Advancement Special Events Manager

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Winston-Salem (NC)

On-site

USD 50,000 - 60,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

University of North Carolina School of the Arts is seeking an Advancement Special Events Manager to design and execute donor events, including receptions, luncheons, fundraisers, and hybrid formats.

The role partners with the Alumni Office and various campus departments to enhance fundraising outcomes, manage budgets, and deliver strategic event experiences aligned with the university’s mission.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and one year of related experience required.
All degrees must be from accredited institutions.
Preferred: 3–5 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Design, manage and execute approximately 40 donor events per academic year.
Ensure events advance UNCSA's brand and have measurable success.
Lead campaign events and oversee strategy, planning, and outcomes.
Develop event strategies with sponsorships and engagement initiatives.
Collaborate with gift officers on invitation lists.
Develop event budgets and reconcile accounts.
Draft event communications and remarks.
Partner with Strategic Communications on marketing/PR plans.

Skills

Excellent communication

Project management

Budget preparation and management

Contract negotiation

Virtual and hybrid event experience

Experience with Raiser's Edge

Experience with Raiser's Edge NXT

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Raiser's Edge NXT

Job description

Advancement Special Events Manager

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This is an Exempt Professional Staff (EPS) position. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations will result in your application being rejected for the vacancy, and you will not be considered for the position. The UNCSA participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

EEO Contact Information

Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: suttonar@uncsa.edu

Posting Details

Classification Title: University Program Specialist II

Working Title: Advancement Special Events Manager

Position Type: EPS

Position Number: 008104

Full/Part Time: Full-time

School/Department Information: The Office of Advancement directly supports UNCSA's mission and strategic priorities by building meaningful relationships with a variety of constituents and developing opportunities at all levels of alumni, volunteer, and philanthropic engagement. The Office of Advancement works closely with UNCSA Foundation, which provides oversight of philanthropic gifts to UNCSA, including gift processing and records management. This is an exciting, fast-paced team made up of talented colleagues who are passionate about their work, strive for excellence, support and care about each other, and work to embody the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Primary Description of Work: The Advancement Special Events Manager produces approximately 40 donor events per academic year, including but not limited to receptions, luncheons, fundraisers, trips, and virtual or hybrid events. The Special Events Manager also provides event management support to the Alumni Office and serves as a resource to other departments on campus tasked with planning events.

Work Schedule and hours: Standard work schedule 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, occasional nights and weekends may be required.

Description of Responsibilities and Duties:

Design, manage and execute approximately 40 strategic, purpose-driven, engaging donor events per academic year
Ensure that every event produced by the Advancement Office advances UNCSA's brand and has a purpose and metrics for success
Serve as the primary lead for campaign events, overseeing strategy, planning, execution, and event outcomes.
Develop event strategies that incorporate metrics, sponsorships, and engagement initiatives to attract and retain new and existing supporters.
Collaborate with gift officers to develop invitation lists
Develop event briefing and staff timeline documents
Develop and oversee event budgets including tracking invoices, preparing check requests and budget reconciliation
Draft event communications and remarks
Partner with Strategic Communications to develop comprehensive marketing/PR plan to promote events and to develop and produce event content (i.e. videos)
Oversee benefit fulfillment for event sponsors
Supervise Special Events Coordinator
Utilize effective negotiation to ensure school's funds are best used for event production
Develop and maintain positive relationships with new and established vendors and event sponsors
Regularly update the Advancement Office's special events guidebook and policies and procedures documents
Provide exceptional customer service that drives positive survey feedback and high Net Promoter Scores (NPS).
Maintain events in Raiser's Edge database
Support stewardship efforts of the Advancement Office including but not limited to coordinating and creating gifts, swag
Remain informed of emerging trends and best practices in special events by actively participating in conferences, workshops, and webinars.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

3-5 years of relevant experience in the area of assignment.
Budget preparation and management
Experience with Raiser's Edge, Raiser's Edge NXT
Proven track record of producing fundraising events that meet or exceed fundraising goals
Contract negotiation
Virtual and hybrid event experience
Production experience with a variety of engagement and conferencing platforms beyond Zoom, Zoom Webinar and Microsoft Teams

Terms of Employment: S1 12 month

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Excellent communication
Project management
Attention to detail
Organization
Customer service
Budget preparation and management
Contract negotiation
Virtual and hybrid event experience
Proven track record of producing fundraising events that meet or exceed fundraising goals
Experience with Raiser's Edge, Raiser's Edge NXT
Willingness to travel as requested, and attend evening and weekend events
Ability to command credibility and respect in forming trusting relationships across the University Open and accessible interpersonal style
Openness to new ideas and their implementation. Ability to react and adapt to changing situations appropriately
Superb organizational skills, and the ability to work independently.
Excellent skill and understanding of technology as a tool, and its applications in special events.
3-5 years of relevant experience in the area of assignment.
Production experience with a variety of engagement and conferencing platforms beyond Zoom, Zoom Webinar and Microsoft Teams
Experience leading a production team-both for virtual and in-person events
Experience with event marketing and/or donor relations
Experience with producing events for policy makers, dignitaries, and high-ranking officials
Experience working within the UNC System or in higher education
Knowledge of higher education fundraising