Organization's Summary Statement:
The Special Events Manager is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and execution of parking and transportation services for special events held on the University of Maryland campus. This position serves as the primary point of contact for event organizers, university departments, conference groups, athletic programs, alumni organizations, external clients, and other stakeholders requiring parking and transportation support.
The Special Events Manager oversees all aspects of event parking operations for a diverse portfolio of events ranging from small meetings and departmental gatherings to major campus-wide programs, conferences, commencement ceremonies, sporting events, open houses, alumni events, concerts, festivals, and other large-scale public events. The position is responsible for managing the entire event planning process for parking, including customer consultations, parking and transportation planning, staffing coordination, space allocation, permit and credential management, signage, communications, traffic management, enforcement coordination, contractor oversight, billing, and post-event evaluation.
Working closely with campus partners including Athletics, Facilities Management, University Police, Resident Life, Dining Services, Conference and Visitor Services, Alumni Relations, academic departments, and external organizations, the Special Events Manager develops operational plans that support the safe, efficient, and customer-focused movement and parking of event attendees across campus.
In addition, the Special Events Manager supervises Special Events staff, oversees the department’s Motorist Assistance Program, manages contracted event staffing services, coordinates event-related parking enforcement activities, oversees the development of the unit’s website for event permit sales, billing processes, and ensures that all event operations align with departmental policies, university objectives, and exceptional customer service standards.
This position requires strong organizational, communication, project management, and customer relations skills, along with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously in a dynamic university environment.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
The University of Maryland’s Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) delivers a wide range of parking and transportation solutions to a diverse campus community of over 50,000 students, faculty, and staff in the Greater College Park area. As a self-supporting unit within the Division of Administration, DOTS is the primary agency responsible for managing the university’s parking and transit programs. We are committed to building a dynamic and inclusive workforce that includes both student employees and full-time staff. Our mission is to provide safe, efficient, sustainable, and forward-thinking transportation services that meet the evolving needs of the UMD community through strategic planning, education, and service.
Physical Demands:
Work is performed in both an office environment during normal business hours and in outdoor settings, with regular exposure to varying weather conditions throughout all four seasons.
This position requires frequent movement between indoor and outdoor work environments to support and oversee special events parking operations.
Work hours vary based on operational needs and include evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as necessary to effectively manage and support the Special Events unit.
Licenses/ Certifications:
Valid driver’s license and eligibility to operate university vehicles required.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Three (3) years or more years of professional experience and one (1) year of experience in a supervisory or lead role.
Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of principles and techniques of written and oral communication, including methods for adapting communication style to different audiences.
Knowledge of documentation standards, procedures, and best practices for ensuring consistent and accurate team deliverables.
Knowledge of office productivity software such as Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace.
Skill in leading presentations and conducting training sessions for large groups.
Skill in collaborating effectively with Managers, Assistant Directors, and Directors to identify and resolve problems, implement improvements, and address ongoing issues.
Skill in coaching and mentoring team members to enhance performance, provide constructive feedback, and support professional development.
Ability to define deadlines, manage workloads, and maintain quality standards for deliverables.
Ability to comprehend and navigate complex interpersonal situations, applying empathy and discretion when addressing conflicts or sensitive matters.
Ability to implement and uphold documentation standards and procedures across all team functions.
Preferences:
Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter, Three (3) professional references
Best Consideration Date: N/A
Posting Close Date: 07/31/2026
Open Until Filled: N/A
Not Applicable to This Position
Yes
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website
VPA-Transportation Services-Shuttle
Staff Regular
$70,000 - $84,000
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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