Assistant Director of Events

About the role

The assistant director of events is responsible for executing centralized alumni events and programs that communicate and celebrate Case Western Reserve University's achievements, priorities, and impact of philanthropy. This position reports to the director of events, programs and reunions.

Responsibilities

• Manage alumni events and programs and ensure seamless execution.
• Provide recommendations for list management, seating strategy, agenda, menu planning, etc.
• Manage budget account(s) assigned to the Alumni Relations department for events supported by the department.
• Maintain accurate records of event expenditures, pay bills in a timely manner, and provide final accounting for all event expenses.
• Interact extensively with alumni volunteers and staff to develop and implement ideas for events and programs that increase alumni engagement.
• Manage event follow-up including sending thank you notes, recognition items, photographs, and keepsakes as appropriate.
• Interact with Advancement Services staff to capture event registration and attendance data into CRM.
• Develop strong relationships with alumni association board members, alumni chapter leaders, and Alumni Relations colleagues to meet goals and objectives of the University Relations and Development division and the university in general.
• Collaborate with the associate vice president and director of events, programs, and reunions to prioritize the department's event strategies.
• Aid in planning various and complex alumni events and programs on and off campus hosted by the university, the alumni associate board and alumni chapter leaders, and other constituent groups.

Requirements

• 3 or more years experience in event planning/management, public relations, or related field; experience in higher education desired.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to identify problems and deliver appropriate responses to complex issues involved in university protocol and event management.
• Commitment and attention to quality, detail and appropriate protocol are essential.
• Good political judgment and sensitivity, the ability to view events in a larger context, and the wisdom to know when it is appropriate to elevate problems - with recommended solutions - to senior leadership are vital.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and sustain collaborative working relationships through flexibility, tact, approachability, and responsiveness.
• Proven ability to maintain good client relations and strong teamwork among various groups with an upbeat attitude and sense of humor are important for this role.
• Proven experience with budget management is preferred.
• Ability to discreetly handle sensitive information is essential.
• Demonstrated excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills are necessary, as is ability to interact with various internal and external constituencies.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to work outside of regular office hours on a regular basis, including evenings and weekends.

Skills

• Discretionary handling of sensitive information.
• Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact with various internal and external constituencies.
• Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office).
• Ability to learn new programs.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to work outside of regular office hours on a regular basis, including evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Pay

The starting wage rate is $23.68 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Schedule

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department.

Contact

• Department: Contact with associate vice president, directors, and all alumni relations staff as required to perform essential functions.
• University: Contact with senior level administrative staff, senior staff in colleges and management centers, University Relations and Development staff, and faculty as required to perform essential functions.
• External: Contact with friends of the university, corporate, foundation and community leaders, donors, alumni, and outside vendors and consultants as required to perform essential functions.
• Students: Contact with students and student volunteers as required to perform essential functions.

Superiority Responsibility

No direct supervisory responsibilities. May supervise volunteer and/or contract staff as required by event needs.