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.

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At the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), events aren’t just logistics — they’re how we welcome partners, celebrate impact, and showcase the work of Tennessee agriculture across the state. UTIA is seeking an Event Services Manager to lead high profile, institute level events that engage campus leadership, donors, public officials, and the broader community. This is a highly visible role with significant independence, entrusted with designing and delivering events that reflect UTIA’s mission and reputation. If you thrive in fast paced environments, enjoy managing complex operations, and take pride in creating seamless experiences, this role offers both challenge and influence.

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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/

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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.