Director of College Events & VIP Protocol

Diplomatic Congress of Franklin & Marshall College; College Station, Bryan (TX, TX); On-site; USD 66,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits for dependents

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA seeks a College Events and Protocol Director to provide strategic vision, leadership, and comprehensive coordination for major college ceremonies, presidential events, and strategic initiatives.

Reporting to the VP of Communications and Marketing, you will ensure events reflect the college's mission, brand standards, and excellence, while delivering a dignified attendee experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; preferred specialties in event management, hospitality, communications, PR, business administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive project management, executive event planning, and institutional protocol experience.
• Experience directing large-scale ceremonial, high-profile, and executive events.
• Ability to exercise matrixed leadership, establish timelines, and build relationships with campus stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Google Suite Products (Docs, Gmail, Sheets, Slides, Drive).
• Evidence of a commitment to community & belonging.
• Valid driver's license.
• Successful interview.
• Successful completion of background checks.

Responsibilities

• Direct strategic planning, coordination, and execution of major college ceremonies and presidential events, including Commencement and Convocation; manage logistics, run-of-shows, seating, AV, catering, contracts, and post-event assessments.
• Serve as chief liaison for presidential events, coordinating with executive leadership, advancement, and hosting units; manage briefings, talks, and messaging.
• Establish college-wide event standards, governance, toolkits, training; oversee master calendar and eco-friendly practices.
• Develop and manage operating budgets; negotiate contracts with campus vendors for key events.
• Partner with Dining Services, Facilities, ITS/AV, Public Safety, and Accessibility Services to ensure safety, contingency plans, and ADA compliance.
• Recruit, train, and lead event teams including students, staff, and volunteers.
• Represent the Communications and Marketing division on designated College committees.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Executive event planning

Interpersonal communication

Google Workspace

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Google Docs/Sheets/Slides

Job description

Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA seeks a College Events and Protocol Director to provide strategic vision, leadership, and comprehensive coordination for major college ceremonies, presidential events, and strategic initiatives.

Reporting to the VP of Communications and Marketing, you will ensure events reflect the college's mission, brand standards, and excellence, while delivering a dignified attendee experience.