Director of University Advancement Events

Job ID: 58020
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department

Alumni Affairs

Florida State University will soon embark on its next comprehensive campaign. As the silent phase of the campaign begins, the Division of University Advancement is accelerating the hiring of additional Advancement Events professionals campus-wide and is excited to build out its team. For Advancement professionals who are interested in being a part of a comprehensive campaign from the beginning for their career development, the timing is ideal to join our team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer.

FSU's Equal Opportunity Statement can be accessed at: https://hr.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu2186/files/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf.

Responsibilities

The Director of University Advancement Events is responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of events in support of the Division of University Advancement. Each of these events will focus on engaging, prospecting, cultivating, recognizing, and stewarding the University’s donors, prospective donors, alumni, friends, and parents.  This individual will support the strategy and mission of the Division, working to execute events with excellence and efficiency.  The incumbent is expected to reinforce a collaborative and supportive relationship within and among the Advancement division.

Oversee the planning, coordination and implementation of University Advancement (UA) events; including but not limited to annual donor recognition events (luncheons/dinners/receptions), regional prospecting, stewardship and other events as assigned. Manage the Special Events Team in producing effective, efficient, and creatively designed events to further strategic cultivation, stewardship and engagement of alumni, parents, and friends of FSU. Oversee logistical arrangements for events such as venue selection, menu and catering choices, site inspections, floor plan design, décor, audio-visual lighting services, photography, equipment rental, signage, and security; initiate vendor contracts for assigned events, including venue and equipment rentals, catering, and hotel room blocks. Responsible for using data to inform strategy and decisions regarding key constituency markets, post-event analysis and event trends. Work in direct partnership with Development team to plan and coordinate events. Communicate and work in direct contact with key donors and friends of the University. Coordinate calendaring for special events, ensuring that events are on respective dignitaries and key stakeholder calendars. Works closely with the UA Communications Team to build marketing plans for events.

Responsible for making decisions/recommendations for hiring and training of direct reports in consultation with senior leadership as well as performing supervisory duties. Provide direction and coaching for staff to create event strategies for events, ensuring events have programmatic, attendance and fundraising goals. Direct event staff in providing exceptional customer relations to internal and external audiences. Coach and lead staff to work collaboratively with academic leadership, University colleagues and key constituents. Follow university and university advancement policy and protocol and continuously works to enhance both with industry best practices.

Prepare and maintain appropriate event documentation, including event summaries, attendee reports for Presidential briefings, planning timelines and budget spreadsheets; Design, implement and track post event evaluations. Collaborates with data team to utilize data to inform key event decisions for event strategy.

Manages, develops and directs annual program objectives resulting in a proposed budget for events each fiscal year; Monitor the events budget, including expense tracking and approving appropriate disbursements for payment to vendors, venues, etc. Maintains budget formulation documents for each event and reports budget outcomes per event. Holds the special events team accountable for keeping an accurate accounting of event related expenses.  Responsible for producing budget reports pre and post event.

Manage events using the events module – CRM – and run various reports before, during and after events. Stays on top of the latest trends regarding onsite and electronic registration. Seeks innovate ways to enhance registration processes.  Responsible for fulfilling other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience; or a high school diploma/equivalent and experience equal to eight years. (Note: post-high school education can substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)

Preferred

Event planning experience, organizing multiple events at various stages of planning.

Communication skills to reach a varied audience – donors, development officers, deans, the President’s office.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research, encourages creativity, and embraces diversity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news! Learn more about our university and campuses.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P (Administrative and Professional) position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is being advertised as open until filled. The hiring committee will review applications as received.

Applicants must upload a resume with their online application.