Senior Event Manager (HR Title: Meeting Event Planner II)

About the role

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. This role is an on-campus, in-person position that manages multiple operational aspects of Program Services events.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include managing vendors and event details, managing communication with internal and external constituents, overseeing database management, creating and executing production timelines and other documents, and managing staff needs in order to execute events. This position will support other Program Services events, including the Tate Lectures Series, PwC SMU Athletic Forum, Doak Walker Award, and signature athletics-related events.

• Collaborating with DEA colleagues and other internal clients, catering, event design, vendors and external constituents
• Managing logistical details with underwriting sponsor liaison for Tate student forums, dinners and lectures
• Guest travel, production timelines and other documents, monthly budget tracking, and recruitment of staff
• Managing the communications schedule for each event and cultivating and managing relationships with Tate Sponsors on event logistics
• Oversight of invitation process, guest lists, DEA colleague communication, seating, and database management
• Assisting in Tate ticketing purchases and system management
• Building and executing engagement program for Doak Walker Award alumni and serving as a liaison for the Doak Walker Award family
• Assisting in execution and staffing for all Program Services events, including joining the team that greets guests and managing vendors during football games at the President's football suite

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree is required, along with a minimum of three years of experience coordinating and managing event logistics, including at least one year of experience providing clerical, administrative, or customer service support in an office environment.

• Experience gained through a development internship is a plus
• Experience with high-profile, fast-paced events is highly preferred
• Experience in a non-profit environment working with multiple constituencies, including students, faculty, ticket holders, donors, and Board members, is desired
• Experience working with volunteers is preferred
• Experience in ticket sales is desired

Skills

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies.

• Strong written communication skills, including strong spelling and grammar skills
• A strong customer service orientation
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, with knowledge of Microsoft Excel preferred
• Database management experience, preferably with FileMaker Pro, and experience with Paciolan (ticketing database) is preferred

Benefits

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits, including traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, as well as a wide range of wellness programs. SMU also offers a variety of retirement programs and access to professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.