Coordinator of Events
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Coordinator of Events
School of Information Sciences
The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois invites applications from qualified individuals for a 100% full-time Coordinator of Event in Communications and Marketing.
The iSchool at Illinois makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals through teaching, research, and public engagement. Our mission is to lead the way in understanding the use of information in science, culture, society, commerce, and the diverse activities of our daily lives. We engage in inclusive community partnerships, working beyond geographic boundaries to benefit the social good. We believe in the power of information to change the world. For more information about iSchool, visit https://ischool.illinois.edu/.
Job Summary
Responsible for the development, management, and implementation of iSchool events with a cohesive brand identity. This position will collaborate with relevant iSchool units and other campus units to manage all aspects of each event, including but not limited to programming, communication plans, event details, and vendor relations.Duties & Responsibilities
- Event Coordination and Management (65%)
- Develop, manage, and execute events hosted by the iSchool, including but not limited to lectures and other guest speakers, lunches and receptions, new faculty orientation, and faculty meetings.
- Serve as primary contact and host for events; ensure event runs smoothly; exercise independent judgment to resolve issues.
- Coordinate with iSchool Help Desk and/or IT staff to ensure proper setup and execution of virtual events.
- Coordinate with the iSchool Assistant Director of Facilities or campus/external facility contacts on room reservations, setup details, and menus adhering to University purchasing policies and processes.
- Correspond with presenters, speakers, and/or other attendees to answer questions about planned events.
- Manage event budget, make or arrange all necessary payments, and monitor expenses.
- Develop, maintain, and manage iSchool-wide events calendar and ensure public events are advertised on the iSchool events web calendar.
- Enlist and coordinate event volunteers as needed.
- Collaborate with units on iSchool events.
- Coordinate with iSchool Communications and Marketing team to select appropriate iSchool-branded swag/gift items for guests and/or participants.
- Lead Convocation Coordinator (20%)
- Serve as the iSchool convocation coordinator and participate in all Convocation Coordinator meetings.
- Responsible for managing and executing all aspects of the iSchool convocation ceremony.
- Serve as primary contact for faculty, staff, and students and respond to inquiries.
- Responsible for contacting and making arrangements with vendors, including but not limited to musician, photographer, caterer, printer, florist, and AV.
- Create and manage student convocation registration form.
- Update iSchool convocation website and events calendar with relevant and accurate information.
- Coordinate event staff/volunteers and assign roles/duties.
- Manage event tickets and distribution, if needed.
- Work closely with the iSchool Advancement Office on convocation speaker invitation, travel, etc.
- Work closely with the iSchool Communications and Marketing team to create convocation program.
- Oversee faculty and platform party regalia needs.
- Order and prepare diploma covers for distribution at the ceremony.
- Coordinate and manage all aspects of the student awards reception.
- Communications Support (15%)
- Assist the iSchool Assistant Dean for Communications and Marketing with implementation of strategies and customized programs that strengthen brand engagement.
- Coordinate with the iSchool Associate Dean for Community, Engagement, and Learning on iSchool events that encourage interprofessional relationships and foster community.
- Ensure each event appropriately represents the school and includes proper branding.
- Manage iSchool event supplies in support of cohesively branded school-wide events.
- Assist the iSchool MARCOM team with the development and implementation of a comprehensive communication strategy for each event.
- Other relevant duties as assigned.
Physical Demands
Additional Physical Demands
Occasional night and weekends required to manage events.Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration, Student Affairs, or a closely related field. One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in Events Planning, Conference Management, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or any other related field. Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, marketing, public relations, communications, business administration or other relevant field; Experience in event planning and management
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of event planning and meeting scheduling
- Project management experience
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectivelyAbility to independently manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions
- Knowledge of design principles and programs, including Adobe Suite and Canva
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Coordinator of Events position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search close date. This is a bargained position and as such, the salary is driven by the collective bargaining agreement. The budgeted salary range for the position is $50,000 to $65,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.
Work authorization is not available for this position.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 16th, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting, and upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names and contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences. Interviews may occur before the close date; however, all applications received by the close date will receive full consideration. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.
For further information regarding this specific position, please email ischool-hr@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application system, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1033998
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu