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Assistant Director of Events (18777)



Get to Know American University

At American University we value open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving AU community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail.

Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work.

Learn more about American University by clicking here .

Summary/Objective

The Assistant Director of Events is responsible for managing events for SIS. Responsibilities include event planning, design, contract and vendor negotiations, site selections, budgeting, and logistics for approved school-level events; advising faculty and departments on program- and department-level events; and working closely with Special Assistant to the Dean on strategic planning and assessment of event opportunities. The position manages advertising and marketing for all SIS events and works closely with SIS Communications & Marketing to ensure that language and graphics meet AU brand standards and align with AU editorial style. The incumbent works closely with the SIS Hub, the SIS Facilities Manager and SIS Development and Alumni Relations and they liaison with the broader AU community on events and is the Commencement Coordinator for SIS graduation ceremonies. This position supervises work-study students as needed and reports directly to Special Asst. to SIS Dean. All AU employees are expected to act ethically and with integrity and supporting a diverse and inclusive community

Essential Functions
  1. Event Planning: For school-level approved events:
    • Proposes and manages budgets.
    • Reserves event space; confirms room layouts; works with the SIS Facilities Manager to ensure school events have necessary event supplies and appropriate furniture.
    • Reserves necessary audio-visual needs, including photography, microphones, streaming support, and captioning.
  2. Marketing & Communications:
    • Responsible for producing content to market and promote events.
    • Compiles weekly event bulletin and drafts dedicated event emails, coordinating with SIS Digital Content.
    • Manager and SIS Communications Coordinator to ensure proofing and editing of drafts for error-free copy.
    • Builds and schedules event emails and weekly event bulletins in MailChimp.
    • Provides draft social media posts for all events to SIS Digital Content Manager with enough lead time for proofing, editing, and scheduling.
  3. Strategic Outreach:
    • Supports the Special Assistant to the Dean and SIS Dean on strategic planning to create events that showcase the expertise within SIS, meet the outreach goals of SIS, and position SIS at the center of the larger international affairs community in Washington, DC.
    • Works with the Special Assistant to the Dean to build audiences and participants, engage the SIS/AU community, and target a broader network of policymakers, experts and influencers as both audiences and panelists/guests.


Essential Functions (Cont.)

4. Management & Coordination of Contracts:
  • Manages vendor relationships and researches new vendors in accordance with the needs of each event, acquiring quotes and negotiating rates, and in compliance with AU procurement guidelines.

  • Works with vendors and the SIS Office of Financial Operations to prepare and submit all necessary paperwork to ensure the timely payment of invoices, consultancy agreements, stipends, and any outstanding payments to vendors.

5. Data Management & Reports
  • Provides regular event progress updates and post-event data reports to the Dean, Special Asst. to SIS, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
6.Supervision
  • Supervises work-study students as needed. Hires, coaches, and trains staff to ensure they have the information and skills necessary to meet their job responsibilities. Evaluates their performances.

7. Other Duties as Assigned
  • Performs departmental tasks including coordinating meetings and other administrative duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility
  • Occasional work-study student supervision

Work Environment
  • Possibility of one or two hybrid days subject to event schedules.
  • Occasional evening and weekend event attendance required.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
  • Full-Time
  • Exempt
  • Sr. Coordinator/ Analyst B
  • This is a union-eligible position
Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • 3-5 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • 4-6 years of relevant experience.
  • Familiarity with website maintenance using a content management system is desirable.
  • Familiarity with EventBrite desired.
  • Familiarity with an email marketing platform, like MailChimp, desired.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and to work effectively with diverse constituencies and across administrative lines is essential.
  • Demonstrated skills in event planning, problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Must be very detail-oriented.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills are necessary.
  • Well-developed organizational and time management skills are essential.
  • Incumbent must be willing and able to work occasional late nights and/or weekend events.
  • Position requires occasional lifting and incumbent must be able to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 lbs.
  • Strong computer skills are necessary.
Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Union Eligibility

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500.

Other Details
  • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
  • Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
  • To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive.
  • Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Current American University Employees

If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoAsuccessfulU through themyAU portal . Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC

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