Assistant Director, Events & Strategic Initiatives Job Listing at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA (Job ID 21164)

Description

​The Assistant Director, Events & Strategic Initiatives will handle the planning and execution of donor and Presidential events for Advancement.

The budgeted annual salary that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position is $53,887. The full internal range is $53,887- $73,135.

Essential Functions

• Develop, plan and execute approximately 30 high-level donor stewardship and cultivation engagement events annually that are responsive to the needs and interests of our donors and prospects, foster a sense of belonging, and reflect the University's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Prepare and monitor UA event budgets, make event-level financial decisions in consultation with the Director for Strategic Initiatives, and be accountable for financial outcomes, including pre-event projects and post-event yields.
• Research, evaluate and select internal and external venues and vendors responsible for providing event services. Negotiate prices and agreements and serve as primary contact for event management and customer service issues.
• Oversee the development and execution of all event logistics, including venue buildout, vendor production, and event flow.
• Serve as on-site lead during all phases of event execution. Identify, recruit, educate and direct the work of volunteers and staff to execute high-level customer service at large-scale Presidential and donor engagement events or the University.
• Evaluate event programs for effectiveness, satisfaction levels, and areas for improvement, providing recommendations for enhancing donor and prospect stewardship and cultivation activities.
• Manage the department's event equipment inventory, ensuring proper utilization, storage, and replenishment.
• Supervise the scope of large multi-event programs, such as the Spires Society, March Madness activities, building openings, campaign celebrations, and other special events.
• Collaborate with donor relations and annual giving staff to organize annual donor stewardship events in Spokane and other regional markets.
• Work with the Director of Strategic Initiatives on a long-term plan for campaign-related events and engagement opportunities.
• Assist the President's Office with trustee board meetings, programming, and presidential events, as requested.
• Consult with campus partners, including Schools/College, on event logistics and best practices supporting the overall advancement goals for donor and prospect stewardship and cultivation events.
• Meet with any university staff involved in special, Presidential event development to ensure that policies, procedures, and advancement goals are being met.

• Work closely with the Marketing Communication colleagues to develop and implement comprehensive, strategic communication plans for donor and prospect events and strategic fundraising initiatives, including print pieces and graphics, publicity, electronic communication, and media relations.
• Serve as point person for donor and prospect events within Software platforms, including but not limited to iModules, ThankView, Zoom, and ZRM.

• Assist the Director of Strategic Initiatives in the management of The Spires Society engagement events, visits and communications including but not limited to event and visit logistics, gift procuring and mailing, and communication building and distribution.
• Collaborate with the Director of Strategic Initiatives to implement project management strategies for top donor engagement initiatives, ensuring timely execution and delivery of key objectives.

• Work closely with the Alumni Relations department to collaborate on and maximize advancement resources to support events that meet alumni relations and donor engagement goals.
• Travel as needed to assist with onsite event management for large out-of-town events.
• Attend and participate in University Advancement staff meetings
• Assist other members of the University Advancement department during peak periods and with special workload projects.

• Five (5) years' experience in progressive office support in fundraising, events or marketing with at least three (3) years of event experience.
• Strong communication skills in order to clearly explain options and solutions to end users; Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with internal and external constituents; Strong written communication skills demonstrating the ability to prepare outlines, reports, letters and any other supplemental materials in a clear and concise manner
• Microsoft Word skills to include the ability to create reports, containing graphs and other intermediate functions (e.g. perform mail merge, insert table of contents); Microsoft Excel skills to include the ability to create spreadsheets (e.g., formulas, filters, graphs)
• ​Strong organizational skills. Experience working both independently and as part of a team
• Maintain composure in fast paced work environment; Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities with frequent interruptions; Demonstrated ability to operate with a high level of confidentiality and discretion; Demonstrated ability to accurately input data into various systems

• ​Experience in higher education
• Experience with SCT Banner and Campus Management

• ​Remain in a stationary position for up to 70% of the time
• Ability to be at benefactor events (prep, working with vendors, greeting guests) for up to 4 hours at a time
• Ability to prep for and attend meetings and events across campus in various weather conditions
• Wrist and hand movement related to computer work