Events Experience Specialist

Department: Engagement Services
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

In our work, we advance the mission of the University of Guelph by building lifelong relationships with our community: alumni, donors, and friends. Our vision is for the University of Guelph to be personally relevant in the lives of our community members. Through these relationships, we amplify the impact of philanthropy to create unique solutions for the challenges facing our world. As a member of this campus-wide team, the Events Experience Specialist epitomizes the department’s shared values of respect, empowerment, integrity, appreciation, and forward focus.

As a key member of the Engagement Services team within Alumni Affairs & Development at the University of Guelph, the Events Experience Specialist works with event leads to plan and deliver alumni and constituent-facing engagement (ACE) events, both in-person and virtually.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Events, this role leads the coordination of a positive event experience for partners and attendees. This could include, but is not limited to the coordination of hospitality, audio-visual, entertainment, physical resources, parking services, and transportation. Additionally, the Events Experience Specialist is responsible for the preparation and deployment of all event materials including registration materials, promotional materials, and post-event resources. With direction from the Events Manager, the Events Experience Specialist ensures that the Alumni Affairs and Development’s portfolio of events build the University of Guelph’s reputation, revenue, and recruitment efforts at large.

The Events Experience Specialist acts as the team lead for the Events Marketing Assistant student placement position(s), supervising the creation of all required materials to promote ACE events, as well as the design and completion of event day materials. Furthermore, this role serves as the primary contact for event partners where applicable, responding to support requests, as well as liaising with campus partners on the various needs for events. The Specialist also provides support and oversight of the Events team’s general inbox and phone lines, alongside the Events Marketing Assistant. Following each event, the Events Experience Specialist compiles and reports on event outcomes to assess successes and areas of improvement, and makes strategic recommendations to the Events Manager, as well as event partners.

In addition to these primary accountabilities, the Events Experience Specialist assists the Events Manager in the successful execution of signature events, such as Awards of Excellence and the Alumni End-Zone Party at Homecoming, as well as all donor-facing events and experiences. For these events, the Specialist serves as the second-in-command, ensuring a seamless interaction for all event attendees and partners.

Requirements

The university recognizes that no one individual will have the following skills/experience in equal measure but the qualifications below will be used to assess the suitability of candidates throughout the process:

• While a variety of combinations of education and experience are valued, the minimum requirements are a 2 year Community College diploma in event management, with a preference for a post-graduate diploma in Event Management and a minimum of 2 years of previous experience in event management.
• Previous experience overseeing the work of student employees, with an ability to support, train and lead these valuable members of the team.
• In-depth knowledge of event best practices and demonstrated experience in the delivery of high-quality engaging events.
• Strong relationship management skills with a focus on flexibility and adaptability to support a positive customer experience.
• Understanding of the importance of interfacing with colleagues and stakeholders in an equitable and accessible manner to contribute both to a positive culture of inclusion and respect, as well as to overall event and team success.
• Understanding of and experience in marketing and design programs, as well as a keen eye to detail.
• Knowledge of and experience with effective sponsorship and volunteer engagement strategies.
• Advanced computer skills and a willingness to become proficient at new systems. Previous experience with Luminate Online (or equivalent content management system); Blackbaud CRM (or alternate CRM system) and Blackbaud Internet Solutions/BBIS (or equivalent) is considered a strong asset.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and competing priorities with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Adept at solving problems in high-pressure event settings, taking accountability for mistakes, and identifying the best path forward to achieve a positive event experience for all parties involved.
• Capable of working independently and prioritizing work within a demanding environment, while equally possessing the ability to keep a team updated on progress and delegating as needed to ensure the overall success of the unit.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends periodically to support final event preparations, as well as day-of execution requirements.

Please include a cover letter along with your resume in your application. 

Why choose the University of Guelph

• Comprehensive Extended Health Care Benefits: Immediate enrollment in extended health to cover yourself and your family
• Time off: Strong vacation allocation, floater days, and paid time off during the December closure to ensure that you are at your best
• Wellness: In addition to extensive wellness programming, the University offers a yearly flexible spending credit that can be allocated to any of the following: Health Spending, Wellness or Professional Development
• Learning & Development: Learning and development curriculum and other professional growth opportunities
• On-campus Activities: Discounts on food and apparel, fitness programming, access to networking events and team building opportunities
• Improve Life: Work that directly impacts a brighter future by turning knowledge into action

The university provides a flexible work arrangement. This position is required to be fulfilled both remotely and on-campus (Guelph Campus)

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10922216 
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5  
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 06/11/2025  
Closing Date: 06/18/2025