Special Events Coordinator

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Uplift's mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each student to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in students a life‑long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.

The Special Events Coordinator will work in collaboration with the Director of Events and Scholar Experience and the Special Events Manager to plan, implement, and execute various Uplift Education network‑wide events. This individual will provide leadership in the planning, coordination, budgeting, and evaluation of all assigned events while working closely with the President, Sr. Director of Events and Scholar Experience, Special Event Manager, various Uplift CMO departments, and community stakeholders.

• Assists in the planning and execution of Uplift’s network-wide events.
• Maintains calendar invites, to include all pertinent information for all assigned events.
• Assists in developing annual event calendars and project plans to align with network priorities and organizational goals.
• Conducts research for venues, promotional items, and vendors for assigned events.
• Obtains competitive quotes and negotiates vendor pricing to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
• Prepares event action plans and graphic design requests as they pertain to assigned events.
• Monitors assigned event budget that will include, but not be limited to, initiating requisitions, checking requests for vendors, and following up on purchase order status and payment(s) received.
• Collaborates with cross‑functional teams (e.g., Communications, Operations, Family Engagement, External Affairs, etc.) to ensure alignment of messaging and logistics.
• Supports the Communications team by capturing photos during events to enhance visibility and family/community engagement.
• Serves as a liaison between internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure clear communication and expectations.
• Ensures all event materials and signage follow Uplift brand standards and visual identity guidelines.
• Researches and recommends new event trends, tools, and technologies to enhance attendee experience and operational efficiency.
• Coordinates all details of assigned events, which are not limited to the following:
  • Maintains accurate and fluid event guest lists and databases per assigned event.
  • Coordinates all food and beverage services, audiovisual needs, and facility arrangements for assigned events where applicable.
  • Tracks event metrics (attendance, engagement, satisfaction, and budget performance) and provides post‑event reports with recommendations for improvement.
  • Responsible for creating detailed event setup logistical plans and layouts to include placement of event décor, tables, A/V, food lines, and more.
  • Responsible for communications and marketing in support of special events.
  • Responsible for assigning all staff/volunteer duties for assigned events.
  • Coordinates the production and distribution of printed materials for donor-related events, where applicable.
  • Creates, distributes, and analyzes all surveys/survey results as they pertain to assigned events.
  • This position will report to the Special Events Manager.
  • Uplift Education retains the right to change and/or modify the duties and essential functions of this position at any time. This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee.

• Education Requirements:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree required;
  Relevant work experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Experience Requirements:
  Minimum 3 years in a similar position, in event planning/coordination is preferred. Proven experience in event coordination to develop and carry out research and event assignments such as analysis/comparison of event spaces, contract negotiation skills, possess the ability to maintain and operate within the constraints of an event budget, and able to utilize best practices…