Director of University Advancement Events

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Director of University Advancement Events. The Director of University Advancement Events partners with the Associate Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Relations to strategically execute events and gatherings to advance the mission, values, accomplishments, and goals of the University. The Director will maximize impact to secure the desired results while enriching relationships with key audiences within the University and broader community.

The Director will implement approved event standards and protocol for a portfolio of activities to communicate University advancement and collaborate Administration strategy with the ultimate goal to celebrate Student achievement. As a member of the University Advancement division, this individual collaborates in all department activities and provides ongoing technical guidance and communications support to achieve strategic University initiatives. This position is located in River Forest, IL and reports directly to the Associate Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Relations

Responsibilities/Duties:

The Director plans and leads all aspects of assigned event management including:

• Collaborates with Associate Vice President, division colleagues, and designated partners for strategic program creation and effective event design to achieve established objectives and outcomes
• Crafts and manages effective production timelines with clearly defined goals, responsibilities and deadlines to ensure timely completion of intermediate tasks
• Arranges logistics for event operations, audio and visual production, digital and print communications, as well as internal and external publicity to clearly convey the University's mission and identity
• Develops and maintains event budgets including execution of approved material orders, contracts and reservations
• Hosts effective planning meetings with internal and external partners, including ongoing communication and task updates
• Manages multiple, simultaneous deadlines resulting in a positive guest experience, through clear communication, consistent standards and exceeding expectations
• Monitors and evaluates outcomes providing actionable recommendations for continuous improvement

Above tactics will be applied to enhance events in the following strategic areas:

• Communicates University Advancement including, but not limited to, Foundation events such as Campaign-related activities, Alumni Relations gatherings, high-profile Church Relations activities, and Community events
• Collaborates with Administration Strategy including, but not limited to, Presidential Activities, University Life events and Employee recognition celebrations
• Celebrates Student Achievement as co-chair of Commencement Committee alongside University Marshal
• Additional Event Coordination & Other Duties for occasional or one-time special events as identified

Skill Sets:

• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and Concordia University Chicago; Candidates must be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago; Additionally, they must profess values congruent with the teachings of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)
• Comfortable working with people of diverse generations, backgrounds, and experiences
• Superior written, oral, and interpersonal abilities
• Excellent administrative, computer and project management skills to succeed in a fast-paced environment
• Outstanding project manager of simultaneous projects and assignments with excellent planning and attention to details
• Exceptional analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize and to consistently (meet or exceed) deadlines is essential
• Ability to work both independently and in collaborative team settings
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Commitment to ongoing personal development and continuous improvement
• Able to travel, as well as work evenings and weekends, as needed

Minimum Experience Required:

• Minimum four years progressive experience in event management role demonstrating principles and skills to implement large-scale events that generate measurable, successful outcomes
• Proven understanding and implementation of effective event marketing communications
• Established experience of familiarity working with internal partners, external vendors and managing budgeted expenses

Preferred:

• Experience with higher education and fundraising events preferred
• Certified as Special Events Planner (CSEP) or Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities - Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.