Manager, Advancement Events

The University of Denver (DU), a private university, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 11,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University.

At the University of Denver, we’re doing higher education our way: authentic to the Rocky Mountain West's confident optimism and pragmatic independence. It sets us apart. We’re preparing young people to be the solutions in their own stories, empowering them to face uncertainty with confidence and uncommon sense.

We’re fiercely ambitious and forward-thinking, surpassing all expectations to redefine success and how to achieve it. And we’re true to our mission as a top-tier private R-1 institution dedicated to making the world a better place – contributing to our communities and making positive change in the world.

The Denver Difference campaign is our most ambitious campaign yet. It marks a dramatic shift in conventional thinking about what the university experience can and should be. DU is setting the bar with our approach to higher education, developing and preparing students to be successful in life in every way. The University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni engagement, development, operations, and campaign leadership, DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.

The Event Manager reports directly to the Director, Advancement Events. At the direction of and with the support of the Director, this position is responsible for planning and managing event logistics for development and engagement events of varying sophistication, complexity, and scope.  These events range from discrete, program-specific functions to large-scale, highly sophisticated programs for the University. In this capacity, the Event Manager will be responsible for successfully producing events assigned to their portfolio. They will work closely with campus partners to deliver meaningful event experiences.  The successful incumbent must possess a high degree of diplomacy and organizational savvy to partner with a variety of stakeholders. They must demonstrate remarkable customer service and unwavering commitment to quality. 

The ideal candidate is collaborative, analytical, and results-oriented, with experience in event management, stakeholder management, and project leadership. A bachelor's degree and four years of professional experience, including two years in event management, including direct experience working with donors and/or high-profile guests, is required. Experience working within a university or similarly complex nonprofit environment, managing fundraising events of varying size and complexity, and utilizing project management platforms such as Asana, Monday.com, or similar tools to coordinate and execute projects effectively is preferred.

This position is eligible for hybrid work, with limited Denver metro travel and occasional evening or weekend event support as needed.

Event Management 

• At the direction of the Director of Advancement Events, strategically create a holistic guest experience for local, national, virtual, and hybrid events. This is inclusive of pre-event planning through post-event follow-up, specifically 
• Establish event strategy with partners and stakeholders, vision, intent and goals for events to ensure alignment of engagement and development objectives.  
• Manage and lead all aspects of national, local, virtual and hybrid events, from scoping and developing event details to production. 
• Manage all logistics related to an event including but not limited to: serving as concierge for guests, tracking registration, collecting constituent information, venue research and coordination, event day logistics such as nametags, registration lists, giveaways and post-event follow up including metric reports for review.  
• Support the creation, management and tracking of event budgets and revenue expectations in collaboration with the department or functional area funding the event. 
• ROI, post event reporting and understanding of using data to inform ROI 
• Event consultants for all Advancement Events and resource to campus for Advancement related event engagements 
• Project management event tracking in Asana 

GiveCampus Administration  

• Build and maintain event details, including registration page, confirmation & final details emails 
• Utilize platforms such as GiveCampus, Asana, and Piosphere CRM Giveto support events, including registration lists, nametags, event reports, etc. 
• Proficient user of GiveCampus event management platform. 

University Citizenship 

• Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all central and unit-based advancement functions and campus colleagues to foster strategic, effective, and collaborative practices.  
• Model “One DU” citizenship. 

• High degree of diplomacy and organizational savvy; able to partner with a wide variety of stakeholders 
• Strong project management skills and experience working in an event management platform 
• Willingness to take initiative, keep a positive attitude, and maintain a professional demeanor 
• High level of customer service skills, including demonstrated ability to understand and address the unique needs of wide variety of audiences 
• Outstanding attention to detail and commitment to quality 
• Working knowledge of development and engagement principles  
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal, written and organizational skills 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Adept at problem-solving, critical thinking, and using judgment in situations that that require sensitivity and tact 

Relevant professional experience can be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis (e.g., one year of experience equals one year of education).

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 4-7 years of experience, including at least 2 years of directly related professional experience

• Experience in higher education or a similarly complex nonprofit environment

Advertised: September 21, 2026
Applications close: October 12, 2026

• Standard open office environment
• Noise level is quiet to moderate
• Non-essential role. Note: essential employees are those individuals who must report to work, be “on call” to report to work, and/or work remotely if required in order to maintain the critical functions of the University during scheduled closures or an unscheduled suspension of normal operations due to emergencies, events, or other situations.

• Ability to use a computer for an extended period
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance
• This role is not required to operate an Automobile, Passenger Van, UTV/ATV, or golf cart