Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Do you enjoy creating memorable experiences while keeping details organized behind the scenes? Iowa State University is seeking an Event Planner II to support summer conferences, camps, and academic programs that bring thousands of guests to campus each year. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing customer service, logistics, communication, and operations in a fast-paced environment.
We’re looking for someone who is organized, adaptable, and confident working with a variety of people. Success in this role comes from strong communication, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while providing a welcoming and professional guest experience. This position plays an important role in helping programs run smoothly from first inquiry through final invoicing.
This role may require occasional evening and weekend commitments, particularly during peak spring and summer conference seasons.
Assist with contracts for conferences, camps, and academic programs, including housing, dining, and related services
Communicate with sponsors through meetings, calls, email, and site visits to understand program needs
Create contracts, reservation rosters, guest records, and related documentation using established systems and templates
Manage accommodation requests, program details, and service updates through conference software platforms
Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise student Conference Coordinators and summer student staff
Support conference desks, guest services, check-ins, and daily operations during active programs
Coordinate with campus partners to ensure smooth delivery of services for guests and event sponsors
Maintain calendars, statistics, websites, and communication materials for current and future programs
Assist with evaluating operations, improving processes, and recommending changes to services or timelines
Oversee conference operations in the absence of the Conference Manager
Insurance benefits starting on your first day, with timely enrollment
Competitive retirement options with generous university contributions
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay
Tuition reimbursement available after one year of employment
A full-time role with meaningful variety and seasonal energy
Experience coordinating conferences, events, camps, housing programs, or guest services
Experience supervising, leading, or training student employees or part-time staff
Experience preparing contracts, invoices, reservations, or administrative records
Experience using scheduling, reservations, database, or customer service software systems
Compensation Grade: PS805
What does the Pay Grade Structure for P&S look like?
Check it out here: P&S Salary Pay Grade Structure
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume
Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.