Assistant Director of Special Events

Davidson College; Davidson (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Davidson College is seeking an Assistant Director of Special Events to connect constituents through high-impact events. This role focuses on planning fundraising events and partnerships with campus services, while ensuring high-quality attendee experiences. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree and have event management experience.

Responsibilities include planning key college events, managing vendor relationships, and overseeing event budgets. The position requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of event management experience.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and accountable in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations with professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute College Relations events.
• Build partnerships with campus services and vendors.
• Manage event budgets and communications.

Skills

Project management

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

Tools

Blackbaud

Google Workspace

Ad Astra

Job description

The Assistant Director of Special Events connects a variety of constituents to Davidson College through thoughtfully designed, high-impact events. This position leads the planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of programs, with a particular focus on fundraising milestones, donor stewardship and campus arts and media partnerships. From signature student and alumni traditions to high-level advisory board meetings, the Assistant Director is responsible for shaping each experience from concept through completion—ensuring every detail supports meaningful connection and reflects the college's values. This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports.

Core Responsibilities

Event Planning, Production & Onsite Execution

• Plan and execute College Relations events, including (but not limited to):
  • The Fund for Davidson's annual #AllinforDavidson and Senior Mug Night
  • Scholarship dinners in partnership with Donor Relations
  • Key family events during Orientation and Commencement
  • Board meetings for Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement, Art Collection Advisory Committee, and WDAV Classic Public Radio.
  • Annual Friends of the Arts reception
  • Other events as needed
• Provide event support for programs led by other team members, particularly during peak seasons (Orientation, Wildcat Weekend, Commencement, Reunion Weekend).

Vendor/Campus Partnerships

• Build strong working partnerships with campus services, other departments and external vendors to coordinate event needs.
• Serve as the primary liaison with host offices throughout the planning process for assigned events.
• Manage vendor communication, scheduling and logistics to ensure smooth execution.

Budgeting, Registration & Event Communications

• Build, manage and track event expenses and revenue to align with approved event budgets.
• Build and manage online event registration forms within the college database.
• Own and manage the full lifecycle of event communications.

Projects & Professional Development

• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and development through intentional goal setting, and the active pursuit of professional development

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• 1-2 years of event management experience
• Exceptional project management and time management skills; highly organized, detail-oriented and accountable in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to manage high-pressure, last-minute or urgent requests with professionalism and calm.
• Strong critical thinking skills and a solution-oriented approach to challenges.
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent internal and external customer service.
• Commitment to delivering a high-quality experience for event attendees.
• Willingness to learn Davidson College systems and tools including Blackbaud, Google Workspace and Ad Astra (training provided).
• Ability to lift 20+ pounds, move boxes and event supplies, travel between campus locations (on foot or via golf cart) and work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Position requires evening and weekend work to execute events as scheduled.