Director of Medical Philanthropy Events

Welcome to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) … a world unlike any other. We combine learning, research, creativity, service and discovery with a commitment to inclusive excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30 “most innovative” public universities in the country, VCU is a premier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs. Here, your success is supported, and your career can thrive. VCU offers a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay and mission-driven work. To explore our benefits further, please visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/. We advance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all people are valued and differences are celebrated. Together, we can be unstoppable.

The VCU Office of Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations (MPAR) brings together proficient, skilled, and passionate fundraising professionals who drive mission-critical fundraising for medical-based units at VCU and VCU Health. As a fundraising unit within the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), the MPAR team maximizes philanthropic support by engaging stakeholders for VCU Massey Cancer Center, VCU Health, and the VCU School of Medicine. The MPAR events team works in partnership with the MPAR frontline fundraising units and other campus stakeholders (DAR Signature Events and the MCV Foundation).

The Director of Medical Philanthropy Events will play a critical role in developing strategy and executing signature, cultivation and stewardship events across multiple units. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work closely with campus partners to create in-person, hybrid, and virtual event experiences that enhance the donor and alumni experience while fostering a culture of philanthropy. The director is expected to give strategic guidance and execution support during events.

This newly created position reports to the executive director of strategic engagement for the Office of Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations (MPAR).

In the role, you will:
- Serve as the lead events strategist, provide support and insight to colleagues and campus partners on how to identify and achieve an event’s goal
- Direct event strategy, planning, production and evaluation for high-profile alumni, donor and campaign events
- Collaborate with campus partners to coordinate participation in events
- Approach planning, production and evaluation of events with a solutions-oriented, project-based mindset, championing innovation and creativity
- Partner with internal marketing, communications, advancement solutions, alumni relations and donor engagement teams to define deliverables, meet deadlines and measure success
- Oversee event timelines and budgets to ensure execution of communication strategies, logistics and positive donor and leadership engagement
- Use data to inform event planning and strategy
- Develop metrics to measure success and drive improvement year-over-year
- Work collaboratively with leadership and campus partners to enhance and continuously improve events hosted for constituents
- Manage a strategic engagement officer (Massey signature events) and development coordinator
- Keep abreast of new event technology, serve on the DAR-wide technology committee and integrate any new software for the signature events team
- Seek and develop fruitful relationships with vendors, venues and other event service providers and internal partners
- Actively seek opportunities to become involved in the VCU community
- Serve on DAR and university committees as directed
- Proactively seek professional development opportunities

Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications or related field
- Experience in events, communications or hospitality
- Experience managing teams and/or volunteers
- Ability to manage team workflow, create team schedules and delegate tasks
- Ability to assess the work performance of direct reports and identify areas for professional development
- Advanced knowledge of the event industry and best practices
- Demonstrated use of data-driving decision-making in the event strategy, planning and evaluation process
- Able to share a creative portfolio of work that demonstrates the scope and quality of events planned
- Demonstrated interest in pursuing professional development opportunities to enhance skills
- Self-starter who can succeed with general direction and exercise independent judgment
- Can thrive working in the office and remotely
- Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends and early mornings at events
- Experience working independently and as part of a team
- Experience juggling multiple tasks and deadlines with a calm demeanor
- Demonstrated excellent customer service, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
- Self-awareness and advanced knowledge of etiquette and protocol
- Trustworthiness to serve as a brand ambassador and to handle issues or escalate, as appropriate
- Experience researching, adopting and using new event technology that enhances the planner and/or constituent experience
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Product Suite, Canva
- Experience using a database such as SalesForce, Advance or Blackbaud CRM

Preferred qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in events, communications, hospitality or related fields
- Previous experience working in higher education or nonprofit organization
- Progressive experience working with alumni and/or donor populations, c-suite executives, and community leaders
- Experience concepting and executing hybrid and/or virtual events


Position Details:
Department: Office of Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations (MPAR)
VCU Job Title: Administrator DV (15911)
Salary Range: $67,000-$80,000
Employment Type: University and Academic Professional
ORP Eligible: Yes
Hybrid Work Available: Yes; candidates must live within a daily commuting distance to Richmond, Virginia, to be onsite for events.
Restricted Status: N/A
FTE: 1.0
Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Carolyn Lee
Contact Email: clee23@vcu.edu