Assistant Director, Protocol & Special Events

Job Summary

The position provides leadership, guidance, and innovative solutions to university divisions and stakeholders on matters related to event planning and event policy. Working collaboratively across the institution, the role ensures the successful implementation of major university functions, including organizing and managing committees, developing and overseeing event budgets, and coordinating logistical and operational details. The position establishes and enforces standards for branding, quality, and appropriateness to ensure all events consistently reflect the university's professional image and values. Reporting to the Director of the Office of Protocol and Special Events, this position works closely with leadership to ensure that all events align with the priorities and strategic initiatives of the President's Office. The role is expected to provide leadership across university events and contribute to the effective operations of the Office of Protocol and Special Events. The position is also responsible for ongoing professional development, including participation in relevant seminars and conferences, and for maintaining current knowledge of best practices in higher education protocol and event management.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Event Management

Provide operational leadership and day-to-day oversight for the Special Events team, ensuring effective work allocation, compliance with established procedures, and timely resolution of issues. Manage multiple complex projects under strict deadlines, motivating staff and fostering collaboration to achieve departmental goals. Serve as a liaison between university leadership, internal departments, and external partners to coordinate on- and off-campus events and represent the Office of Protocol and Special Events to vendors, donors, and community stakeholders as needed.

Leadership & Supervision

Deliver strategic direction and oversight for the Special Events team, including resource allocation, budget management, and adherence to internal procedures. Guide team members to execute events efficiently and effectively for maximum impact. Act as a key liaison between Augusta University leadership, internal divisions, and external partners, representing the Office of Protocol and Special Events with vendors, donors, and stakeholders. Directly hire, train, and supervise two Special Event Coordinators.

1828 Suite

Plan, promote, and execute the annual 1828 Suite program in collaboration with the President's Office, AU Athletics, and Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, ensuring a high-quality experience that advances institutional engagement and strategic priorities.

Communication and Event Standards

Establish and maintain consistent event standards aligned with strategic initiatives and branding guidelines. Ensure all presidential and high-profile events reflect a polished, professional image that enhances the university's reputation and fosters meaningful engagement opportunities. Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal/written communications skills, attention to detail and analytical abilities.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in higher education or non-profit organization, with a focus on large-scale event planning; or 5 or more years of experience/training in large event planning or similar experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Experience

Master's degree from an accredited college of university. 5 or more years of professional experience in higher education or non-profit organization, with a focus on large-scale event planning, staff management and stakeholder relations.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days/M-F (work outside of normal business hours will likely be required of an employee in an exempt level position)

Pay Band: B13

Salary Minimum: $68,500/annually

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position.

Recruitment Period: 3/6/26 - Until Filled

Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.

Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!