Associate Director of Strategic Events

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director for Strategic Events, the Associate Director of Strategic Events will support initiatives established as part of Columbia University's comprehensive event and alumni outreach program.

The Associate Director is also responsible for supporting the Strategic Events team on the execution of the day-to-day operations including initiatives established as a part of Columbia University’s Alumni Relations programs and the capital campaign. The Associate Director will also aid in making recommendations for improving event processes and procedures to enhance and improve workflow, collaboration, and communication within Alumni Relations and throughout the Office of Alumni and Development (OAD). The Associate Director will collaborate with and support the team through planning, managing, and executing a variety of Events and Programs and provide support related to the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) events and initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

·      Supports the Director and plans, organizes, and executes a variety of events and programs for the CAA, School-based, and development partners.

·      Lead liaison to the CAA Programs Committee responsible for helping manage volunteers to develop new and innovative programming for the CAA to engage alumni across the University.

·      Lead producer of internal OAD events.

·      Project manager on the CAA’s signature family program, STEM Day and other CAA Programs Committee initiatives.

·      Implementation lead and project manager on future women’s initiatives including development and continuation of the She Opened the Door program series.

·      Responsible for managing event logistics for targeted campaign related programs and initiatives and collaborative development related projects and programs.

·      Responsible for developing registration pages, prepares event analysis and overview for the unit on a weekly basis including RSVP, attendee, and attrition rate analysis.

·      Enters event data into Athena and also creates and analyzes event data reports.

·      Oversees monthly reporting and looks for ways to reduce costs and improve processes and efficiencies related to events management.

·      Works closely with the Director on targeted CAA events and collaborative programs with our School-based partners; including working and supporting internal and development initiatives.

·      Assists with collaboration, brainstorming meetings, and develops event tools for best practices, used in event consultations.

·      Supports and develops group initiatives for the internal and external partners of the University.

·      Provides event management support with key internal partners and other targeted programming for School-based partners.

·      Implements the strategic plans set forth by the Strategic Events and CAA Alumni Management team.

·      In coordination with senior management, prepare and review all event-related communications and act as lead on the event messaging.

·      The Associate Director supports the Senior Executive Director's mission for the unit to implement logistics and provide event management support to all development and alumni relations colleagues.

·      Oversees a portfolio of events for the unit per fiscal year as an Event Lead and expected to co-lead on others with team members, including event consulting for certain targeted development partners.

·      Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. A minimum of 3-5 years' of higher education and alumni relations related experience required. Highly motivated self-starter with strong management, volunteer management, project development, strategic planning, and relationship/client management skills and experience a must. Proficiency in MS Office and in event management tools including Salesforce, Blackthorn Events, Eventbrite, Zoom, and/or similar systems. Some evening and weekend work required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum of 3-5 years live and virtual event production experience, preferred. Experience in a University, major cultural institution, or other comparable environment is desirable. Experience managing protocol for visiting delegations preferred. Demonstrated knowledge and/or prior experience with alumni relations programming in a University setting, including volunteer management is preferred.

The successful candidate must be a strategic thinker, effective in moving forward agendas, politically savvy, and ensure the utmost discretion in all matters. The candidate should also possess an ability to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally. This individual should be flexible in nature, possess sound judgment, be collaborative with external and internal partners and constituents, foster teamwork, and work toward the betterment of the entire organization. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must have extensive experience developing innovative programming, managing alumni events, managing and developing volunteer leaders, and developing programs and providing strategic management to develop future volunteer leaders. Must have the unique ability to recognize the needs and interests of students and alumni and the experience and ability to develop curated programs to meet their needs.

·      Demonstrated ability to work in a high pressure, fast-paced, and time-sensitive environment.

·      Have demonstrated excellence in a variety of competencies including: project management, teamwork, analytical thinking, and client/customer awareness and service.

·      Must possess the ability to effectively manage, lead, develop, and supervise staff.

·      The ability to perform in an ever-changing environment, fast-paced, high intensity environment

·      Possess the ability to be flexible, nimble, and prioritize, and manage multiple projects.

·      Possess excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

·      Possess a high-level of attention to detail and active listening skills.

·      Must be able to problem-solve, troubleshoot, and work independently in a dynamic team environment.

·      Demonstrated ability to effectively partner with a diverse group of administrators and academic leaders.

·      Must possess strong negotiation, issue resolution, and influencing skills.