Assistant Director of University and Advancement Events

Assistant Director of University and Advancement Events

Job #  | 042173
Department Code  | 50601-7091
Department  | Advancement and External Affairs
Job Title  | Assistant Director of University and Advancement Events
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Pay Range  | $62,400 - $66,000
Pay Determination  | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level  | S4
FLSA Status  | Exempt
Hours  | Standard University business hours.

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
The position requires work during non-business hours which may include, but is not limited to: nights, weekends, holidays and/or academic break periods.
Job Type  | Full-time
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable

Job Description  | The Assistant Director supports and directs the planning, management, and implementation of alumni, donor, and university-wide events and programs. This role acts as the primary liaison to external vendors and/or on-campus support services, including catering, physical plant, Learning Environments and Media Production to support the needs of programs. She/ He interacts with external vendors, coordinates contracts, secures venues and technical/support services. The Assistant Director utilizes on-line system platforms, software and tools to provide guest registration, contract tracking and project planning for events. They provide logistical and on-site support for additional programs and events each year including Orange Central Homecoming weekend, off-campus academic partnership programs, Senior Alumni Reunion, Alumni Awards, Commencement, convocations, volunteer leader events and meetings, and regional events.

The position requires work during non-business hours which may include, but is not limited to: nights, weekends, holidays and/or academic break periods.

The Division of Advancement & External Affairs expresses a shared mission that is collaborative, trusted, respectful, future-focused and is aligned with the overall University. All current and new employees embrace and demonstrate dedication to promoting shared values in an inclusive work culture to propel the future of advancement operations in their everyday work.

Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality, marketing or a related field required. 2-3 years of event management experience, facility and/or services administration and/or coordination experience. Valid driver’s license is required. Access to reliable mode of transportation is required. Demonstrated ability to understand and execute team logistics. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Capable of supporting event setup/breakdown and standing for extended periods.

Skills and Knowledge  | Proven ability to manage multiple events and projects and lead events from conception to execution, meeting all deadlines with precision and ensuring seamless coordination with stakeholders. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; adept at drafting and proofreading professional documents with accuracy, clarity and consistency. Resourceful and proactive in resolving challenges, maintaining composure under pressure, and delivering creative, cost-effective solutions during high-stakes events. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and has the ability to learn and utilize new systems including Encompass, Citrus/Blackbaud, Data Insights, CaterTrax, Prismm, Cobblestone and Qualtrics. Delivers high-level customer service with professionalism and discretion while maintaining confidentiality, a polished demeanor and courteous communication-style with all constituents. Collaborative team member with the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities  | Provide comprehensive support in the planning, coordination and execution of on and off campus events that engage alumni, donors, and campus community members. Responsibilities include logistical planning, guest management, and coordination of the needs of faculty, senior administrators, Trustees, donors, and other VIPs. Honor special requests and ensure needs are met with professionalism and discretion. Oversee the recruitment, assignment, and management of event volunteers to ensure complex events have adequate event coverage. Provide direct event management oversight, expertise, and assistance to units of AEA and other campus offices for focused audience events which can be managed independently. Oversee related production timelines, meetings, scripts, run-of -show documents, diagrams and coordination of artist/performer/speaker interaction. Serve as on-site coordinator. Identify, coordinate and interact with internal campus services and/or external vendors to provide event support/services/logistics. Coordinate vendor contracts and payment, secure technical/ AV services, submit work orders, requisitions and submit paperwork to secure venues. Submit and track contracts utilizing on-line system platform(s). Oversee, manage and develop systems for the inventory control, organization, tracking and dissemination of event equipment and assets managed/owned by the unit to support major events. Build event registrations utilizing CITRUS/Blackbaud database and Encompass. Monitor registrations, track attendance, create surveys, and submit/update volunteer and speaker interactions. Monitor the Data Insights event dashboard to track event metrics. Use Encompass to generate attendee lists and collect all post-event metrics for assessment of events. Hire, train, manage, student workers who provide event support including registration lists, nametags, and event kits. Oversee and respond to all event inquiries via phone, website and email.

Physical Requirements  | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment  | Not Applicable
Application Instructions  | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University  | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area  | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement  | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans  | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community  | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/110651
Job Posting Date  | 08/22/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

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