Associate Director, Signature Events & Commencement

Emerson College; United States; Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Dental plans

Time-off benefits

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Emerson College in Boston seeks an Associate Director, Institutional Events & Commencement to lead the execution of commencement, manage a portfolio of signature events, and provide matrixed support for enrollment, presidential, and advancement milestones.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, budgets, vendor management, and collaboration with Marketing, Student Life, and Procurement, with a hybrid work model and competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in theatre production, event management, communications, public relations, or related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive, large-scale event production or ceremony management experience.
• Experience handling high-profile stakeholders and complex timelines.
• Experience leveraging AI tools to improve operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute annual multi-day commencement ceremonies and VIP events.
• Develop master project plans, timelines, budgets, and run-of-show documents.
• Design in-person, hybrid, and virtual graduation experiences.
• Coordinate communications with students, families, faculty, and leadership.
• Manage vendor procurement, contracts, and post-event analysis.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Student Life, Procurement, and Risk Management.

Skills

Organizational and project management

Multi-event coordination

Public speaking & relationship build

Attention to detail

Discretion with confidential info

AI tooling familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Production or related field

Tools

Project management software

Google Sheets / Excel

Event technology tools

Job description

Emerson College in Boston seeks an Associate Director, Institutional Events & Commencement to lead the execution of commencement, manage a portfolio of signature events, and provide matrixed support for enrollment, presidential, and advancement milestones.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, budgets, vendor management, and collaboration with Marketing, Student Life, and Procurement, with a hybrid work model and competitive benefits.