"Director of Advancement Events - Clark University"

About University Advancement

University Advancement at Clark University builds meaningful, lifelong relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the University. Through fundraising, alumni engagement, stewardship, and campaign initiatives, the team supports Clark's mission, academic priorities, and student success. Events play a central role in connecting people to the University's story, strengthening community, and advancing philanthropic impact.

The Opportunity

Clark University is seeking a Director of Advancement Events to lead the strategy, planning, and execution of high-impact events that inspire alumni, donors, and friends of the University. This role is ideal for a creative, detail-driven events leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and understands the power of events to build relationships, strengthen community, and advance philanthropic goals.

Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Advancement Strategy & Campaign Planning, the Director of Advancement Events is a key member of the University Advancement team and will play a central role in signature alumni events, donor engagement, and campaign-related programming—including major milestones such as campaign launches and multi-day alumni weekends.

What You'll Do

Lead Signature Events & Alumni Engagement

• Plan and execute a wide range of events, from intimate leadership and donor gatherings to large-scale alumni and reunion events
• Lead the strategy and delivery of a multi-day alumni weekend, donor recognition events, cultivation and stewardship programs, and campaign-related events
• Ensure all events reflect Clark's mission, brand, and commitment to inclusive engagement

Align Events with Advancement Strategy

• Partner closely with colleagues across University Advancement—including Principal Gifts, Major Gifts, Annual Giving, and Planned Giving to support fundraising and engagement goals
• Collaborate with faculty, senior leadership, and campus partners to maximize alumni participation and deepen relationships

Supervise & Develop Staff

• Manage and mentor the Associate Director of Advancement Events
• Support professional growth through coaching, goal-setting, and performance feedback

Strategic Planning & Budget Management

• Develop an annual events plan aligned with institutional priorities
• Make informed, data-driven budget decisions and ensure effective use of resources

Build Strong Campus & External Partnerships

• Cultivate relationships with campus partners, volunteers, vendors, and external stakeholders
• Contribute ideas for new and innovative programs as institutional priorities evolve

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• At least 5 years of experience in events management with a preference for experience in advancement events management
• Demonstrated success managing signature or hallmark events from concept through execution
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and project management skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• A collaborative, proactive work style with excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to clearly articulate Clark's mission and value proposition to a wide range of audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit advancement
• Familiarity with Raiser's Edge/NXT or similar CRM systems and GiveCampus Events
• Experience designing inclusive engagement strategies for diverse audiences
• Knowledge of alumni engagement metrics, fundraising principles, and campaign planning

Work Environment & Expectations

• Hybrid work environment with an office presence on Clark's Worcester campus
• Evening and weekend work required for events
• Occasional travel

Additional Information

Expected Hiring Range: $96,000 to $107,500

Pay Transparency Disclosure:
The compensation for this position will be determined based on factors that include available budget, internal equity, and the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials. This range represents Clark University's good-faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting consistent with Clark's compensation philosophy and internal alignment.

At Clark University we believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

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