Senior Associate Director, Special Events

Senior Associate Director, Special Events

Northwestern University Evanston, IL

The Senior Associate Director is a strategic leader within Alumni Relations and Development, responsible for delivering high-impact, mission-driven events that support presidential engagement, deepen donor relationships, and advance ARD priorities. This role leads the design, planning, and execution of complex, high-profile events—often involving the President, trustees, major donors, and distinguished guests—and ensures these experiences align with ARD's advancement goals. Operating with a high level of judgment and autonomy, the Senior Associate Director offers guidance on event strategy, messaging, and stakeholder engagement. The position plays a key role in managing relationships with high-profile alumni, donors, faculty, and campus partners, advancing institutional objectives through strategic event experiences. This role may also supervise staff and temporary employees, setting expectations for excellence, enhancing team practices, and coaching staff through sophisticated planning processes. The Senior Associate Director reports to the Senior Director of Special Events in Alumni Relations and Development. Successful candidates will have extensive experience producing complex, high-visibility events, exceptional relationship-management and strategic communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to lead teams, shape event strategy, and deliver mission-driven experiences that advance ARD's institutional goals.

Specific Responsibilities

• Lead the concepting, planning, and execution of complex events hosted or attended by the President, including reunion class parties, groundbreakings, dedications, and campus-wide ceremonies.
• Develop comprehensive event strategies, including run-of-show documents, staffing plans, production schedules, and partner briefings.
• Oversee protocol, guest experience, and overall event flow to ensure seamless execution and alignment with university standards.
• Anticipate risks, troubleshoot issues in real time, and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Lead cross-departmental planning teams, ensuring clarity of responsibility, accountability, and strong communication.
• Provide executive-level guidance on event best practices, operational efficiencies, and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with campus policies, safety requirements, and contract guidelines.
• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting, responsible financial stewardship, and timely reconciliation.
• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships, including caterers, production teams, hospitality partners, and rental companies.
• May draft special budget requests for manager review; responsible for full budget oversight for events planned in this role.
• Oversee larger budget-tracking documents and contribute to a streamlined, comprehensive financial database.
• Supervise and mentor staff working on high-level programs, supporting long-term skill development and operational excellence.
• Establish performance goals, evaluate workload capacity, and foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture.
• Oversee project timelines, team assignments, and training needs to ensure readiness for presidential-level events.
• Works under broad direction with a high degree of independence.

Miscellaneous Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree: OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 6 years special events, development, marketing, sales or equivalent experience is required

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication skills, professionalism, and discretion.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure
• Advanced knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs is required.
• Understanding Social Tables and/or other seating software.
• Experience planning events at an academic institution

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life And Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.