Director of External Relations and Events

Positing Details

Position Information


Position Title:
Director of External Relations and Events


Posting Number:
WPU0062217


University Information:


William Peace University ("Peace") provides a culture that fosters an energized team environment, builds on our strengths, promotes creativity and innovation, and encourages respect and open communication. We value our faculty and staff. We know they are important and vital to the growth of our university and culture. Senior leadership is personally dedicated to the professional growth and development of each employee. We want to help you build your career, while ensuring you have great work-life balance and flexibility.

We teach our students the skills needed for ethical citizenship, not just in the classroom, but by example. We believe in giving back to our community, and our employees take pride in working at Peace.

Department:
Marketing, Communications, and External Relations


Purpose of Department:


The Office of Marketing, Communications, and External Relations advances the mission of the University by telling its story through intentional, strategic, and data-driven marketing and by bolstering Peace's presence in Raleigh through high-impact events and community partnerships.

Summary of Position:


The Director of External Relations & Events is a strategic, detail-oriented, and relationship-driven role that leads the planning and execution of high-impact events while strengthening the University's external partnerships and community presence. This role serves as a key connector between the University and its external stakeholders, including alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community leaders, ensuring that every event enhances institutional reputation, fosters community engagement, and generates revenue.

Essential duties and responsibilities:


Reporting to the Vice President for Marketing, Communications, and External Relations, the individual holding this position is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

External Relations

• Lead the execution of a comprehensive external relations and events strategy that supports institutional goals, including visibility and revenue generation.
• Sell the University as a premier event location in downtown Raleigh.
• Identify opportunities to expand the University's external events and drive revenue (conferences, corporate events, community programs, etc.).
• Represent the University at community and professional events, serving as an ambassador for William Peace University.
• Manage the mascot program, including the student mascot team, and determine how best to leverage Phantom for community engagement.
• Leverage major institutional events to build relationships with local businesses and organizations.
• Develop a tabling experience to encourage engagement at community events.
• Support the telling of Peace's story with a focus on location and community involvement.

External Events

• Oversee the planning and implementation of major institutional events, including the Annual Tree Lighting and the Peace Pacer 5K.
• Facilitate high-quality event experiences that reflect the University's brand and standards while positively impacting institutional reputation and community engagement.
• Manage event logistics for external partners, including venue coordination, vendor relationships, timelines, budgets, and on-site execution.
• Establish policies, procedures, and best practices for external event management.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements with external clients and vendors.
• Develop pricing models and revenue strategies for external event services.
• Partner with campus facilities, security, dining, IT, and other departments to support event needs.
• Collaborate with and advise other departments on internal events including alumni gatherings, community group presentations, etc.
• Provide leadership and direction to event staff, student workers, and volunteers involved in event execution.
• Perform other job-related duties and projects assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and five years of experience in high quality event planning or equivalent combination of experience and education
• Evidence of proficiency in written and verbal communication
• Evidence of successful external event planning, efficient budget management, and excellent customer service skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Event planning experience in a higher education setting

Hours per week:
Full Time (12-Month)


Job Posting Date:
05/26/2026


Priority Deadline:
06/09/2026


Priority Deadline Information:


Priority consideration will be given to applications received by the Priority Date; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.