Assistant Vice President of University and Advancement Events

Assistant Vice President of University and Advancement Events

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Syracuse University is interested in candidates who have the communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of colleagues, students and community members. Women, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Syracuse University is an equal opportunity employer, as well as a federal contractor required to take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.

 Posting Details 

Job #  | 042419
Department Code  | 50601-7091
Department  | Advancement and External Affairs
Job Title  | Assistant Vice President of University and Advancement Events
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience  | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range  | $147,700 - $177,000
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  | S7
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.
Job Type  | Full-time
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable
Job Description  | This role oversees strategy, design, and implementation of a comprehensive portfolio of high-impact events that advance the university’s mission, elevate institutional reputation, and deepen engagement with key stakeholders. As a member of the leadership team for the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement, this role collaborates with the divisional Senior Vice President and other unit leaders in the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to guide engagement, volunteer service, communications, and philanthropy across these constituencies.

The role provides executive oversight and strategic planning expertise for signature events including donor cultivation/stewardship, groundbreakings/dedications, academic ceremonies including Commencement and Convocations, trustee and presidential events, and regional and on-campus alumni programs.

The AVP leads a team of eight professional staff, fostering a culture of excellence. They empower team members to manage complex portfolios while ensuring strategic alignment to university and advancement priorities, adherence to best practices, and consistency in quality and brand standards. The role exercises oversight of budgets and resources to maximize impact and return on investment.

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 is required. Master’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred. 10+ years or more of experience in program development and/or event management, particularly in higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations. Substantial knowledge of higher education advancement and its associated functions, including fundraising, alumni engagement, and/or donor relations. Strong budget management experience, including developing event budgets and ensuring fiscal accountability. Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate professional teams and individuals. Valid Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is required. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by event schedules.
Skills and Knowledge  | Strong verbal and written communications skills, ability to problem solve and lead teams, along with strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to keep confidential information as well as maintain professional code of conduct. Work effectively under pressure and time constraints and ability to work off-hours, including weekends and nights. Well-developed interpersonal skills necessary to build relationships with volunteer leaders and campus partners. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of event logistics, participants and security planning as required.
Responsibilities  | Define the strategic direction for university and advancement events to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and advancement goals. Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and long-range event strategy to advance institutional priorities. Lead strategic planning for major, high-profile initiatives, such as Commencement, campaign events, and/or institutional milestones. Serve as strategic advisor to senior leadership and key campus partners on event strategy and impact. Translate institutional vision into compelling, high-impact events. As a member of the leadership team for the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement, collaborate with the Vice President and other unit leaders on the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to guide engagement, volunteer service, communications, and philanthropy key stakeholders, including alumni, donors, parents, faculty, staff and students. Build, maintain and strengthen strategic partnerships with academic and administrative units across the university; serve as primary liaison between events team and senior institutional leaders. Facilitate cross-departmental planning for complex, multi-stakeholder events. Oversee unit budget of $1.8M. Coordinate needs, logistics and contracts with external vendors, venues, and partners as needed. Represent the university and advancement events team and/or the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement team on institutional committees and planning groups as required. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professional event staff, fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Build team capacity to manage complex event portfolios independently while maintaining standards of quality and alignment with institutional goals. Maintain quality standards and consistency across all event types. Review and approve event plans, timelines, and budgets for major programs. Establish metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess event effectiveness and inform continuous improvement. Other duties as assigned.
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/111706
Job Posting Date  | 12/01/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | Syracuse University is interested in candidates who have the communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of colleagues, students and community members. Women, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Syracuse University is an equal opportunity employer, as well as a federal contractor required to take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.

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