Director of Major University Events

St. John's University; Hempfield Township (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits program

Tuition remission

Generous 403(b) employer contribution

Job summary

St. John’s University is seeking a Senior Associate Director to lead planning and execution of the university’s most visible ceremonial events, including commencements and convocations, with end-to-end management from concept to post-event review.

You will own a portfolio of events, coordinate with senior leadership, manage cross-functional teams, vendors, and budgets, and ensure adherence to institutional standards and protocols in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 7–10 years of experience in ceremonial events, academic event planning, and/or institutional events.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing large-scale, high-profile events.
• Strong organizational, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as event manager for ceremonial and academic events such as commencements and convocations.
• Coordinate planning and execution-related tasks for assigned events.
• Develop event run-of-show documents, participant identification, seating, VIP protocols, and staffing plans.
• Lead on-site execution, manage flow, timing, and real-time issue resolution.

Skills

Event leadership

Planning & coordination

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

St. John’s University is seeking a Senior Associate Director to lead planning and execution of the university’s most visible ceremonial events, including commencements and convocations, with end-to-end management from concept to post-event review.

You will own a portfolio of events, coordinate with senior leadership, manage cross-functional teams, vendors, and budgets, and ensure adherence to institutional standards and protocols in a fast-paced environment.