Strategic Events Manager

Position Title & Department:

 Strategic Events Manager; School of Business Posting #

5594

Department Description: The Knauss School of Business at USD embraces a stewardship approach to business education. Stewardship requires businesses to protect and care for society in pursuit of a greater good.  The Knauss School community of faculty, staff, students and graduates, embrace stewardship by applying values-driven, free-enterprise skills to improve businesses, industries, and the lives of people in our community and around the world.  We provide academically rigorous, relevant and values-based education and research.  Degree programs in the Knauss School of Business are AACSB accredited, with the undergraduate and MBA programs being highly ranked both domestically and internationally.  www.sandiego.edu/business/about/ University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:

Under direction from the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, the Strategic Events Manager oversees the Knauss School of Business schoolwide events portfolio, including events hosted by the Dean, administrative departments and Centers of Distinction. The Manager ensures strategic alignment of all events occurring within the Knauss School with the School’s strategic plan and priorities. The position plans, coordinates, and executes end to end delivery of flagship public programs, academic events, student and faculty events, donor and VIP engagements, and internal engagements.. The role develops event concepts and engagement plans, prepares budgets, manages vendors and contracts, and directs on-site production to ensure high-quality experiences. The Manager provides oversight to Centers/Institutes within the Knauss School that have events-related positions and provides oversight and support to those roles to ensure alignment with School event strategies and best practices. The incumbent works collaboratively with faculty and staff partners, exercises sound judgment, and maintains excellent service standards in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Creativity, diplomacy, and operational excellence are essential to success. This role requires a working knowledge of the Knauss School of Business and may require occasional work on nights and/or weekends.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Events Planning and Management

• Reviews all proposed events within the Knauss School, including those within Centers of Distinction, to ensure alignment with School strategic priorities and goals
• Aligns event objectives with School strategy to elevate reputation and advance engagement goals.
• Ensures events across the School are scheduled in a manner that avoids overlap and increases opportunity for positive brand exposure amongst campus and community audiences
• Leads the design, calendar, and end-to-end production of major Knauss School events
• Coordinates with the Dean, Dean Team, Center Directors, Critical Operating Directors, and Advancement to use events for cultivation, stewardship, and alumni/community engagement.
• Implements pre- and post-event touchpoints (briefing notes, seating charts, talking points, follow-up communications).
• Tracks interactions and outcomes in the University’s CRM to inform next-step strategies.
• Establishes success metrics (attendance, sat