Associate Director of Special Events

Associate Director Of Special Events

The Associate Director of Special Events designs, strategizes and executes a dynamic portfolio of high-impact events that advance Davidson College's mission, elevate donor stewardship and deepen alumni engagement. From intimate presidential dinners to high-profile, multi-day milestone events, the Associate Director serves as a premier project manager and operational leader. This role balances creative vision with detailed execution, managing a high-volume of projects independently while helping lead a growing team. This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports.

Core Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of a diverse portfolio of in-person events, partnering with "host offices" to plan, communicate about and execute events including Reunion Weekend, Wildcat Weekend, annual meetings for the Board of Visitors, Parents Council and Alumni Association Board, and other events as needed.
• Serve as the primary lead for planning and executing Reunion Weekend, collaborating with teams in Alumni & Family Engagement and the Fund for Davidson to welcome nearly 2,000 alums to campus for three days of events each June.
• Serve as the primary lead in planning a slate of lectures in partnership with the Public Lectures Committee, ensuring a high level of hospitality for campus guests, smooth ticketing processes and seamless event execution.
• Build, manage and meticulously track complex revenue and expense budgets, maximizing the guest experience within established budget parameters.

Campus Partnerships

• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with key internal partners (Tech Services, Campus Police, Catering, Physical Plant) and external vendors (florists, linen rental providers, specialized caterers).

Team Leadership

• Manage the Assistant Director of Events and Programming.
• Support performance and growth through goal setting, ongoing coaching and active encouragement of professional development.
• Provide steady leadership during high-pressure, fast-paced, high-stakes periods in the event cycle, partnering with the Director of Special Events to guide the team calmly and effectively.

Communications, Data & Event Technology

• Build and manage online event registration forms and monitor data integrity within the college's primary database system (Blackbaud).
• Own and manage the full lifecycle of event communications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of event management experience, with a proven track record in high-touch hospitality, executive-level events or VIP guest relations.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills; a results-driven mindset with the ability to handle high-pressure, last-minute and urgent requests.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, professional briefings to college leadership.
• Ability to problem-solve independently and maintain composure in high-stress situations, making decisions that align with the best interests of Davidson and its guests.
• Ability to lift 20+ pounds, move event supplies, travel across campus on foot or by golf cart and work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Flexibility and willingness to work a non-traditional schedule, including frequent evenings and occasional weekends.