"Assistant Vice President of University and Advancement Events"

Assistant Vice President of University and Advancement Events

Job #: 042419

Location: Syracuse, NY

Pay Range: $147,700 - $177,000

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

Job Description:

This role oversees strategy, design, and implementation of a comprehensive portfolio of high-impact events that advance the universitys 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:

• Bachelors degree is required.
• Masters 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 Drivers 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.

To apply, visit https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/111706