Assistant Director Student Events, Student Life

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas‑Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world‑renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas‑Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on‑site childcare, wage and merit increases, and more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Student Events will be responsible for planning and implementation of all aspects of large‑scale programs and events for the schools of UT Southwestern Medical Center. This position will manage a variety of staff and contractors and will collaborate with various University departments to ensure multiple high‑profile events throughout the year are a success. The role serves as a liaison with the Office of the President, the Provost Office, Communications and Public Affairs, deans of the four schools, and committees working on all student events. The incumbent actively participates on planning committees for recurring events including orientations, United to Serve, Second Look Weekend (MS0) and other student‑focused opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑skill coordination and professional administrative support for high‑level events and project management.
• Plan, coordinate logistics, and manage ongoing programs and events for the four schools.
• Manage key aspects of commencement and white‑coat ceremonies, including student and guest management, program coordination, printed materials, music, multimedia services, recruitment and supervision of volunteer staff, and oversight of logistics.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion for the University’s high‑profile events.
• Develop and manage communication plans for commencement and other events, ensuring timely dissemination of accurate information to faculty, staff, students, parents, and external audiences.
• Serve as liaison with the Office of the President, the Provost Office, Communications and Public Affairs, deans of the four schools, and event committees.
• Collaborate with internal and external service providers (catering, print, design, venues, photography, etc.) to secure best value and excellent service for high‑profile ceremonies and events.
• Actively participate on planning committees for recurring events such as orientations, United to Serve, and Second Look Weekend (MS0).
• Support and act as backup for the Director of Student Life.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or a related field.
• Six (6) years of experience in event planning, including work with complex budgets, preparation of financial spreadsheets, and tracking expenditures.
• Additional years of directly related experience may be considered in lieu of the stated degree on a year‑for‑year basis.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full‑time employee‑only coverage.
• 100 % coverage for preventive healthcare – no copay.
• Paid Time Off, available day one.
• Retirement programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• Paid Parental Leave benefit.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer.
• Additional employee benefits are detailed on the UT Southwestern benefits portal.

This position is security‑sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information. UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community.