Special Events Coordinator

Mission Statement:

Uplift's mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each student to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in students a life-long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.

Primary Purpose:

The Special Events Coordinator will work in collaboration with the Director of Events and Scholar Experience and the Special Events Manager to plan, implement, and execute various Uplift Education network-wide events. This individual will provide leadership in the planning, coordination, budgeting, and evaluation of all assigned events while working closely with the President, Sr. Director of Events and Scholar Experience, Special Event Manager, various Uplift CMO departments, and community stakeholders.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assists in the planning and execution of Uplift’s network-wide events
• Maintains calendar invites, to include all pertinent information for all assigned events
• Assists in developing annual event calendars and project plans to align with network priorities and organizational goals.
• Conducts research for venues, promotional items, and vendors for assigned events
• Obtains competitive quotes and negotiates vendor pricing to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
• Prepares event action plans and graphic design requests as they pertain to assigned events
• Monitors assigned event budget that will include, but not be limited to, initiating requisitions, checking requests for vendors, and following up on purchase order status and payment(s) received
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams (e.g., Communications, Operations, Family Engagement, External Affairs, etc.) to ensure alignment of messaging and logistics
• Supports the Communications team by capturing photos during events to enhance visibility and family/community engagement.
• Serves as a liaison between internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure clear communication and expectations.
• Ensures all event materials and signage follow Uplift brand standards and visual identity guidelines.
• Researches and recommends new event trends, tools, and technologies to enhance attendee experience and operational efficiency.
• Coordinates all details of assigned events, which are not limited to the following:
• Maintains accurate and fluid event guest lists and databases per assigned event
• Coordinates all food and beverage services, audiovisual needs, and facility arrangements for assigned events where applicable
• Tracks event metrics (attendance, engagement, satisfaction, and budget performance) and provides post-event reports with recommendations for improvement.
• Responsible for creating detailed event setup logistical plans and layouts to include placement of event décor, tables, A/V, food lines, and more.
• Responsible for communications and marketing in support of special events
• Responsible for assigning all staff/volunteer duties for assigned events
• Coordinates the production and distribution of printed materials for donor-related events, where applicable
• Creates, distributes, and analyzes all surveys/survey results as they pertain to assigned events.
• This position will report to the Special Events Manager.
• Uplift Education retains the right to change and/or modify the duties and essential functions of this position at any time. This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee.
  
  
  

Education, Experience, And/or Certification(s)

• Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree required; Relevant work experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Experience Requirements: Minimum 3 years in a similar position, in event planning/ coordination is preferred. Proven experience in event coordination to develop and carry out research and event assignments such as analysis/comparison of event spaces, contract negotiation skills, possess the ability to maintain and operate within the constraints of an event budget, and able to utilize best practices and make sound decisions when executing events. Prior non-profit or education experience is a plus.
• Special Skills/Certifications:
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple events simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritize workload, work independently, and in a team dynamic, and be able to complete tasks under time pressure as necessary.
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking; ability to communicate effectively with poise and professionalism with all levels of Uplift staff, faculty, parents, vendors, and other volunteers.
• Bilingual Skills: Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.
• Technology: To perform this job successfully, an individual should be competent in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook), Adobe products, and have the ability to learn and use computer software as necessary. Proficient in database management and able to use basic office equipment.
  
  
  

Physical Demands:

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. While performing duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand for an extended period of

time, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, and use fingers and hands to feel objects and tools. An employee works at a desk and a computer screen for extended periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Job will generally be performed in an office environment but may require travel to visit Uplift campuses/locations and/or venues across Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. The noise level is low to high and may have frequent interruptions. There may be activity from other employees and students of a distracting nature.

Starting Salary: $55,000

Application Procedure:

Apply online

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Uplift Education is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.