Event Manager

Job Description

Primary Purpose

The Events Manager in the College of Design, Art & Performance plans, schedules, and implements conferences and special events while supporting the design of the events. Reporting to the Director of the Dean's Office, the position partners with the Director to set event strategy and design, then independently manages each event from concept through post-event evaluation. This position serves as the primary liaison with internal units and external constituents, providing organizational leadership in developing, implementing, and overseeing conferences, workshops, events, and public functions. This position creates a positive experience for all participants and guests by leading with a hospitality and customer service focus.

Responsibilities

Primary Job Duties

• Point of contact for event planning efforts with members of the college, school, department, center and/or external community as appropriate.
• Leads the execution of the College's signature events such as the Annual Leadership Retreat, the Fall Welcome Reception, An Evening with The Arts, Holiday Reception, Spring Welcome Event, Career & Internship Expo, Spotlight, and Graduation Celebration.
• Responsible for managing and assisting with the planning of other College meetings, conferences, and/or special events, including social, student success, educational, community-focused, entertainment, and fundraising events.
• Spearheads the outreach to participating employers for the annual Career & Internship Expo. Grows and expands the list of participating employers year over year. Assists Student Success' efforts with connecting students with internships and tracking placements.
• Partners with the college's EPS, "Events & Production Services," department to translate event requirements into production specifications. Directs all event logistics and amenities, including registration, venues and room setup, catering, lodging, AV, lighting and sound, parking, transportation, tours, safety and security, decor, and event staffing. Serves as on-site lead on event day and resolves issues in real time so each event is delivered to specification.
• Manages and tracks the budget development for events. Secures bids and negotiates contracts with outside vendors; monitors and evaluates contract performance. Collaborates with the college's Office Manager to pay invoices and deposits for event-related expenditures.
• Evaluates program and event histories, budget considerations, contractual provisions, and any planning committee recommendations to determine requirements as to space, facilities, technology, equipment, lodging, catering, and on-site management.
• Compiles and reviews statistical data; develops and prepares various periodical and ad hoc reports, summaries, and analyses, including overall event attendance and student attendance through BullsConnect or other similar modality.
• In partnership with the Marketing & Communications office & Student Success, will lead outreach to students for student-centered events and other initiatives.
• Performs other administrative and support duties as required in support of the mission and strategy of the unit.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and four years' experience or a combination of post-high school education and experience equal to eight years.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate ( is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
  
  • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
  • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
  • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree;
  • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
  • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Leadership abilities.
• Project management and problem-solving skills.
• Vigilance, strong communication, and initiative-taking skills.
• Contract negotiation skills.
• Ability to build strong cooperative relationships within the organization and with community groups and businesses.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:


The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.