Director of Special Events and Programs
Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Engagement, the Director of Special Events and Programs (SEP) provides strategic leadership in the development and execution of high-impact events and programs that engage Vassar College's alums and other community members in support of institutional goals. The Director oversees a comprehensive portfolio of on-campus, off-campus, and virtual events, ensuring alignment with the College's mission and advancement priorities. In collaboration with colleagues across Advancement and campus departments, the Director designs signature experiences, advises on event strategy for partner-led initiatives, and manages the SEP team to deliver cohesive, mission-driven programming that strengthens constituent engagement and institutional visibility. The SEP team consists of an Associate Director and an Office Specialist.
Responsibilities
- Special Programming: Develop and implement a diverse, consistent menu of annual engagement opportunities tailored to life stages, interests, regions and other segments among the alum body that advance objectives around lifelong learning, access, sustainability and stewardship. Offerings will include the Vassar Travel Program and select campus-based programs, as well as the curation of new and innovative learning experiences.
- Event Management: Ensure best practices in event planning, implementation, and data management are standardized among and executed by all SEP team members.
- Relationship Building & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build and sustain the trust necessary for enduring and successful relationships with colleagues and constituents. Facilitate collaboration between SEP and other Advancement areas, as well as campus partners. Priority stakeholders include The Vice President's Office, Advancement Communications, and faculty (including the Dean).
- Budget Development and Oversight: Fine-tune SEP operating budgets based on annual allocations, ensuring all dollars are connected to stated goals and objectives. Develop strategy and targets for programs that must generate revenue to offset and/or reduce the operating budgets.
- Metrics and Analysis: Ensure goals are set and achieved by all SEP team members and conduct ongoing analysis of KPIs for the AVP, as requested.
Required knowledge, skills and abilities
- Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience
- Proven leadership and event planning skills.
- Strong communication and relationship management abilities.
- Ability to engage in collaborative efforts.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed
- Competence with CRM databases, Google Suite Applications (or similar), video conferencing, and other standard office technologies.
- Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities
- Master's degree in a related field.
- Experience in higher education or nonprofits.
- Knowledge of alum engagement trends and best practices.
- Innovative thinking and adaptive leadership skills.
- Proficiency in data-driven decision-making.
- Familiarity with fundraising strategies.
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