Assistant Director, University Events

Assistant Director, University Events

Seattle University Seattle, WA

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Position Summary: Reporting to the Sr. Director of University Events, the Assistant Director of University Events project manages fundraising, cultivation, engagement, and stewardship events to engage, deepen relationships, and recognize Seattle University constituents including but not limited to alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends. This role is responsible for using expertise to partner with internal clients and subject matter experts to successfully implement impactful, engaging events that elevate the image of Seattle University. This role is responsible for the coordination of Seattle University's most critical mission-driven VIP engagements including but not limited to events sponsored by the Offices of Advancement, the President, the Provost, and the Board of Trustees. The Assistant Director will demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, be mission-centered, have an open, creative problem-solving approach, strong relationship-building skills, and a strong understanding of and experience with building and supporting diverse and inclusive teams. Expert knowledge of event planning and coordinating, program development, and event production is necessary. The position requires a collaborative, resourceful and strategic thinker.

Essential Job Functions: The Assistant Director of University Events has the following areas of responsibility:

• Responsible for high level professional production of signature university events to cultivate new donors, steward existing donors, engage students, faculty, staff and alumni, and strategically raise and increase support for the university's mission and programs.
• Collaborate with university leaders, development officers, alumni engagement officers, and subject matter experts to develop event vision and goals, messaging, team roles and responsibilities, program outlines, and communication timelines.
• Leverage project management tools to develop accurate event/project timelines and budgets, coordinate with on- and off-campus partners to manage venue contacts, catering partners, entertainment, parking, A/V, and other event logistics.
• Lead event program development, draft speaker briefs, identify and interview potential program speakers, coach program speakers, write talking points and/or scripts, and act as stage manager as assigned.
• Working with the Sr. Director for University Events and University Marcom team to oversee the development of event messaging including, but not limited to: save the date, invitation, social media, and event communication content.
• In collaboration with MarCom, project manage video storytelling projects as needed for event production.
• Coordinate event staffing plans and communications/trainings for largescale events. Recruit and train event leads to implement staffing plans on event day.
• Lead events colleagues and advancement teams in identifying student ambassadors to serve as volunteers for relevant events.
• Lead event stakeholders in formal and informal event debriefs. Gather qualitative and quantitative event results, analyze performance, distribute event wrap reports, and share recommendations to improve future event performance.

Other duties as assigned and as relevant to the success of events and the University Events team.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree plus three years' relevant experience, or 5+ years in event coordination, management, or hospitality. Exceptional project management with competing timelines, priorities, and limited budgets. Exemplary attention to detail. Successful candidates will have strong customer service skills and mindset. Familiarity with technologies, platforms, systems, and analytics. Skill in big-picture thinking and strategic planning as well as presenting new ideas, strategies, and initiatives both proactively and responsively. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to give presentations, lead meetings, and contribute to groups and gatherings of varied sizes. Ability to operate creatively, strategically, and consciously in a dynamic, intercultural organization with many communication considerations rooted in culture and tradition. Understanding of current event trends and best practices. All candidates must show a demonstrated commitment to diversity and the university's mission, vision, and values.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in hospitality, Communications, Marketing, Business, or related field. Individual is inspired to work in alignment with the university's mission and values. Experience working among diverse communities and equity and inclusion initiative work. Work experience in higher education and/or nonprofit or public sector organizations. Experience working in collegiate event environment. Proven track record of high-level communications with a diverse range of clients, attention to detail and policy enforcement. Proficiency in Social Tables, Event Management System (EMS), Localist, Raiser's Edge, and other event software or platforms. A successful candidate will have work experience that demonstrates their ability to work independently and collaboratively given guidelines and priorities.

Application Instructions: Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation At a Glance: $63,000 - $67,000 Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits At a Glance: Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: Positions designated as hybrid eligible may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of an introductory period of 3-6 months. In these cases, the role typically begins fully on campus to support onboarding and training, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement thereafter. Positions designated as on-site are not eligible for hybrid work and are expected to remain fully on campus. All flexible work arrangements are subject to periodic review and may be modified or discontinued at any time at the university's discretion.