Commencement Planner (Temp Role, 3 Months)

Job title: Commencement Planner (Temp Role, 3 Months)

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Job Description

Are you an experienced event professional who thrives on creating exceptional large-scale experiences? 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.

As a key contributor to the commencement team, you will manage logistics, vendors, communications, volunteer coordination, and onsite event execution while collaborating with internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver outstanding events.

We are hiring a temporary (expected duration of 3 months) Commencement Planner to support the team with upcoming commencement ceremonies and related projects at WGU.

What You'll Do

• 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.

• What You'll Bring

• 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.

• Bonus Points

• Large-scale event planning experience strongly preferred.

• Experience supporting live productions, ceremonies, conferences, or higher education events.

• Experience coordinating onsite event operations and working with AV production teams.

• Why Join This Project?

• This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in delivering milestone moments for WGU graduates. You'll join a collaborative team dedicated to creating memorable commencement experiences and gain valuable experience supporting high-visibility events across the country.

• Work Location

• This is a full-time, in-office position requiring five days per week in our Salt Lake City, Utah office, designed to foster the collaboration and connection that fuel our best work.

• Travel Requirement

• This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

• Position & Application Details

• Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; 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; and 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, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

• Additional Information

• Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

• Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team.

• Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.

• About Us

• In 1997, a coalition of 19 U.S. governors founded Western Governors University with a singular vision: to make higher education more accessible by offering full degree programs online. Starting small, we quickly expanded. Today, we’re one of the largest accredited online universities in the U.S.