Event Assistant Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Director of Events and Donor Engagement - Veterinary Medicine
Vet Medicine Administration
Job Summary
Encourage and strengthen connection to donors, alumni, clients, referring veterinarians and corporate and philanthropic partners as valued members of the College of Veterinary Medicine community by participating in donor relations, strategies, activities and events. Responsible for coordination, planning, and execution of college events.
Project and Event Management
• Coordinate planning and execution of events according to college and university policies, including but not limited to:
• Campaign specific special events, CVM's alumni awards and class reunions, alumni and donor receptions including Awards and scholarships
• Other college events - conferences and investitures, job fairs, game day events, golf outings
• Organize and execute the college's annual awards and scholarships to ensure proper award amounts, award criteria, and process. Execute process around all constituents' recognition and involvement.
• Collaborate with college stakeholder groups on events, including yearly planning to build a comprehensive college event calendar.
• Communicate with outside groups (campus and public) on event operations and expectations.
• Coordinate logistics including identifying potential vendors, venues, service needs, and acquiring vendor contracts.
• Assist with event execution including coordination of event setup and teardown.
• Work with Advancement administrative team to adhere to OVCIA and college budget for events. Manage events budget and estimate return on investment for events. Administer appropriate reports when necessary to inform decision making with regard to revenue and registration of events.
• Manage a repository of policies and procedures for project and events management, deadlines and contacts within a shared-drive for team members. This will also include post event follow-up, lessons learned, etc.
• Utilize campus central database (TED) for contacts, invitations, attendees.
• Hire, train and evaluate student interns and volunteers.
• Travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.
Philanthropic Relations
• Partner with team members to craft unique donor engagement experiences for the College of Veterinary Medicine - specific donors. Develop, manage and maintain comprehensive donor engagement plans.
• Manage donor-funded projects and naming opportunities, where related to events in order to maximize donor satisfaction.
• Develop, implement and manage student-constituent initiatives for the college as directed providing students with organized opportunities to connect with constituents in order to increase philanthropic inclination (e.g., alumni speaking panels, scholarship thank you letters, etc.)
• Develop, implement and manage referring-DVMs and alumni initiatives for the college as directed providing DVMs with organized opportunities to connect with College of Veterinary Medicine leadership, clinicians, faculty and students in order to increase philanthropic inclination.
• Collaborate with team members to facilitate donor stewardship materials, report templates, giving-programs enhancement, etc.
• Identify ways to involve others (i.e., dean faculty, student, alumni, volunteers, etc.) in cultivation and stewardship efforts. Actively share contacts and relationships with those who may have common goals or needs. Engage with faculty and staff to gain a strong knowledge of academic and research programs in order to identify and define priorities for potential funding through donor and alumni support.
• Participate in Stewardship and Donor Relations centered events including but not limited to scholarship receptions, award ceremonies, donor appreciation celebrations and regional alumni events.
Alumni Engagement
• Collaborate with advancement members and the college departments on engaging all alumni for events and stewardship.
• Provide quarterly reporting on alumni interactions provided by advancement gift officers.
• Develop and implement college alumni engagement events to ensure alumni and donor engagement.
• Work with senior administrators and advancement colleagues to both provide process improvement recommendations and to research problematic funds, including preparation of alternate use proposals to present to the Stewardship committee of the University of Illinois Foundation when necessary.
Other
• Attend campus meetings as requested
• Other duties as assigned
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Persons allergic to animals, pollen, hay, or straw may experience discomfort in this position. Minimum Qualifications
1. Bachelor's degree.
2. Two years in education, training, or work experience in event, philanthropic and/or advancement administration.
3. Demonstrated project management experience.
4. Experience managing budgets.
(Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
Preferred Qualifications
1. Two years of demonstrated ability to strategize, implement and build constituency programs and activities.
2. Two years of demonstrated experience in planning, implementing and managing multiple complex projects and their respective budgets, while meeting aggressive deadlines.
3. Demonstrated experience building philanthropic programming.
4. Demonstrated experience as a highly collaborative team member with a track record of professionalism and demonstrated accountability and credibility by following through on commitments.
5. An established history of confidently receiving constructive feedback from others and a desire to look for continual improvement.
6. Experience as a communications professional, or a demonstrated ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders, with excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated abilities in establishing an organized system of tracking and communication with team members during complex projects.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information
• Interest and knowledge of veterinary medicine and its constituencies.
• Possess knowledge of policies and procedures specifically related to campus vendor and financial systems and/or higher education administration.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The budgeted salary range for the position is $55,000 to $65,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. Sponsorship for 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 Sunday, August 16, 2026 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. 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 about this specific position, please contact Christine Dietrich (cdietric@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, 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.
Champaign-Urbana
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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1037185
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu