Event Services Manager, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

Job Description

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Event Services Manager provides institute‑wide leadership for UTIA events, parking operations, and space coordination. The role blends strategic planning with hands‑on execution and serves as a key liaison between UTIA, UT Knoxville event partners, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do:

• Lead Signature UTIA Events (40%)
• Plan and execute all phases of high‑profile events — from concept through onsite delivery.
• Manage timelines, logistics, staffing, vendors, and budgets with consistent quality standards.
• Serve as a public‑facing representative of UTIA with senior leaders, donors, partners, and public officials.
• Coordinate joint events with UT Knoxville Event Planning and campus partners.
• Develop event‑specific processes and oversee vendor performance.
• Oversee Parking Operations (35%)
• Direct UTIA parking operations for events and day‑to‑day use.
• Lead annual parking permit reviews and lot assignment processes.
• Serve as UTIA’s liaison with UT Knoxville Parking & Transit and the Parking & Transit Authority Committee.
• Resolve real‑time parking challenges and design operational solutions for specialized needs.
• Provide Administrative Leadership (15%)
• Supervise staff, student workers, and temporary employees.
• Set departmental priorities, procedures, and goals aligned with UTIA’s strategic direction.
• Coordinate staffing schedules to support evening and weekend events.
• Build strong working relationships across UTIA and the broader university.
• Manage Space & Room Reservations (10%)
• Serve as UTIA’s institute‑level approver for space and room reservations.
• Maintain accurate room data and ensure alignment with emergency management requirements.
• Utilize and stay current with university reservation systems.
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience:
• Five Years progressively responsible direct experience managing events.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Ability to independently manage multiple concurrent events and projects.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with vendors and internal teams.
  

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:
• Bachelors Degree
• Experience:
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible direct event management experience
• CEPS or other relevant events planning certification.
• Experience in a higher education environment.
• Supervisory experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Knowledge of campus and statewide event facilities, technology, and equipment.
• Knowledge of university and state procurement policies.
• Knowledge of event planning principles and best practices.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision‑making in complex situations.
  

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite (with prior approval and planning permission for occasional remote workdays is available)
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

• UT market range: MR10
• Anticipated hiring range: $65,000 - $75,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here
  
  

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before May 22, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
  
  

About The College/Department/Division

Please learn about UTIA here: https://utia.tennessee.edu/

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!