Assistant Director, Special Events & Alumni Engagement

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

Boston University Advancement seeks an Assistant Director, Special Events to plan and execute a portfolio of high-profile events that strengthen donor relationships and advance philanthropic goals.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree, 3–5 years of event planning and project management experience, and the ability to travel and work evenings/weekends as needed. Collaboration with internal teams and external partners is essential to deliver exceptional participant experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is required.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in event planning, project management, volunteer management, constituent engagement, or related field.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills for collaborating with alumni volunteers, vendors, and internal/external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and organizational levels with sound judgment and independence.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality events and exceptional participant experiences.
• Experience supporting event marketing and communications through print, email, and social media channels.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as required by the event schedule.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver a portfolio of high-profile Advancement events.
• Coordinate complex logistical elements with internal teams and external vendors.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and logistics including venue, catering, A/V, transportation, and registration.
• Ensure consistent messaging, branding, and participant experience across events.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support event communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Recruit, coordinate, and manage event staff and volunteers.

Skills

Project management

Event planning

Volunteer management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Teamwork

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Boston University Advancement seeks an Assistant Director, Special Events to plan and execute a portfolio of high-profile events that strengthen donor relationships and advance philanthropic goals.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree, 3–5 years of event planning and project management experience, and the ability to travel and work evenings/weekends as needed. Collaboration with internal teams and external partners is essential to deliver exceptional participant experiences.