrange a well-planned and executed event that promotes hospitality and public relations while presenting a positive impression of the School of Dentistry

Additional Responsibilities

• Plan and Produce Events: Build timelines, lead weekly event meetings, set agendas, drive decisions, and approve meeting minutes.

• Vendor Contract Coordination: Collaborate with caterers and venues and, when appropriate, negotiate agreements and monitor contractual obligations to ensure compliance with established terms and budget guidelines.

• Budget Stewardship: Monitor expenditures, ensure spending remains within approved guidelines, and maintain accurate financial documentation.

• Protocol and Guest Experience: Ensure appropriate university protocol, maintain run-of-show accuracy, and deliver a hospitality experience that reflects UAB's brand and standards.

• Quality and Compliance: Maintain event documentation and review historical event files to ensure complete, accurate, and compliant records.

• Team Enablement: Support staff development related to event planning processes, procedures, and best practices.

• Stakeholder Partnership: Attend planning meetings with or without the Director and keep stakeholders and leadership informed and aligned throughout the event planning process.

• Alumni Engagement: Support alumni membership growth and engagement initiatives.

• Communications Support: Assist with Alumni Association publications, newsletters, and related communication projects.

• Administrative Support: Provide day-to-day support to the Senior Director.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to problem solve

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Ability to perform work independently

• Negotiation skills

• Organizational skills

• Presentation skills

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively

Preferred Skills

• Experience in alumni relations, advancement, or development within a higher education or nonprofit setting.

• Ability to manage donor relationships, coordinate engagement initiatives, and support fundraising efforts.

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities while maintaining strong communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Salary Range: $55,180 - $89,670

Education

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of related experience required.

• Work experience may substitute for education requirement

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.