Principal Events Officer

About the role

The University of Queensland is seeking an experienced Principal Events Officer to lead the Alumni and Community Events team within the Office of the Vice President (Advancement and Community Engagement). Based at the St Lucia campus, the role reports to the Senior Manager, Community Engagement and Events, works alongside another Principal Events Officer and guides a small team of Senior Events Officers. It covers a diverse portfolio of events including graduations, building openings, staff events and award ceremonies, and involves coordinating the attendance of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor and hosting government representatives and VIP guests.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and oversee strategically significant events that engage key university stakeholders and support institutional objectives.
• Lead and support a team by coordinating workloads and event allocations, providing coaching and guidance.
• Advise on event planning and communications, event formats, Orders of Proceedings, protocol and the hosting of dignitaries and official guests.
• Build relationships with clients, senior leaders, external suppliers and stakeholders, and oversee event documentation, budgets, financial processes, risk controls and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Degree in event management, marketing, public relations or a related discipline plus substantial relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Experience planning and delivering complex events, including budgeting, risk management and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent knowledge of protocol and experience supporting VIPs, dignitaries and official guests.
• Leadership experience supervising, mentoring and developing staff.
• Exceptional relationship management, written and verbal communication, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Required skills

• Microsoft Office
• EventsAir and CRM platforms such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce are highly regarded

What we offer

• Permanent full-time position with a base salary of $106,709 to $116,199 plus 17% superannuation (HEW Level 7).
• Up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options.
• Health and wellbeing programs, a discounted Study for Staff program, on-campus childcare, affordable parking and salary packaging.

Applications close 2 November 2026; pre-employment checks may include right to work, qualification and criminal history checks, and employer-sponsored work rights are not available.