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Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Advancement Communication and Special Initiatives, the Director, Advancement Events will lead a team that is responsible for creating, driving, and executing a comprehensive event strategy for Institutional Advancement. The Director will manage a comprehensive portfolio of events designed to engage alumni, donors, parents, and other key stakeholders in support of Emerson College. The Director will oversee a dynamic range of activities, including events at festivals and conferences such as SXSW and Sundance, signature regional alumni and parent events, including Alumni and Family Weekends, donor receptions, and other special gatherings. This position is a strategic leadership role responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing events that cultivate relationships, raise funds, and enhance the College's reputation.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Develop and execute a strategic event’s plan in alignment with Institutional Advancement's fundraising and engagement goals for alumni, donors, and parents, overseeing event logistics, including budgets, venue selections, catering, entertainment, event briefings and program development.

• Research, plan, and coordinate participation at festivals and conferences, such as SXSW and Sundance, to showcase Emerson's talent, projects, and engage with industry professionals to raise the profile of the College. Manage logistics, budgets, and partnerships with festival organizers, including sponsorships and brand presence.

• Create and manage event policies and procedures for the planning, standardization, execution, and post-event follow-up of all Institutional Advancement events using industry trends and new ideas to ensure that events are fresh, engaging and impressive for donors, alumni and parents. 

• Hire, manage, mentor, and supervise events staff, as well as staff, students and alumni events volunteers.

• Collaborate with the Advancement Communications and Marketing team to develop event-specific marketing strategies and materials using various platforms to promote events, engage constituents, and attract new attendees.

• In partnership with the Alumni Relations team, conceptualize and execute high-profile alumni events, such as Families Weekend, Alumni Weekend, and award ceremonies, designed to foster a sense of community and pride among alumni.

• In collaboration with the Development and Donor Relations teams, organize donor receptions and stewardship events to recognize and engage with major contributors to the College through creative experiences that reinforce the impact of philanthropy on the Emerson community. 

• Interacts directly with donors and volunteers, as part of the donor cultivation process, to conduct site visits to assess homes, offices, studios, etc. for events. As an event attendee, may engage directly with officers in the cultivation of potential donors.

• Partner with the Family Engagement team, organize Emerson Family Network meetings, receptions, and stewardship events to provide creative, energizing experiences that reinforce the impact of family involvement.

• Cultivate, manage and maintain relationships with Emerson campus partners and volunteer stakeholders to deepen engagement and increase visibility of Institutional Advancement across the institution.

• Works directly with faculty, student and volunteer speakers to ensure preparation for events, appropriateness of remarks or presentations, and to develop the event program.

• Prepare detailed event briefings to inform key stakeholders of event logistics, run-of-show, talking points, and key contacts for the President, Vice President, and other staff as necessary.

• Develop and document procedures and protocols for all IA events and programs in order to ensure fulfillment of event goals and track event data for strategic review and decision making over time, including attendance, costs, program summary, conducting post event debriefs, and guest surveys.

• Advance a range of special projects and key initiatives, as directed by the AVP of Advancement Communications and Special Initiatives and the VP of Institutional Advancement.
   

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job. 

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations or related field required

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in event planning and management, with a track record of executing successful, high-impact events. 

• Minimum 3+ years managing a professional events team.

• Demonstrated experience in planning and executing events at festivals and conferences.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.  

• Proficiency in event or project management, constituent CRM software, and technology.

• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

• An understanding of alumni relations and fundraising principles is a plus.

• A passion for and knowledge of the arts, communication, and entertainment industries is desirable.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
   

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to have continuous oral and written communication with co-workers and supervisors is essential.

• Repetitive movements, occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds, reaching, lifting, stooping and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding and read fine print will be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Usual Office Conditions

• Occasional domestic travel and weekend work is required

This is a hybrid position, requiring both in-person and at-home work.

Compensation: $77,600.00 - $97,000.00 annually, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: 23-10E

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Division:

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. 

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.