Associate Director Development, Campaign Events

Working at Quinnipiac University; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Quinnipiac University is seeking an Associate Director for Advancement and Campaign Events to design and deliver donor-focused experiences that propel the University’s comprehensive campaign and philanthropic priorities.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development and Campaign Management, this role stewardships donors, staff, and volunteers through high-impact galas, regional events, and major gift solicitations while partnering with leadership across campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3–5 years in progressive event management or fundraising in higher education.
• Experience planning donor-centered events and campaigns with strong stakeholder engagement.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends for major milestones.
• Proven collaboration across diverse teams to achieve fundraising goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of high-impact advancement events, from galas to donor tours.
• Partner with frontline fundraising teams to cultivate principal and major gifts through events.
• Develop event briefs, timelines, and donor bios for leadership attendees.
• Monitor budgets, guest touchpoints, and ROI using the CRM and analytics.
• Coordinate with campus partners to ensure consistent branding and flawless execution.

Skills

Event management

Fundraising

Donor relations

Project management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Overview

Quinnipiac University invites applications for the position of Associate Director for Advancement and Campaign Events. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, strategic, and highly organized event professional to help advance the University's comprehensive campaign and philanthropic priorities by designing and delivering exceptional donor experiences that inspire engagement and generosity.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development and Campaign Management, the Associate Director plays a key role in advancing Quinnipiac's fundraising and engagement goals through the planning and execution of high-impact campaign, donor, and special events. Working collaboratively with University leadership, deans, faculty, volunteers, and Advancement colleagues, this individual will develop event strategies that strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and friends while enhancing the visibility and impact of the University's philanthropic initiatives.

The Associate Director oversees all aspects of event management—from concept development and budgeting to logistics, execution, and post-event assessment—for a diverse portfolio of events, including donor recognition celebrations, campaign events, galas, golf tournaments, and other signature University programs. The successful candidate will combine exceptional project management skills with a passion for hospitality, relationship building, and creating memorable experiences that support donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising success.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Event Production & Fundraising Engagement: Provide strategic guidance and support for the planning and execution of high-profile advancement and fundraising events, partnering closely with University Events. Advise on development-focused event strategy for initiatives such as galas, comprehensive campaign launches, building dedications, scholarship luncheons, presidential dinners, donor recognition programs, and regional engagement events, ensuring alignment with fundraising objectives, donor cultivation, and stewardship goals.
• Principal & Major Gift Cultivation: Partner with frontline fundraisers to design customized, high-touch event experiences that advance specific principal and major gift prospects through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycles.
• Leadership Briefings & Bios: Draft detailed briefing materials, strategic talking points, timelines, and donor bios for the University President, Vice President of Advancement, Deans, and Board of Trustees members attending development events.
• Data-Driven Evaluation: Leverage the institutional CRM to track guest touchpoints, analyze attendance trends, monitor event budgets, and measure the direct ROI of events against campaign fundraising milestones.
• Cross-Campus Collaboration: Coordinate seamlessly with internal campus partners, including University Communications, catering services, facilities, student ambassadors, and academic departments to ensure cohesive branding and execution.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive event management or fundraising experience, specifically within a higher education advancement, alumni relations, or university environment.
• Deep understanding of higher education campaign structures, familiarity with complex academic hierarchies, proficiency in advancement databases, and exceptional vendor negotiation skills.
• Flexibility to travel and work frequent evenings and weekends to staff major institutional milestones, homecoming, or regional donor tours.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity

Quinnipiac University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful community.