Event Specialist

The Event Specialist supports the planning coordination and execution of University Advancement events that strengthen relationships with alumni donors friends campus partners and the broader UWM community. This position plays a key role in delivering high-quality mission-driven experiences that advance alumni engagement donor stewardship and institutional pride.

Reporting to the Advancement Event Manager the Event Specialist assists with annual signature events alumni engagement programs donor and stewardship events campus celebrations and other Advancement activities. This role is highly execution-focused and requires strong organization attention to detail follow-through customer service and the ability to manage multiple event logistics at once.

The Event Specialist works closely with colleagues across University Advancement campus departments vendors and external partners to ensure events are well-planned welcoming professional and aligned with UWMs goals and brand. This position will be expected to work occasional evenings and weekends.

• Support the planning and execution of annual signature Advancement events alumni engagement events donor recognition events stewardship gatherings campus celebrations and other special programs.

• Coordinate event logistics including timelines room reservations catering rentals signage parking registration name tags supplies audiovisual needs and vendor communication.

• Assist with event setup staffing guest check-in troubleshooting and post-event wrap-up.

• Maintain detailed event planning documents production schedules supply lists and run-of-show materials.

• Ensure event spaces are prepared welcoming and aligned with the tone and purpose of each event.

• Help create positive meaningful experiences for alumni donors volunteers students families and campus guests.

• Support events that build alumni pride encourage lifelong engagement and strengthen donor relationships.

• Assist with volunteer host committee or campus partner coordination as needed.

• Provide responsive and professional communication with event guests alumni donors vendors and university colleagues.

• Track event details attendance RSVPs expenses and follow-up needs.

• Assist with event communications invitation lists registration platforms and basic reporting.

• Process invoices purchase requests vendor paperwork and other event-related administrative tasks.

• Help maintain event supplies branded materials and shared planning resources.

• Support post-event evaluation including attendance summaries feedback and recommendations for improvement.

Collaboration and Campus Partnership

• Work collaboratively with Advancement colleagues Alumni Association staff development officers communications staff and campus partners.

• Represent University Advancement professionally at events and meetings.

• Assist with multiple events and priorities during high-volume periods including evenings and occasional weekends.

$58000 - $65000

Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.

Apply electronically by the application deadline date of October 17 2026.Questions about this position should be directed toJoshua Xiong at

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability please contact or . This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWMis a State agency and subject to Wisconsins Open Records not however reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsins Open Records certain circumstances the identities of final candidates and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBCand Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For theUWMAnnual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies see or call UWMs Dean of Students Office Student Union 345 at for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age pregnancy disability status as a protected veteran or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds perspectives and skills and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.