Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development and Campaign Management, the Associate Director plays a key role in advancing Quinnipiac's fundraising and engagement goals through the planning and execution of high-impact campaign, donor, and special events. Working collaboratively with University leadership, deans, faculty, volunteers, and Advancement colleagues, this individual will develop event strategies that strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and friends while enhancing the visibility and impact of the University's philanthropic initiatives.
The Associate Director oversees all aspects of event management—from concept development and budgeting to logistics, execution, and post-event assessment—for a diverse portfolio of events, including donor recognition celebrations, campaign events, galas, golf tournaments, and other signature University programs. The successful candidate will combine exceptional project management skills with a passion for hospitality, relationship building, and creating memorable experiences that support donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising success.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Event Production: Lead the end-to-end planning of high-profile advancement events, including capital campaign launches, building dedications, scholarship luncheons, presidential dinners, and regional donor events
- Principal & Major Gift Cultivation: Partner with frontline fundraisers to design customized, high-touch event experiences that advance specific principal and major gift prospects through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycles
- Leadership Briefings & Bios: Draft detailed briefing materials, strategic talking points, timelines, and donor bios for the University President, Vice President of Advancement, Deans, and Board of Trustees members attending development events
- Data-Driven Evaluation: Leverage the institutional CRM to track guest touchpoints, analyze attendance trends, monitor event budgets, and measure the direct ROI of events against campaign fundraising milestones
- Cross-Campus Collaboration: Coordinate seamlessly with internal campus partners, including University Communications, catering services, facilities, student ambassadors, and academic departments to ensure cohesive branding and execution
Education Requirements
Qualifications
- 3–5 years of progressive event management or fundraising experience, specifically within a higher education advancement, alumni relations, or university environment
- Deep understanding of higher education campaign structures, familiarity with complex academic hierarchies, proficiency in advancement databases, and exceptional vendor negotiation skills
- Flexibility to travel and work frequent evenings and weekends to staff major institutional milestones, homecoming, or regional donor tours
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds
