Events Manager - Universitas 21 - 107085 - Grade 7 at University of Birmingham

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Full time, but can be adapted to 0.8 FTE to accommodate flexible working requirements

Permanent

Interviews: Week commencing 13th April 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

This role is employed by the University of Birmingham but dedicated exclusively to Universitas 21 (U21), a global network of 31 research-intensive universities spanning six continents.

Role Summary

The U21 Events Manager plays a pivotal role in strengthening U21’s global engagement, reputation and impact through the strategic design and delivery of innovative, high-quality international events. In addition to independently managing a high-quality and diverse event portfolio, the post holder will actively enhance U21’s profile and capture content that amplifies the network’s global story. 

Working closely with colleagues across the U21 team and senior stakeholders from member institutions, the post holder will lead the planning, logistics and execution of events and face-to-face programmes that foster collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge exchange, while contributing to the network’s long-term goals. The role also involves representing the network at major international education conferences such as APAIE and EAIE and supporting U21’s presence at non-U21 events and external gatherings to enhance the network’s visibility and public profile. 

The successful candidate will be an experienced events professional with strong organisational, administrative and project management skills and the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders. They will demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure and maintain excellent attention to detail. Key responsibilities include managing event data and evaluation processes to inform continuous improvement, ensuring a strong return on investment and a consistently high standard of member experience. The Events Manager will champion innovative formats and technologies to broaden accessibility and global reach while contributing to long-term event strategy aligned with organisational priorities. They will also develop and document consistent processes and templates to ensure efficiency and quality across all events.

Main Duties

Event Management - Lead the planning, logistics, and delivery of U21’s international events portfolio in partnership with host member institutions.

• Project Management - Project manage all operational elements including event programme scheduling, registration, delegate communications, accessibility requirements, and on-site delivery.
• Strategic Content Development - Shape high-quality, strategically aligned event content in collaboration with the Provost and Heads of Global Engagement ensuring all content is designed to increase stakeholder engagement and enhance the participant experience.
• Event Programme Design - Design agendas, briefing materials, session formats, and speaker coordination to ensure value for senior academic and professional stakeholders.
• Process & Standards Development – Establish and maintain consistent event planning processes, templates, and best practice guidelines to drive efficiency, quality assurance, and alignment across all events.
• Communications and Reputation - Ensure all events align with and contribute to U21’s reputation-building campaigns and strategic communications goals.
• Collaborative Planning - Co-create communications and event plans with member institutions and collaborate internally across the Secretariat on in-person beneficiary programmes to ensure consistency of approach and delivery, while also supporting post-event content creation for social, web, and newsletters.
• Content Development - Capture on-site event content (e.g., video, photography, quotes) to extend visibility and showcase the U21 community and story
• Data Management - Manage event data and workflows in HubSpot, ensuring accurate records, feedback analysis, and compliance with data protection standards.
• Continuous Improvement - Champion innovation and continuous improvement, incorporating new formats, digital tools, evaluation frameworks, and sector best practice.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Build strong relationships with member institutions and partners, representing U21 internationally and supporting its presence at key sector events.
• Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture. 
• Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working. 
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications) plus relevant practical experience - where no equivalent qualification is held significant practical relevant experience and expertise in a series of progressively more demanding roles will be required.
• Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly, and to produce and analyse information and data.
• Significant hands-on experience managing and delivering events on the ground within complex organisations, including in externally managed venues.
• Experience of delivering international events including co-creating and coordinating with colleagues and partners across different locations and time zones, is highly desirable.
• Strong communication, client-facing, and presentation skills, with the ability to listen to colleagues, understand their event needs, and propose innovative, creative solutions.
• Ability to capture high-quality digital content (video, soundbites, photography) and apply strong storytelling instincts to identify and elevate engaging, people-centred insights from events.
• Experience of contributing to multi-channel marketing and communications campaigns 
• Excellent organisational, communication and relationship buildings skills with the ability to deal confidently with a range of internal and external stakeholders including senior management, academics and staff at all levels of the organisation and community.
• Awareness of global HE sector priorities and the role of events in influencing and strengthening international partnerships. 
• Confidence using digital engagement tools, interactive platforms or hybrid technology. 
• Proven project management and budgetary skills are essential.
• Demonstrably strong time and people management skills. 
• Ability to work across functional boundaries to negotiate, influence and gain commitment from colleagues.
• Willing to work unsociable hours as required by the nature of the work.
• Ability to resolve issues and exercise sound judgment in making day-to-day decisions across the full range of duties.
• An understanding of HubSpot or a similar Event Management System is desirable, but not essential.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly. 

End Date: 23rd March 2026