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Wisconsin Union Event Coordinator

University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

How do you keep track of many events at once so nothing falls through the cracks?

What they are checking: Whether they have a reliable system for juggling many details and deadlines.

You need help from catering, facilities and AV, none of whom report to you. How do you get what you need?

What they are checking: Whether they can work across teams with influence instead of authority.

This job is on-site with occasional nights and weekends. How does that fit your life?

What they are checking: Whether they are ready for the schedule events require.

Tell me about an event that did not go as planned. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they own mistakes and improve their process.

What would you do

A client wants a room layout that will not fit their guest count. How do you handle that?

What they are checking: Whether they can steer clients to workable options while keeping them happy.

The audio visual system fails five minutes before a keynote. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and have backup plans when things go wrong live.

A student group has a tight budget but big ideas. How do you work with them?

What they are checking: Whether they can serve campus groups fairly and help them make good choices.

About the work

Walk me through how you plan an event from the first client call to the day of.

What they are checking: Whether they have a clear process that covers space, food, audio visual, layout and staffing.

What do you ask a client about food and beverage to get the order right?

What they are checking: Whether they ask about counts, dietary needs and allergens before problems show up.

How do you handle event transactions and billing so the final invoice matches what the client got?

What they are checking: Whether they are careful with event finances and changes along the way.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Event Coordinator Job Summary: Wisconsin Union Event Coordinators play a key role in supporting our mission by coordinating events that enrich campus life and foster community engagement. Working with a diverse array of client groups, this position oversees the planning, logistics, and execution of key venue details. In this role you will consult with customers to determine their event details including food and beverage selections, audio visual services, room layouts and equipment needs. A successful coordinator is detail oriented, is willing to be proactive, and can liaise with other teams internally and across campus to execute seamless events. We strive to provide high-quality service and operational excellence for our community. Work Schedule and Location Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the occasional night or weekend to support an event 100% on-site Key Job Responsibilities: • Schedules logistics and secures resources for all aspects of events including space, vendors, and staff; and coordinates details and resolves operational issues • Monitors and processes event related transactions and event data and records • Greets customers/guests, assists with registration, answers questions, and refers complex issues to appropriate entities • Communicates with customers to determine event details and requirements, evaluates requests, recommends service plans and pricing, and provides status updates Department: Wisconsin Union Compensation: The expected starting salary is $23.50/hour This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see. https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf Required Qualifications: • A minimum of one year of professional experience in event coordination and/or event planning. Please describe the average number and size of events. • Experience working directly with customers and providing customer service in-person, via telephone, and/or email. Preferred Qualifications: • Familiarity with event management software platforms (e.g. EMS, Mazevo, 25Live). • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously. • Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with a customer service mindset. • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide array of customers and stakeholders. How to Apply: Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process. Contact Information: Kathleen Keller, kathleen.keller@wisc.edu, 608-262-9323 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information. Institutional Statement on Diversity: Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website . To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you. Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department .

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