What are the responsibilities and job description for the PROJECT MANAGER III (INST) position at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee?
Position Type Non-Teaching Academic Staff Appointment Type Fixed Renewable, Non-Teaching Pay Basis Annual Salary Grade 27 FLSA Status Exempt Percent 100 Posting Type Staff UWM Description
Required Skills & Competencies:
This position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with a commitment to delivering exceptional events that reflect UWM’s values and enhance its public presence. This position also requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel overnight as needed. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment and bring a strong sense of professionalism, diplomacy, and customer service.
Minimum Qualifications
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is Wisconsin’s second-largest university, with a unique dual mission of access and research to provide high-quality education for students from all backgrounds. UWM is one of 146 top research universities recognized as “R1” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Along with its main campus in Milwaukee, UWM has a branch campus in Waukesha.
UWM celebrates, values and promotes the diverse voices and experiences of its students and employees and our community partners. We believe diversity enriches and strengthens our institution. UWM is committed to providing equitable access to opportunities for students and employees from every background. We aspire to create a campus climate that is welcoming to all. Learn more here: https://uwm.edu/community-empowerment-institutional-inclusivity/about/
School/College/Division Description
UWM celebrates, values and promotes the diverse voices and experiences of its students and employees and our community partners. We believe diversity enriches and strengthens our institution. UWM is committed to providing equitable access to opportunities for students and employees from every background. We aspire to create a campus climate that is welcoming to all. Learn more here: https://uwm.edu/community-empowerment-institutional-inclusivity/about/
The Division of Marketing, Communications & University Relations builds the UWM brand by sharing stories of student and faculty success. We also foster enrollment and retention, support University Advancement, and help campus units tell their stories. Learn more here:https://uwm.edu/marcomm/.
Job Summary
The Official Functions and Events Project Manager at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and execution of high-profile events and official functions that promote the university’s mission and foster engagement with diverse audiences. Reporting to the Chief Government Relations Officer, this position ensures seamless delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder events that strengthen UWM’s relationships with students, faculty, alumni, donors, government officials, and community partners.
Key Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
Event Planning & Execution:
- Organize and manage signature university-wide events hosted by the Office of the Chancellor.
- Oversee ceremonial functions such as:
- Building groundbreakings, topping-off ceremonies, and grand openings
- Inaugurations or installations of university leadership
- Coordinate logistics for UWM-hosted Board of Regents Meetings (hosted annually in June).
VIP Visits & High-Profile Functions:
- Plan and execute visits, tours, and functions for prominent visitors, government leaders, and elected officials, including members of the Board of Regents.
- Collaborate with Government Relations and External Relations partners to manage events as directed by the Chief Government Relations Officer.
Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach:
- Support statewide outreach efforts.
- Manage logistics for Board of Visitors meetings and Universities of Wisconsin events hosted by UWM.
Press Conference Logistics:
- Lead the organization and setup of press conferences, including venue preparation, audiovisual requirements, and managing high-profile attendees.
Sponsored Event Activation:
- Plan and manage UWM’s participation in sponsored events.
Required Skills & Competencies:
- Strong project management skills with experience handling complex events involving multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities for working with internal teams, university leadership, and external partners.
- Expertise in event logistics, protocol, marketing, communication and press conference management.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel overnight as needed.
- Creative problem-solving and adaptability in fast-paced environments.
- In-depth knowledge of university budget policies and procedures, with demonstrated experience in effectively implementing and managing complex budget processes to ensure financial compliance and strategic resource allocation.
This position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with a commitment to delivering exceptional events that reflect UWM’s values and enhance its public presence. This position also requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel overnight as needed. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment and bring a strong sense of professionalism, diplomacy, and customer service.
- Strong project management skills, with experience handling complex events involving multiple stakeholders
- Experience in event logistics and protocols, from planning through execution
- Creative problem-solving and adaptability in fast-paced environments
- Bachelor’s degree
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities for working with internal teams, organizational leadership, and external partners
- Experience in the marketing and communication of events, including participant and attendee communications
- Experience with press conferences or other media-centric events
- Demonstrated experience in effectively implementing and managing complex budget processes to ensure financial compliance and strategic resource allocation
- Experience in a higher education environment
As part of UWM’s commitment to supporting the success of our team members through positive experiences, employees are provided with Benefits to Benefit You and Your Life. UWM offers a comprehensive benefits package and contributes towards the cost of several benefit plans. Employees with a qualifying position also receive an extensive leave package including vacation, sick leave (with no expiration), personal holiday, and paid legal holidays. Please visit this link to view summary benefits information. (Compensation figures are for example purposes only.) UWM Benefits to Benefit You and Your Life
Application Instructions
Completed application materials must include a letter of application addressing educational and professional level work experience and knowledge as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications as listed above and a professional resume. Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.
In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate’s application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.
Application Deadline 05/07/2025In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate’s application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.
Salary : $80,000 - $85,000
