Associate Director Of Events

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

Salary Range: $58,000 - $65,000

Reports to: AVP for Marketing and Communications

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

The Associate Director of Events leads the planning, creative design, and execution of the university's most visible and mission-critical Advancement events, including galas, presidential events, campaign-related events, donor stewardship gatherings, and namings and dedications. As part of the University Advancement team, this role also partners with campus colleagues to support major campus-wide events such as commencement, lectures, and community-facing events. The Associate Director operates with significant autonomy and accountability, working closely with University Advancement leadership and colleagues, the President's Office, and senior campus stakeholders to translate institutional priorities into high-impact, hospitality-driven experiences that strengthen relationships, build community, and elevate the university's brand.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Signature Event Strategy, Design & Creative Direction

• Leads the creative vision and experience design for the university's highest-profile Advancement and signature events, including galas, presidential events, campaign-focused events, donor stewardship gatherings, namings and dedications, and other high-visibility moments.
• Develops event concepts that elevate the university's brand, mission, and storytelling, creating experiences that are memorable, emotionally resonant, and relationship-centered.
• Partners with University Advancement leadership, the President's Office, and campus stakeholders to design event experiences that support fundraising, stewardship, and campaign objectives.
• Ensures events reflect a strong hospitality lens, prioritizing how guests feel before, during, and after each experience.

2. End-to-End Event Leadership & Execution

• Provides end-to-end leadership for assigned signature events, from concept development and planning through execution and post-event follow-up.
• Oversees all logistics for complex, high-stakes events, including venues, production, catering, AV, décor, run of show, guest flow, accessibility, and on-site experience.
• Serves as the lead on-site manager for major events, ensuring seamless execution, high-touch hospitality, and real-time problem-solving.
• Establishes event standards, templates, and best practices for signature Advancement events.

3. Donor, Leadership & VIP Experience

• Designs and manages high-touch experiences for donors, trustees, university leadership, and distinguished guests.
• Partners with development officers, alumni relations, and corporate relations to ensure events advance donor cultivation, stewardship, and campaign goals.
• Works closely with the President's Office and senior leadership to ensure alignment on event goals, messaging, protocol, and hospitality standards.
• Anticipates and plans for VIP needs, protocol considerations, and relationship moments.

4. Project Management, Budgets & Vendors

• Manages complex event budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with Advancement priorities.
• Leads vendor selection, contract negotiation, and relationship management for signature events.
• Develops and manages detailed project plans, timelines, and production schedules for multiple concurrent high-profile events.
• Ensures delivery of all contractual obligations and service standards.

5. Cross-Campus & Advancement Partnership

• Serves as a strategic partner to Development, Alumni Relations, Marketing & Communications, and campus leaders to integrate events into the broader engagement, storytelling, and fundraising ecosystem.
• Collaborates with Facilities, Public Safety, other campus departments, and external partners to ensure safety, accessibility, and operational excellence.
• Partners with the University Advancement team to support select major campus-wide events (e.g., commencement, lectures, community-facing events), contributing expertise in hospitality, experience design, and execution while maintaining primary responsibility for signature Advancement events.
• Advises campus partners on event experience design for donor-facing and campaign-related moments.

6. Evaluation, Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluates signature events using qualitative and quantitative measures, including guest experience, engagement outcomes, and fundraising or stewardship impact.
• Uses data, feedback, and observation to continuously refine event formats, hospitality practices, and creative approaches.
• Stays current on trends in hospitality, experience design, donor engagement, and event innovation, bringing fresh ideas into the Advancement events portfolio

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Provides mentorship, guidance, and creative direction to Assistant Director(s), coordinators, and event staff supporting signature events.
• Contributes to the development of campus-wide event frameworks, playbooks, and standards in partnership with University Advancement leadership.
• Supports select campus events or Advancement initiatives outside of signature events as needed during peak periods.
• Represents University Advancement in cross-campus event planning conversations and committees as appropriate.
• Participates in professional development and networks related to advancement events, hospitality, and experience design.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of University Advancement and institutional priorities

JOB SCOPE:

Strategy, Creative Direction, University Signature Event Ownership, and Sr. Leadership Partnership

• Leads strategy and experience design for signature Advancement events, ensuring a strong hospitality lens and mission-forward storytelling.
• Exercises independent judgment within established policies to plan and execute complex, high-visibility events, including real-time decision-making during live events.
• Partners with University Advancement leadership, the President's Office, and senior campus stakeholders to align event experiences with institutional priorities.
• Collaborates with UA colleagues to support major campus-wide events (e.g., commencement, lectures, community events), contributing expertise in hospitality and execution.
• Leads cross-functional planning teams and external vendors to deliver cohesive, high-quality event experiences.
• Represents and reinforces the university's brand, values, and standards through event design, guest experience, and execution.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY:

• Occasional Oversight: This position may provide occasional guidance or task-specific oversight to student workers, interns, or temporary staff.