Temporary Advancement Events Specialist

The University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving, and community building for over 160 years. In University Advancement, we support this legacy by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy, and philanthropic support for the UW’s mission.

About the role

The College of Built Environments seeks an Advancement Events Specialist for a full-time, temporary appointment through June 30, 2027. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Development, this role plans and executes a wide range of events that engage alumni, donors, volunteers, industry partners, and friends of the college.

Responsibilities

• Event Production and Management (75%)
  • Plan and deliver in-person and hybrid events for alumni, donors, industry partners, volunteers, and the college community.
  • Manage events from start to finish: timelines, budgets, registration, guest communications, venue coordination, and logistics.
  • Develop event communications and materials: invitations, registration pages, programs, signage, surveys, and attendee resources.
  • Coordinate with vendors (caterers, venues, rental companies, photographers, and other event partners).
  • Lead onsite execution: setup, teardown, registration, audiovisual coordination, volunteer support, and troubleshooting.
  • Partner with college leadership, faculty, and colleagues to develop event content, schedules, and speaker materials.
  • Maintain event platforms, provide updates to stakeholders, and evaluate outcomes for continuous improvement.
• General Event Operations (20%)
  • Collaborate with colleagues across the college, university, and broader community to support engagement efforts.
  • Connect faculty and leadership with speaking engagements and event participation opportunities.
  • Ensure consistent event planning practices and high-quality guest experiences.
• Other Duties (5%)
  • Represent the college on committees, task forces, and working groups.
  • Stay informed on university event policies and ensure compliance.
  • Collaborate with campus event professionals to support university-wide initiatives and share best practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree.
• Two years of experience in event management, marketing/communications, advancement, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience planning and executing events from start to finish, including logistics, vendor management, registration, communications, and onsite support.
• Experience managing multiple events or projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills, with experience partnering with diverse stakeholders, clients, vendors, sponsors, donors, volunteers, or senior leaders.
• Experience supporting events of varying size and complexity, from small meetings to larger engagement programs.
• Experience using event registration, invitation, or email marketing platforms such as Cvent or Marketo.
• Experience creating event communications and promotional materials, including invitations, presentations, signage, or digital content.
• Proficiency with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools.

Work Environment

• Hybrid-work schedule: four days in the office and one to two days eligible for telework per week, based on business needs.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours on short or limited notice.
• Cubicle/open workspace environment with potential for higher noise levels and visual distractions.
• Regular and reliable transportation required for local travel and campus events.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally for event setup and teardown.
• During events (setup to teardown) or on event days:
  • Ability to stand 4 or more hours continuously.
  • Ability to walk 4 or more hours continuously.
  • Ability to work greater than a 10-hour day.

Pay

Annual pay range: $76,500 – $79,044.

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit UW Temporary Benefits.