Associate Director of University and Advancement Events

Associate Director of University and Advancement Events

Bookmark this Position Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

 Posting Details 

Job #  | 042382
Department Code  | 50601-7091
Department  | Advancement and External Affairs
Job Title  | Associate Director 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  | $70,500 - $78,000
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  | S5
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  | The Associate Director plans, manages and executes signature alumni, donor, and university-wide events and programs. The role combines event management with hands-on execution, serving as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver high-quality experiences that advance the university’s engagement and fundraising goals. This role manages relationships with external vendors and/or on-campus support services, including catering, physical plant, Learning Environments and Media Production to coordinate contracts, venue agreements, and secure technical/support services.

The Associate Director will support events and programs of varying purposes, scope, and complexity each year. Their portfolio includes, but is not limited to, affinity programs, donor cultivation and stewardship events, signature athletic events, and the triennial Coming Back Together Reunion. This role will also support additional team members within the UAE team by providing expertise and coordination for additional on-campus programs; Commencement, convocations, and Homecoming. The position requires work during non-business hours, which at times will include working 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, communications, hospitality, marketing or a related field required. 3-5 years of facility and/or services administration and/or event coordination experience. Valid driver’s license is required. Access to reliable mode of transportation is required. Demonstrated ability to understand and execute team logistics. The position requires work during non-business hours, which at times will include working nights, weekends, holidays and/or academic break periods. Excellent communication, organizational, and project management 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  | Oversee a comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution process for on-campus and off-campus events that engage alumni, donors, and campus community members. Key events include, but are not limited to, affinity and shared interest programs, donor cultivation and stewardship events, signature athletic events, and the triennial Coming Back Together Reunion. Serve as a strategic partner across Alumni Engagement and Advancement (AEA) and other academic and administrative units to develop and execute their programming and align purpose and outcomes to overarching engagement, philanthropic, and university goals. Responsibilities include logistical planning, on-site support, and management of guests and VIPs such as faculty, senior administrators, Trustees, and donors. Ensure all special requests and needs are met with professionalism and discretion. Partner with internal campus support teams and external vendors to secure support/technical/AV services, coordinate vendor contracts and payments, and book venues. Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring appropriate tracking of expenses and timely payments. Oversee production timelines, meetings, scripts, run-of-show documents, diagrams, and coordination of artist/performer/speaker interactions. Serve as on-site coordinator for events under purview. Recruit, assign, train, and manage event volunteers as needed for on-site coverage and support. Utilize internal CITRUS/Blackbaud database and Encompass software platform to build events, track attendance, create surveys, and note volunteer and speaker interactions. Monitor the Data Insights event dashboard to track event metrics across the portfolio and aid in event strategy. Use Encompass to generate attendee lists and collect all post-event metrics for effective assessment of programs and events managed by University and Advancement Events. Maintain accurate records, reports, and post-event evaluations. Provide support for more complex events that require expertise, pre-event coordination, and on-site support from everyone on the team, including but not limited to Commencement, convocations, and Homecoming. Serve on cross-functional planning groups and committees as assigned. 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/111482
Job Posting Date  | 11/17/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

Applicant Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

621 Skytop Road | Suite 1001 | Syracuse, NY 13244 – 5300 | 315.443.4042
© 2017 - Syracuse University, All Rights Reserved. | Accessibility | Privacy | Accreditation | syr.edu