Sr. Associate Director of Special Events

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand.

Position Details
The Office of Advancement builds lifelong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends, and engages them in support of Wesleyan’s educational mission and financial goals. Wesleyan University is currently in the quiet/leadership phase of a comprehensive fundraising campaign.

The Advancement team fosters pride in the Wesleyan community and develops support for university initiatives through outreach activities, including development/fundraising, alumni & parent relations, and both on- and off-campus events.

Reporting to the Director of Special Events, the Associate Director is a key member of the special events team that plans and executes a range of signature events for Advancement and the University that seek to maximize the acquisition, retention, and upgrade of Wesleyan’s donors, including high-level presidential and campaign events and educational programming.

Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for collaborating with senior divisional and institutional leaders to develop and manage a full calendar of special events that engage Wesleyan’s donors and prospects at the highest-level and beyond.
• Develop event vision both independently and in consultation with divisional and institutional event contacts; manage event program content, logistics; promotion, and registration.
• Provide strategic input to Director of Special Events and Senior Director of Alumni and Parent Relations to ensure events are meeting the specific needs of the division and institution. ·
• Coordinate with the Senior Associate Director of Event Operations on resource and budget management and oversight of project timelines.
• Track effectiveness of engagement efforts, report results, and use data to inform future decision making.
• Work independently and in close collaboration with Advancement Senior Management, the President’s Office, Board members and other high-level volunteers and event hosts to manage event details with confidence and professionalism as a Wesleyan representative.
• Work with communications/advancement colleagues to develop event communications through various outlets, including email, social media and website. ·
• Work in consultation with the AVP /Campaign Director to create and execute the vision for launching the public phase of the campaign and subsequent roll out in primary and secondary markets.
• Manage a portfolio of Advancement events, including Reunion & Commencement Weekend, Homecoming/Family Weekend, educational programming, and other signature events. ·
• Manage assigned reunion classes in collaboration with Wesleyan Fund staff to create a comprehensive reunion engagement plan that leverages Reunion & Commencement Weekend as a capstone to a full cycle of interactions and activities designed to build strong ties among classmates.
• Supervise , mentor , coach, manage performance and ensure professional development of the Assistant Director of Special Events.
• Travel regionally, nationally, and internationally to lead events, meet individually with constituents as needed, and represent the university within the alumni and parent community.
• Other duties as assigned.

This is an on-campus position with potential for hybrid in the future
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
7 years professional experience in event management or constituent relations, including ability to:

• prepare and monitor budgets
• regularly work on tasks that are varied and complex
• establish procedures
• exercise judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action

Recognized subject matter expert who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice, including the ability to:

• assess available resources, ability to meet goals, anticipate obstacles
• provide potential solutions and advise senior-level management on appropriate courses of action
• provide insights into the department’s workflow

Proven managerial experience, including ability to

• communicate information from the top levels of the organization to the lower level and report accomplishments up to senior-level management;
• Mentor and motivate lower-level managers to accomplish goals and KPI’s;
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and effective communication;
• provide guidance and assistance to entry level staff and support employees

Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education Experience in a fundraising environment
Special Instructions to Applicants
The position is open until filled. For full consideration please apply by September 19, 2022, when first review of applications will begin.
Additional Information
All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of apre-employment background check screeningto the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan University requires proof of COVID -19vaccination andbooster(if eligible under CDC guidelines) or an approvedexemptionprior to first day of employment.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504, or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Alison Williams, Vice President for Equity & Inclusion/ Title IX Officer, 860-685-3927, awilliams@wesleyan.edu.