Event Planner Internship Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

This position manages multiple operational aspects of Program Services events, including the Tate Lectures Series, PwC SMU Athletic Forum, Doak Walker Award. This position is the lead event planner on key events including various components of the PwC SMU Athletic Forum, Athletics Hall of Fame and signature athletics-related events produced by Program Services. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: managing vendors and event details, managing communication with internal and external constituents, overseeing database management, creating and executing production timelines and other documents, and managing staff needs in order to execute events. In addition, this position will support other Program Services events.

Essential Functions:

• This position manages multiple operational aspects of Program Services events, including the Tate Lectures Series, PwC SMU Athletic Forum, Doak Walker Award. This position is the lead event planner on key events including various components of the PwC SMU Athletic Forum, Athletics Hall of Fame and signature athletics-related events produced by Program Services. 

• Responsibilities include collaborating with DEA colleagues and other internal clients, catering, event design, vendors and external constituents. Includes managing logistical details with underwriting sponsor liaison for Tate student forums, dinners and lectures. Responsible for guest travel, production timelines and other documents, monthly budget tracking, and recruitment of staff.  

• Guest experience:  Manage the communications schedule for each event. Cultivate and manage relationship with Tate Sponsors on event logistics to provide highest levels of customer service. Oversight of invitation process, guest lists, DEA colleague communication, seating, and database management. Assist in Tate ticketing purchases and system management.

• Doak Walker Award: responsible for building and executing engagement program for Doak Walker Award alumni. Serve as a liaison for the Doak Walker Award family. Build auction fundraising program for future events. 

• Other Events: Assisting in execution and staffing for all Program Services events. May include joining team who greets guests and managing vendors during football games at President's football suite.

• This position requires the ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's is required.

A minimum of three (3) years of experience coordinating and managing event logistics with at least one (1) year of experience providing clerical, administrative, or customer service support in an office environment, is required. Experience gained through a development internship is a plus.

Experience with high profile faced paced events is highly preferred. Experience in an non-profit environment working with multiple constituencies including students, faculty, ticket holders, donors and Board members desired.

Experience working with volunteers preferred. Experience in ticket sales desired. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills, including strong spelling and grammar skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.  

Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Word. Knowledge of and/or experience working with Microsoft Excel preferred. Candidate must have database management experience, preferably with FileMaker Pro. Experience with Paciolan (ticketing database) is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Bend

• Reach above shoulders

• Carry/lift 25 lbs.

• Sit for long periods of time

• Squat

• Kneel

• Stand

• Walk for long distances

• Drives motorized equipment

Deadline to Apply:

August 12, 2026

Priority consideration may be given to submission received by August 3, 2026.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.