Associate Director Development, Campaign Events

Quinnipiac University; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Quinnipiac University invites applications for the position of Associate Director for Advancement and Campaign Events. This role leads end-to-end planning of high-profile donor events, from concept through post-event analysis, to advance fundraising priorities.

The Associate Director will partner with frontline fundraisers to craft personalized donor experiences, oversee budgets, and coordinate with campus partners to ensure cohesive branding and successful campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3–5 years of progressive event management or fundraising experience in higher education or similar environment.
• Ability to travel and work evenings/weekends for milestones and donor events.
• Strong vendor negotiation and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning of high-profile advancement events (campaign launches, galas, donor events).
• Design high-touch experiences to cultivate principal and major gifts.
• Prepare briefing materials and donor bios for senior leaders attending events.
• Use CRM data to track attendance, budgets, and ROI of events.
• Collaborate with university communications, catering, facilities, and departments to ensure branding and execution.

Skills

Event management

Fundraising

Campaign events

Budgeting

Vendor negotiations

Travel & evenings

Cross-campus collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM

Job description

Job no: 497160
Work type: Full-time
Campus: Mount Carmel - Hamden, CT
Categories: Staff

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: Lead the end-to-end planning of high-profile advancement events, including capital campaign launches, building dedications, scholarship luncheons, presidential dinners, and regional donor events.
• 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.

Special Instructions to Applicants

TO APPLY: Applications must be submitted electronically and include a resume, a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with the position requirements, demonstrated commitment to intentional leadership that values individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and contact information for three references. We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time faculty and staff which includes tuition remission and a culture that is inclusive and driven by excellence.

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.

Note to Faculty/Staff Applicants Only: If a final candidate is a current or previous Quinnipiac employee, the hiring manager must obtain a reference check from the candidate’s current or former manager before making an offer of employment. If the candidate's current or most-recent Quinnipiac supervisor is unavailable, the hiring manager should contact Talent Acquisition for assistance in determining the appropriate alternate contact.

Advertised: July 07, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled