Events Manager

Events Manager

The Events Manager, Alumni Relations advances the mission of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine by designing and executing high-impact events and engagement experiences that strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, faculty, students, and key constituents locally and nationally. This role plays a critical part in fostering alumni affinity, supporting donor stewardship, and advancing the School's engagement and advancement strategies through thoughtful, mission‑aligned experiences.

Working in close collaboration with University of Utah Alumni, Advancement, academic leadership, faculty, and University of Utah Health partners, the Advancement Manager leads the planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of events—from intimate gatherings to large‑scale, high‑profile programs—ensuring each experience is purpose‑driven, audience‑centered, and operationally excellent.

This position oversees events from concept through completion, managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and strategic intent. Responsibilities span all facets of event and experience management, including budgeting, venue and vendor sourcing, contract review, speaker and leadership coordination, logistics, run‑of‑show development, staffing, marketing timelines, content and communications, technical rehearsals, on‑site execution, and post‑event evaluation.

The Events Manager, Alumni Relations must be a strong communicator and collaborator, capable of managing relationships with senior leaders, faculty, alumni volunteers, sponsors, and external partners. The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine hosts 30+ events and campaigns annually, including alumni reunions, board and committee meetings, regional and national engagement events, virtual programs, speaker series, awards and recognition events, and signature alumni weekend experiences.

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of a comprehensive portfolio of alumni, donor, and constituent events, managing all aspects of event delivery while meeting deadlines, budget parameters, and engagement objectives.
• Design and facilitate all logistical components of events, including contract negotiation and management, guest list development, venue preparation, presentation and content coordination, audio‑visual and technical production, photography and videography, catering, security, transportation, décor, entertainment, and branded marketing materials.
• Manage the full guest experience from concept through post‑event follow‑up, ensuring a consistently high level of service, thoughtful experience design, and seamless on‑site execution aligned with the mission and values of the School of Medicine.
• Collaborate closely with advancement colleagues, academic and departmental leadership, faculty, alumni volunteers, and University partners to design and execute meaningful engagement and stewardship opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, venues, and industry partners to deliver creative, high‑quality, and cost‑effective event solutions.
• Oversee event marketing and communications timelines in coordination with advancement and communications partners, ensuring alignment with institutional branding and messaging standards.
• Manage promotional item inventory, ordering, and distribution in accordance with brand standards and event needs.
• Lead and coordinate staff, students, volunteers, board and committee members involved in event planning and execution, including managing assignments, agendas, calendars, and on‑site roles.
• Conduct event research, site visits, and pre‑event planning meetings; develop run‑of‑show documents and briefing materials; and lead technical rehearsals to ensure events are executed smoothly and professionally.
• May plan and direct the day‑to‑day work of a staff member and/or student employees, including training, setting performance expectations, and providing ongoing guidance and feedback.
• Evaluate events post‑execution using qualitative and quantitative feedback to inform continuous improvement and support advancement and alumni engagement goals.
• Other duties, as assigned.