Associate Director of Reunions Programming and Events

Overview The Office of Alumni Engagement, in collaboration with the Tufts University Alumni Association, strives to build lifelong relationships with the students and alumni of Tufts University with the goal of keeping alumni actively engaged and contributing to the university. This is accomplished through extensive programming initiatives in Boston, throughout the United States, and around the world catering to a variety of alumni needs and interests. OAE is the key point of contact for all alumni of the university. In conjunction with the Alumni Association, the Office of Alumni Engagement plans events and programs including Alumni Weekend, Homecoming, Reunions, Travel‑Learn, Career Networking, Alumni Awards, Senior Awards and Alumni Council meetings, as well as programming for current students at the university, soon to be alumni. What You’ll Do The Associate Director of Reunion Programs and Events serves as the strategic lead for the planning, development, and implementation of Tufts Reunions programming and signature events. This position is responsible for creating engaging alumni experiences that strengthen alumni connection to Tufts while ensuring the successful execution of multiple large‑scale events and programs. Working collaboratively with colleagues across Alumni Engagement, Advancement, faculty leadership, alumni volunteers, vendors, and campus partners, the Associate Director develops event concepts, manages program planning, coordinates speakers and panelists, oversees catering and photography relationships, and ensures a cohesive Reunion experience aligned with institutional goals and alumni interests. Reunions Program Development and Event Management Lead the strategic planning, development, and execution of Tufts Reunions educational and social programming. Develop programmatic vision and event experiences that strengthen alumni engagement and celebrate Tufts traditions and institutional priorities. Direct project management efforts, including timelines, workplans, stakeholder coordination, and milestone tracking to ensure successful program delivery. Evaluate program effectiveness through participant feedback and event outcomes, identifying opportunities to enhance future reunion experiences. Signature Reunions Events Serve as the planning lead for major Tufts Reunions events, including the Friday Night Welcome Event, All-Class Lunch, and reunion class dinners. Design distinctive event experiences through venue selection, program development, food and beverage planning, entertainment, and attendee engagement strategies. Partner with operations, facilities, and vendor management teams to deliver high‑quality events that align with reunion objectives, budgets, and institutional standards. Reunions Content Plan and manage multiple alumni panel discussions and faculty presentations during Tufts Reunions. Identify program themes and presentation topics aligned with alumni interests and/or university priorities. Coordinate speaker invitations and participation in partnership with academic leadership. Collaborate with class volunteers, reunion committees, and alumni engagement colleagues to identify prospective panelists and facilitate invitations. Coordinate logistical requirements, technology needs, room setup, and event support with internal partners and vendors. Tufts Night at Pops Serve as the project lead for Tufts Night at Pops, overseeing all aspects of event planning and execution from concept development through post‑event assessment. Manage the partnership with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, coordinating ticketing, seating, special guest performers, contracts, and financial transactions. Develop executive briefings, event remarks, talking points, and other communication materials for university leadership and event participants. Coordinate staffing plans and onsite event management to ensure a seamless attendee experience. Act as the primary liaison between Tufts University and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Vendor and Service Management Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with external vendors, venues, caterers, photographers, entertainers, and campus service providers. Identify, evaluate, and engage vendors that enhance reunion programming and support event goals. Collaborate with colleagues responsible for procurement, contracts, and operational logistics to ensure efficient vendor management. Monitor vendor performance and service delivery to ensure alignment with budget expectations, quality standards, and attendee experience goals. Recommend new vendor partnerships and service enhancements that improve program quality, operational efficiency, and participant satisfaction. What We’re Looking For Basic Requirements Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 5-7 years of progressive experience in alumni engagement, higher education administration, event management, conference planning, or a related field. Demonstrated experience planning and executing complex, large-scale events. Strong organization and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and follow-through. Proven ability to facilitate meetings and lead group discussions, keeping participants engaged and moving shared work forward. Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills. Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities. Experience collaborating with volunteers, faculty, senior leaders, and external vendors. Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high‑quality event experiences. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for events. Occasional travel. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, event registration, and constituent management systems. Valid U.S. driver’s license Preferred Qualifications Experience in alumni relations, advancement, higher education, or nonprofit organization. Experience managing catering, venue, or hospitality partnerships. Familiarity with volunteer engagement and reunion programming. Experience developing marketing content and event communications. Knowledge of event trends and best practices in alumni engagement and experiential programming. Pay Range Minimum $67,200.00, Midpoint $83,900.00, Maximum $100,700.00 Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy