Job Description

University Events Director Location Cambridge, MA (West Cambridge area) : The Opportunity Lesley University is seeking a University Events Director. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Director of University Events (Director) is responsible for a diverse program of events and multi-channel outreach programs in support of the university. In this capacity, the Director leads a team of professionals in delivering comprehensive service excellence for a multitude of university sponsored events, programs, and activities. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and update an annual calendar of university-wide events, programs, and activities.
• Direct the university's commencement activities, developing plans and schedules, organizing staff and volunteers, managing vendors and budgets, running rehearsals and the affiliated ceremonies and communicating with relevant members of the Lesley community.
• Direct and support the planning, coordination and execution of on-campus and regional events, including but not limited to: Alumni Weekend, endowed lectures, stewardship gatherings, building dedications, Enrollment Open Houses, Orientations and alumni receptions and activities
• Regularly Steward key relationships with departments to ensure a full understanding of their event needs.
• Oversee and direct the execution of programming elements; maintaining guest lists; managing event mailings and communications; interface with attendees; and track information pertaining to each event.
• Oversee and direct the execution of all event logistics to include reserving space, ordering food and beverages, coordinating AV needs, room set up/break down, coordinating staffing needs, coordinating with the marketing team for branding and publicizing, save the date + invitation needs, signage, contact list management, public safety arrangements and overall project management
• Oversee and direct activities related to additional logistics to include; publicity, speaker invitations, agreements, schedules, accommodations, transportation, and travel reimbursement; catering; audio- visual requirements; contract negotiations with hotels, caterers and other vendors, decisions on food and activities for participants; arrange for registration setup; oversee expenditures and monitor toward a defined budget.
• Interface with all internal and external vendors
• Direct and oversee event financial management to include preparing cost projections, contracts, invoices, and certificates of liability insurance
• Co-develop event assessments for feedback with appropriate departments; summarize and distribute results; lead debriefs
• Ensure appropriate controls are in place and that all events follow proper procedures and policies to keep the campus secure (fire code, access to buildings, crowd control, covid-19 regulations etc.).
• Ensure appropriate interpretation and implementation of relevant university policies, including those relating to disability access for both in-person and virtual events.
• Support any other duties needed to help drive the university's vision, mission, and abide by the university's values.
Qualities and Capabilities The successful candidate will have:
• Bachelor's degree, plus ten years in an organizational setting, preferably higher education
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated capacity to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Mastery of design, database, and communications software, including Mailchimp, and Blackbaud Raiser's Edge or similar
• Thorough understanding of budgets and budget development
• Initiative and independence, as well as the ability to work well with and command the respect and confidence of others
• Strong customer service focus; exceptional communication (verbal and written), leadership, planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Zoom, Livestream, YouTube, social media and other platforms for virtual event production
• Availability for some evening/weekend hours and able to travel as needed between campuses and event locations
• Competence with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Experience with Cvent a plus
Why Lesley Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs in the human arts of education, the arts, and applied social sciences. Lesley fosters a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas thrive, theory is integrated with practice and its 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni are empowered to improve and enrich communities. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. In addition, we offer significant paid time off, a generous retirement plan, and tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills. Lesley is committed to the ongoing pursuit of strategic diversity initiatives that help to position diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to institutional and academic excellence at Lesley. In doing so, Lesley strives for a campus culture and community that fosters a true sense of belonging for all, provides opportunity for everyone to participate equally and fully in the Lesley experience, and helps to develop each individual's capacity to confidently and competently engage within and across difference. Given an evolving national context and the rapid change in the demographic profile of our country, the University has made a significant commitment to addressing and enhancing its campus climate and diversity capabilities as an institution. Expressing Interest A letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, professional activity, and/or service must be included for full consideration. At Lesley University we strive for a supportive and equitable environment where people - regardless of race, physical ability, age, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected personal identities - can participate equally and fully as their true selves in all aspects of university life. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of our institution.

Job Tags

Full time, Contract work, Work at office, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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