Assistant Director, Strategic Events

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Occupational Summary:

The Assistant Director of Strategic Events reports directly to the Senior Director of Strategic Events in Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs (DHDAA). This position will create, plan, coordinate, and implement assigned events to support two offices: the Executive Vice President of Health Affairs/School of Medicine Dean (EVP/Dean), and DHDAA. This person will need to possess expertise in supporting both high-level academic and development programs and audiences. Priorities of the EVP/Dean of the Duke University School of Medicine may include internal events such as Town Halls, Research Week, and the State of the School. DHDAA events and programs will focus on the cultivation, engagement, and stewardship of donors, alumni, students, faculty, and employees.

 

Executive Vice President Health Affairs / Dean SOM Event Planning (40%)

 

Develop, plan, and coordinate special and varied off-site and campus events hosted by the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and School of Medicine Dean (EVP/Dean), consistent with the strategic focus and image of Duke Health; organize and manage on-site execution of events with other departments to ensure that activities run smoothly and follow appropriate protocol.

 

Work Preformed:

Develop, plan, and implement the program of events, including in-person, hybrid, and virtual, for the School of Medicine and Duke Health including, but not limited to dinners, conferences, symposia, Town Hall meetings, HR recognition events, and special entertainment programs; conceptualize and recommend scheduling of events as appropriate; plan and coordinate details of special events hosted to include selecting entertainment, venue, menu, seating arrangements, and program flow based on event objective or theme; work independently for smaller events or as a member of a team for larger events.

 

Assist Schools and Departments as requested by EVP/Dean with planning and implementation of various special events ranging from giving advice to support host preferences, to planning the entire event.

 

Negotiate and secure contracts with multiple vendors. Direct vendors and other contracted staff to execute events hosted by the EVP/Dean.

 

Lead and manage all aspects of special awards ceremony, including coordination of the application process and selection of awardee, if needed, event planning, coordination of audiovisual support and budget oversight.

 

Create, maintain, and monitor inventories of unused event supplies. Update supervisor regularly.

 

 

Serve as the principal contact with high-level invitees and other leaders from Duke University, community, businesses, etc., when organizing events.

 

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

 

Duke Health Development & Alumni Affairs Event Planning (40%)

 

Facilitate event planning across DHDAA and work closely with the leadership and executive management team of partnering units such as the School of Medicine (SOM), School of Nursing (SON), Duke Cancer Institute, and Duke Children’s.

 

Work Performed

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Strategic Events, participate in planning and managing event preparation before, during, and after events.

 

Participate in planning organizational development and recognition activities in Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs as assigned.

 

Work independently to develop and manage assigned local and potential regional events for the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Duke Cancer and Children’s, and the Duke University Health System. Events can include educational programs, recognition dinners, regional outreach programs, foundation site visits, donor stewardship tours/visits, salon events, d