Job Description
Closing date: 23:59 on 18th May 2025
By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.
Looking to create amazing events for a sustainable and award-winning organisation? We’re not only winners of the 2024 Sustainable University of the Year UK award, but we’re 1st in the People & Planet University League 2023/24, and we’ve won the Green Flag award for 14 years in a row, where our Whiteknights campus has been recognised as one of the UK’s best outdoor public spaces. What a great place to call your office!
Be a key player in creating engaging, inclusive and diverse events at the University of Reading.
An opportunity for a proactive candidate to make a meaningful impact during an exciting time for the Events Team on the run up to the University’s centenary year in 2026. As part of the Marketing, Communication and Engagement department, the Events Team manages a wide portfolio of strategic events that showcase the University to diverse audiences, aligning with our core values of community, excellence, sustainability and engagement. The team works closely with stakeholders across the institution to professionally execute events and provide an exceptional visitor experience.
The Marketing, Communication and Engagement department provides expertise in a matrix management model to build the University’s reputation, brand and profile, and deliver robust, innovative and global campaigns to support recruitment, fundraising and engagement targets.
As an Events Manager you will be responsible for helping to lead the management of the Events Office, ensuring robust and effective deliverables. You’ll be planning and executing of a range of events from small stakeholder engagement dinners to large-scale student recruitment events that attract thousands of visitors. You will bring enthusiasm, confidence, strategic insight, and consistency to event programming, providing informed oversight for areas of the institutional events portfolio. You will also help shape and lead high-profile initiatives in preparation for the University’s centenary, enhancing the current portfolio to create landmark events that celebrate our rich history and highlight our future commitments.
We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive individual, who embodies our team values, demonstrating a creative, collaborative, and positive outlook. You can contribute to our inclusive practices with relevant expertise and a solutions-oriented approach. You will influence and drive our team towards success, along with partners and service teams, ensuring we reach competitive department and University goals together. You’ll generate innovative solutions, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and balance multiple projects efficiently. Above all, you will play a key role in shaping the Events Team commitment to the University’s strategy (https://www.reading.ac.uk/about/strategy) as we work towards a sustainable and impactful future.
You will have:
- Experience in planning and delivery of events/projects with knowledge of event systems
- Outstanding planning, organisational and time-management skills with excellent attention to detail including excellent written accuracy
- Ability to work flexibly and effectively under pressure within tight deadlines
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with various stakeholders
- A collaborative, team-orientated mindset
- Understanding of organisational strategy and keys drivers for events
Interviews will be held: 28/05/2025 & 30/05/2025
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.
Contact Name Aleiah Potter
Contact Job Title Head of Events
Contact Email address a.r.b.potter@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Vicky Baldwin
Alternative Contact Job Title Head of Projects and Planning
Alternative Contact Email address v.l.baldwin@reading.ac.uk
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
