Senior Director, Special Events for Schools and Programs - University Advancement

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

Reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Special Events and University Ceremonies. The role of the Director is to oversee the planning of key events designed to cultivate, maintain and strengthen alumni, parent and friend ties to the University. Oversee and manage all aspects of staffing, event planning and logistics, budgets, contracts, and protocols.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise the departmental director, senior associate director(s), associate director(s), assistant directors(s) coordinator(s) and administrative assistant(s) supporting special events.
• Manage the department's daily responsibilities and the planning of up to 200 events annually. Effectively apply appropriate use of judgment (especially with issues of donor involvement), event management, communications, budgetary control, calendar planning and managerial policies. Direct the department’s event communication such as printed invitations, programs, digital invitations, etc.
• Oversee staff that will contract with selected vendors for event arrangements and manage event planning and all logistical details for events hosted by the schools and programs. Support staff as they make decisions related to hiring vendors, select menus, arrange for audio-visual, décor, etc. Work closely with leadership and development staff to ensure that ROI targets are met.
• Provide leadership and oversight related to purchasing, contract management, negotiations, and budgets for the department. with cost estimates and budget parameters. Manage cost control for university and cross department events, in collaboration with other department heads and business managers. This includes performing analysis and making recommendations on event related decisions.
• Provide expert oversight and management of the special event protocols for University Advancement– ensuring consistent and high-quality events that appropriately recognize the University’s most generous donors and volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six years of prior experience in event planning and management.
• Prior experience in budgeting and forecasting.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Supervisory/management experience event management.
• Prior experience with project administration.  
• Experience managing or developing highest level of VIP donor contact and communication, events, and activities.
• Ability to accurately apply professionalism and judgment skills in all situations, especially related to management, donor issues and budgets.
• Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Extraordinary attention to detail.
• Extraordinary ability to deal with multiple, competing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Experience with computer technologies and sophisticated software applications.
• Ability and flexibility to work outside of the normal workday/office hours including evenings and weekends.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Six years of related experience.

Grade

G16

Salary Range

$94,100.00 - $165,600.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal