Description
WGU is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Commencement Planner to support our Alumni Relations team during a busy commencement season. In this temporary role, you will lead the planning and execution of commencement ceremonies across the country, helping ensure every graduate enjoys a memorable and seamless celebration of their achievement.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the planning and execution of assigned commencement ceremonies from initial planning through post-event wrap-up.
- Develop detailed project plans, timelines, checklists, budgets, and run-of-show schedules for each event.
- Conduct venue site visits and coordinate logistics including transportation, signage, regalia, catering, accessibility accommodations, and event supplies.
- Manage relationships with vendors, including AV production, photography, floral services, interpreters, merchandise providers, transportation partners, and other event support services.
- Partner with internal teams to coordinate commencement communications, branding assets, ceremony materials, and graduate-facing resources.
- Recruit, schedule, train, and support commencement ambassadors and volunteers to ensure smooth event operations.
- Execute onsite event production, rehearsals, troubleshooting, and day-of coordination to deliver an exceptional graduate experience.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum of 5 years of event planning experience required.
- Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage event budgets, vendor contracts, and complex logistics.
- Experience coordinating large groups of volunteers, participants, or stakeholders.
- Proficiency with project tracking tools, spreadsheets, and event management systems.
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare
- Health savings account and flexible spending account
- Basic and voluntary life insurance
- Disability coverage
- Accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages
- Legal and identity theft coverage
- Retirement savings plan
- Wellbeing program
- Discounted WGU tuition
- Flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual
- Flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual
- 11 paid holidays
- Other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave