Junior Special Events Manager

About FIU

Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars and Mac Arthur Genius Fellows.

A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.

The Junior Special Events Manager supports the planning, coordination, and execution of a wide range of university events that advance institutional goals, strengthen community engagement, and enhance the student, alumni, donor, and visitor experience. Working collaboratively with campus partners, this position assists in managing event logistics from concept through completion while ensuring events are delivered professionally, on budget, and in alignment with university standards.

This role is ideal for an organized, detail-oriented professional with strong communication skills and a passion for creating memorable experiences in a higher education environment.

• Supports assigned events within the Department of University Protocol, Ceremonies, and Events portfolio.
• Communicates professionally and effectively with university leadership, staff, students, and community members.
• Assists with contracting university and external vendor services as needed for each event.
• Assists the Executive Director with high-profile events.
• Assists with creating detailed event run‑of‑show documents, supports day‑of logistics, and adjusts the program or production as needed.
• Supports major university events, including commencements, convocations, and other assigned events.
• Assists with event logistics, including venue reservations, RSVP system management, registration, audiovisual and technical needs, stage and seating setup, catering, signage, parking reservations, and event timing.
• Assists with developing and maintaining detailed event timelines, production schedules, and planning checklists.
• Collaborate with campus departments, vendors, and external partners to ensure seamless event execution
• Prepare event materials, including agendas, scripts, name badges, programs, and event packets.
• Assists with conducting site visits and participate in pre‑event planning meetings.
• Provide on‑site event management, troubleshoot issues, and ensure a high level of customer service for attendees and stakeholders
• Maintain inventory of event supplies
• Ensure compliance with university policies, safety procedures, accessibility standards, and risk management guidelines.

• Experience working in higher education, nonprofit, or institutional event planning.
• Familiarity with event registration systems, CRM platforms, or project management software.
• Knowledge of advanced features in Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.
• Previous experience coordinating events, hospitality, higher education programming, or related experience (internships may be considered).

Administrative

$40,000-$45,000

Bachelor's degree; OR high school degree and four (4) years of related experience; OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Begin time: 8:30 AM

End time: 5:00 PM

• Operating University Vehicles (all types)
• Occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms and lift and/or move up to 65 lbs

• Criminal Background Check
• Driver's License Check

• Must attend meetings off campus and occasionally attend functions on weekends and evening
• Ability to travel locally and nationally.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Abili…