Events Officer

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.

The role

Join our Advancement team on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract and help deliver engaging alumni and donor events in the UK and internationally.

You will plan and deliver a varied events programme, from networking and award ceremonies to smaller donor cultivation and stewardship activities. Working with colleagues across the University, you will ensure each event provides excellent guest experience and supports our engagement and fundraising priorities.

In this role you will:

• Plan and deliver events from concept to evaluation
• Manage event logistics, including venues, suppliers, catering, AV and event schedules
• Coordinate guest communications, registration processes and attendee management
• Monitor budgets and ensure events are delivered efficiently and effectively
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, alumni, supporters and external suppliers
• Support senior University representatives at events and engagement activities
• Evaluate event success and identify opportunities for improvement

About you

You will be an organised and proactive events professional who can manage several priorities and take ownership of projects from planning to delivery.

You will have:

• Experience of planning and delivering successful events
• Excellent organisational and project management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of managing stakeholder relationships and working collaboratively with colleagues and partners
• Experience of using databases and/or CRM systems
• The ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines
• A practical, solutions-focused approach and commitment to delivering excellent experiences

You will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, solving problems and delivering events that help strengthen connections between the University and its alumni and supporter community.

How to apply

Please apply through the University website with a CV and cover letter.

Interview date: Thursday 5th November

The University of Surrey reserves the right to close this vacancy early based on volume and calibre of applications.

Further details

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button.

In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Job Details

Department

Advancement

Location

Guildford

Salary

£38,448 to £46,970 per annum

Fixed Term from 08/02/2027 – 11/02/2028

Post Type

Full Time

Closing Date

23.59 hours GMT on Tuesday 27 October 2026

Interview Date

Thursday 05 November 2026

Reference

050026