Assistant Director of Experiential Engagement

Socket.dev; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Time off

Tuition remission

Retirement contributions

Job summary

Baylor University is seeking an Assistant Director of Donor Engagement to lead on-site donor and alumni events, ensuring engaging experiences and strategic donor relationships in support of fundraising goals.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and at least one year of relevant experience, with a Master’s degree and three years preferred. The position emphasizes collaboration with internal teams and adherence to university policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and one year of relevant work experience required.
• Master's degree and three years of relevant work experience preferred.
• Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis required.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site leadership and logistical support for donor and alumni events nationwide (frequent nights and weekends).
• Represent the University at major donor events, oversee event execution and guest experience.
• Supervise event setup, coordinate on-site vendors, manage check-in and staff coordination.
• Oversee organization of digital assets and documentation for donor engagement events using University systems and Excel.
• Maintain records of event planning, budgets, expenses, invoices, and guest list data.
• Contribute to development of strategic event plans and cross-functional support for engagement initiatives.
• Ensure data integrity and efficient workflows to support high-impact donor engagement.
• Draft, edit, and proofread invitations, itineraries, name tags, and other event collateral.
• Collaborate with Marketing/Branding on high-visibility communications and materials.

Skills

Donor engagement

Event management

Communication

Staff training

Leadership

Budget tracking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

What We Are Looking For

A humble college founded before Texas was a state, Baylor now stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education, both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions, just 52 of which are private universities.

Since 2011, Baylor has been named as one of the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” [https://hr.web.baylor.edu/great-colleges-work]. Great Colleges to Work For® is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year, Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey, conducted by ModernThink, is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career.

Baylor University is seeking an Assistant Director of Donor Engagement plays a key leadership role in supporting the mission of the University by planning and executing meaningful donor experiences that foster strong relationships and support fundraising goals. This position collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to implement donor recognition strategies, manage high‑level volunteer engagement, and support special fundraising initiatives. The Assistant Director will contribute to strategic donor engagement efforts, support targeted campaigns, and ensure that key constituents are connected to the University in impactful and lasting ways.

A Bachelor's degree and one year of relevant work experience are required. A Master’s degree and three years of relevant work experience are preferred. A combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of one another.

All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

What You Will Do

• Provide on‑site leadership and logistical support for donor and alumni engagement events, both on campus in Waco and at regional events across the U.S. (frequent nights and weekends required)
• Serve as a key representative of the University at major donor events, oversee event execution, manage logistics, and ensure a high‑quality experience for guests.
• Supervise event setup and breakdown, coordinate on‑site vendors (e.g., A/V, catering, florists), manage event check‑in and reception areas, and lead training and coordination of staff and volunteers involved in event support
• Oversee the organization and management of digital assets and documentation related to donor engagement events using University systems (e.g., EPIC, Vision, Ignite) and tools such as Microsoft Excel
• Maintain accurate records of event planning and execution, actively track budgets, expenses, and invoices, manage guest list data, and monitor event‑related communications
• Contribute to the development of strategic event plans aligned with institutional priorities and provide cross‑functional support to team members involved in planning and executing engagement initiatives
• Ensure efficient workflows and data integrity to support high‑impact donor engagement efforts
• Contribute to the development and refinement of event‑related communications by drafting, editing, and proofreading clear, accurate, and brand‑aligned materials—including invitations, itineraries, name tags, and event collateral
• Collaborate closely with University marketing and branding teams on the production of high‑visibility communications, ensuring alignment with institutional messaging and visual identity standards
• Provide oversight of print and digital materials for accuracy and consistency, and support the timely production and quality control of all donor engagement event assets
• Design and implement strategic, personalized follow‑up experiences for major donors in collaboration with senior Advancement leadership
• Utilize creative approaches and data‑informed insights to deliver meaningful post‑event or post‑gift touchpoints that align with the University’s philanthropic goals and donor stewardship strategies
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
• Ability to comply with university policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages. [https://www.baylor.edu/hr/index.php?id=949184]

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor [https://www.baylor.edu/about/] and our strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds [https://strategicplan.web.baylor.edu/]. Also, explore our great hometown of Waco [https://www.baylor.edu/waco/] and the many opportunities to engage locally. [https://www.baylor.edu/waco/index.php?id=970687]

If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco! [https://vimeo.com/452638883]

Baylor University, a private non‑for‑profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti‑discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory affirmative action/equal opportunity requirements. Baylor’s full official Notice of Non‑Discrimination may be read online. [https://disclosures.web.baylor.edu/notice-non-discrimination]