Event Planning Assistant Jobs in Springfield, IL

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Associate Director of Innovate Springfield
Posting Category: E
About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu.
Application deadline: 5/28/2026
Annual Salary: $80,000
Summary:
The Associate Director of Innovate Springfield is responsible for supporting the Director in the management of day-to-day operations of Innovate Springfield (iSPI). The Associate Director leads the high school entrepreneurship program and assists with business incubation programming, member development, fundraising efforts, and community relations. The Associate Director helps implement operational policies and procedures, manages facility operations, coordinates programs, and serves as an iSPI ambassador on campus and in the community.
Duties & Responsibilities:

High School Entrepreneurship Program Leadership: Design, implement, and lead Sangamon CEO. Develop hands-on learning opportunities, mentor relationships, and experiential projects. Track program outcomes and make data-driven improvements. Build relationships with high schools, educators, and student entrepreneurs.

Operations and Facility Management : Support the Director in daily operations including facility management and program coordination. Implement operational policies and procedures. Ensure that the facility meets members' needs and maintains a collaborative and innovative environment. Coordinate schedules, resources, and space utilization. Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions. Assist in developing and maintaining systems that promote efficiency and member satisfaction.

Fundraising and Development: Assist with donor relations and event planning to support iSPI's financial sustainability. Help identify potential funding sources, prepare materials for fundraising efforts, and coordinate fundraising events. Support grant applications and reporting requirements. Cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors. Track fundraising activities and outcomes. Work with the Director to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy.

Business Incubation Programming Support: Assist the Director in designing and implementing business incubation programs, including workshops, events, and mentorship initiatives. Coordinate program logistics, recruit speakers and mentors, and ensure quality program delivery. Help evaluate program effectiveness and suggest improvements. Support member development through tailored programming and resources that address the diverse needs of entrepreneurs and the local community.

Strategic Support and Community Relations: Work with the Director to advance iSPI's strategic priorities and university connections. Represent iSPI at community events and with stakeholders. Build and maintain relationships with university faculty, staff, and students to encourage participation in iSPI programs. Help connect iSPI initiatives to those of other hubs in the Illinois Innovation Network.

Other duties as assigned. These duties include staffing responsibilities during iSPI's events, including, but not limited to, the annual New Venture Challenge, Monthly member events, workshops, and public outreach events.

Minimum Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's Degree
2. At least 7 years of corporate experience in business, innovation, or entrepreneurship
3. Experience in education, curriculum development, or teaching
4. Demonstrated experience in program coordination and management
5. Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with various stakeholders including students, entrepreneurs, and community partners
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Experience in business incubation, entrepreneurship education, or startup support
2. Experience with fundraising, donor relations, and event planning
3. Experience working in a university setting
4. At least 10 years of corporate experience
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Strong organizational and program management abilities
Passion for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and education
Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders using strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and inclusivity
Ability to develop and deliver educational content effectively
Understanding of entrepreneurship, business incubation, and economic development principles
Proficiency with technology and general technical savvy
Ability to organize, multi-task, and function well under deadlines
Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Employment Policies and other information:
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.
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.
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.
UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.

• You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.
• Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:

1. Social Security benefit and
2. Social Security benefit as a spouse

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. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at hremployment@uis.edu or call 217-206-6652.
***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***