Clark University

Director of Advancement Events

Clark University$96K — $107K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • 5-7 years of event management experience, preferably in advancement events
  • Proven track record of managing signature events from start to finish
  • Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to juggle multiple tasks
  • Collaborative and proactive with excellent interpersonal abilities
  • Capable of effectively communicating Clark's mission to diverse audiences

Responsibilities

  • Lead the planning and execution of various events, including donor events and alumni reunions
  • Develop strategies for multi-day alumni weekends and donor recognition initiatives
  • Align event execution with institutional values and branding
  • Collaborate with advancement teams to support fundraising efforts
  • Supervise and mentor the Associate Director of Advancement Events
  • Create annual event plans that reflect organizational goals
  • Cultivate partnerships with campus and community stakeholders to enhance engagement

Benefits

  • Paid time off
  • Generous retirement plan
  • Group health and dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Tuition assistance
  • Access to various campus amenities
Full Job Description
Job Description:

The Opportunity
Clark University is seeking a Director of Advancement Events to lead the strategy, planning, and execution of high-impact events that inspire alumni, donors, and friends of the University. This role is ideal for a creative, detail-driven events leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and understands the power of events to build relationships, strengthen community, and advance philanthropic goals.

Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Advancement Strategy & Campaign Planning, the Director of Advancement Events is a key member of the University Advancement team and will play a central role in signature alumni events, donor engagement, and campaign-related programming?including major milestones such as campaign launches and multi-day alumni weekends.

What You'll Do

Lead Signature Events & Alumni Engagement
  • Plan and execute a wide range of events, from intimate leadership and donor gatherings to large-scale alumni and reunion events
  • Lead the strategy and delivery of a multi-day alumni weekend, donor recognition events, cultivation and stewardship programs, and campaign-related events
  • Ensure all events reflect Clark's mission, brand, and commitment to inclusive engagement

Align Events with Advancement Strategy
  • Partner closely with colleagues across University Advancement?including Principal Gifts, Major Gifts, Annual Giving, and Planned Giving to support fundraising and engagement goals
  • Collaborate with faculty, senior leadership, and campus partners to maximize alumni participation and deepen relationships

Supervise & Develop Staff
  • Manage and mentor the Associate Director of Advancement Events
  • Support professional growth through coaching, goal-setting, and performance feedback

Strategic Planning & Budget Management
  • Develop an annual events plan aligned with institutional priorities
  • Make informed, data-driven budget decisions and ensure effective use of resources

Build Strong Campus & External Partnerships
  • Cultivate relationships with campus partners, volunteers, vendors, and external stakeholders
  • Contribute ideas for new and innovative programs as institutional priorities evolve

Requirements:

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • At least 5 years of experience in events management with a preference for experience in advancement events management
  • Demonstrated success managing signature or hallmark events from concept through execution
  • Exceptional organizational, communication, and project management skills
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
  • A collaborative, proactive work style with excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to clearly articulate Clark's mission and value proposition to a wide range of audiences

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree
  • Experience in higher education or nonprofit advancement
  • Familiarity with Raiser's Edge/NXT or similar CRM systems and GiveCampus Events
  • Experience designing inclusive engagement strategies for diverse audiences
  • Knowledge of alumni engagement metrics, fundraising principles, and campaign planning

Work Environment & Expectations
  • Hybrid work environment with an office presence on Clark's Worcester campus
  • Evening and weekend work required for events
  • Occasional travel

Additional Information:

Expected Hiring Range: $ 96,000 to $107,500

Pay Transparency Disclosure:
The compensation for this position will be determined based on factors that include available budget, internal equity, and the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials. This range represents Clark University's good-faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting consistent with Clark's compensation philosophy and internal alignment.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

About Clark University

Clark Atlanta University is a private, Methodist, historically black research university in Atlanta, Georgia. Clark Atlanta is the first Historically Black College or University in the Southern United States. Founded on September 19, 1865, as Atlanta University, it consolidated with Clark College to form Clark Atlanta University in 1988. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".
Learn more about Clark University

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