Special Campus Events Director

Position Classification:

Regular, full-time, salaried, exempt and benefit-eligible staff position. For more benefit information visit Why Work at UCO? 

General Schedule:

Position typically works Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm, some evenings, weekends and holidays for planned events.

Position Overview:

Responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of all donor-focused events within the 5 UCO Colleges, the Forensic Science Institute and UCO Athletics.  This position operates with a high degree of independence, exercising discretion and judgment in all aspects of event planning, budget management, and operations, while ensuring alignment with the strategic goals, objectives, and initiatives of each respective college, division, or unit. The Special Campus Events Director serves as the primary authority for event execution, providing direct oversight of event logistics, budgetary planning, volunteer and committee management, and cross-campus coordination.

Job Duties:

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all major donor and alumni events within the College of Business, College of Mathematics and Science, College of Liberal Arts, College of Education and Professional Studies, College of Fine Arts and Design, the Forensic Science Institute, and UCO Athletics.

• Lead and manage the full lifecycle of events including bookings, customer relations, planning, budgeting, venue selection, vendor relations, contracts, catering, logistics, guest experience, post-event analysis, etc.

• Exercise independent discretion and judgment in making decisions related to event strategy, budgeting, and operations in alignment with institutional goals.

• Collaborate closely with Directors of Development, college/athletics leadership, budgeting managers, and the UCO Office for Advancement to align event goals with fundraising, stewardship, and engagement strategies.

• Direct and supervise volunteer committees and event-specific teams; provide clear guidance, delegate responsibilities, and ensure effective coordination across all participants.

• Manage event budgets in collaboration with college and athletics budget managers and Advancement staff; ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with university policies.

• Other related duties as assigned.

    Signature Events Include:

• Annual college scholarship banquets

• Mentorship Dinners

• Fundraising events that include donors and alumni, such as athletics golf tournaments

• Special fundraising announcement/ celebration/unveiling events

• Special Homecoming/ DAA activities

• Athletics Hall of Fame Event

• Assist in coordinating the Stampede Club events

Qualifications and Experience Required:

Bachelor’s degree plus 3+ years of work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and be able to operate a typical motor vehicle.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must possess strong organizational and communication skills while working with cross campus leadership and event volunteers.

• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events and stakeholders.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities across all levels of university administration and external constituencies.