Assistant Director of Events

The UConn Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that supports the University of Connecticut by connecting alumni, donors, and friends with philanthropic opportunities to advance UConn’s educational, research, and service missions. Our work strengthens the University’s momentum as a top public research institution and supports students, faculty, patients, alumni, and communities across UConn and UConn Health.

Through Because of UConn: The Campaign for UConn Nation, the Foundation is helping drive UConn’s most ambitious comprehensive campaign, a $1.5 billion effort spanning all schools, colleges, campuses, and UConn Health. The campaign focuses on four pillars that make education more affordable, expand discovery and innovation, improve health and wellness, and strengthen Husky Pride.

• Students First: expanding financial aid, student health, career readiness, and life skills.
• Academic & Innovation Excellence: investing in faculty, graduate fellows, research, and innovation.
• Health & Wellness of People & Planet: advancing patient care, medical research, and life-changing technologies.
• Husky Pride: supporting athletic excellence and an engaged UConn Nation of more than 290,000 alumni worldwide.

We seek talented professionals to join The UConn Foundation and help grow philanthropy, engage alumni and donors, and build a strong endowment that strategically advances UConn and UConn Health.

We are committed to a caring, supportive environment through commitment to our Core Values of Purpose, Excellence, Culture, Communication, and Integrity.

The UConn Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We value different perspectives and are committed to a welcoming environment that respects each person’s experiences and identity.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Director of Events is responsible for planning and executing assigned events strategy, including but not limited to fundraisers, special alumni initiatives, athletic events and affinity reunions with a strong focus on strengthening alumni and donor relationships.

This position serves as the primary project manager for assigned events, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, overseeing every phase of the event lifecycle from initial planning through execution and post-event follow-up. Key responsibilities include registration management, contract administration, vendor sourcing and negotiation, managing event communications, marketing and invitation strategy, and coordination of all logistical elements necessary for successful event delivery.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute events start to finish, including but not limited to drafting budgets, building timelines, negotiating vendor contracts, determining collateral, managing invitations & RSVPs, sponsorships, leading collaborative meetings, providing status reports, setting speaking agendas and managing volunteer committees for all assigned events.
• Directly impact stewardship, cultivation and engagement strategies by executing impactful events and programs in a collaborative setting.
• Provide exceptional customer service to internal staff, leadership and external constituents.
• Ensure all events are managed consistently within Foundation policies and guidelines.
• Provide support to signature events as determined by the Senior Director of Foundation Events.
• Manage event registration process including accuracy of registration data, nametags, pre-event communications, and post event reconciliation.
• Demonstrate strong ability to collaborate with colleagues across all levels of the organization.
• Capture and report event/registrant information using Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge queries, Excel data reporting, and data analysis.
• Create and manage event pages using digital business tools when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Engagement

Collaborate with your department and other internal stakeholders to steward donors, engage with alumni, and support Foundation events.

Leadership

Provide visible leadership across the entire organization by engaging in organization-wide activities such as department meetings, all-staff meetings, and staff events.

Key Competencies

• Champion for inclusive priorities both internally and externally.
• Well-organized self-starter with a positive attitude who can manage multiple priorities.
• Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, excellent proofreading skills, strong attention to detail and a commitment to providing superior guest experience. Willingness to independently manage all the details down to the smallest.
• Ability to oversee the development and implementation of event marketing and communications through online registration platforms, email, and print materials.
• Ability to anticipate, identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team to meet organizational goals.
• Integrity in dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work to the demands of the position, which may exceed a 40-hour work week and include some nights and weekends. Must have the ability and willingness to travel by car, train or plane upon request.
• Requires lifting up to 25 pounds, moving equipment and the ability to move a rolling cart.
• Reliable personal transportation is required for this position.
• Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state in which the employee resides. Employees must maintain, at their expense, at least $300,000 in total automobile and/or umbrella liability coverage of $300,000. Coverage of $500,000 is preferred. Proof of the required coverage must be provided at hire and annually thereafter.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of direct experience in planning high quality, impactful events.
• Competence in Microsoft Office suite and donor management systems/CRM.

Salary:

The salary range for this position is $62,000 - $66,000. It will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also placing an emphasis on internal equity.

Benefits:

Benefits start from day one. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans and will make an annual contribution to your health savings account if enrolled in one of the high-deductible health plans offered by the Foundation.

In addition, there are a few other perks to being a UConn Foundation employee:

• We offer a generous contribution to your 403(b) retirement plan to help you plan for retirement.
• We place an emphasis on work/life balance. In addition to a hybrid schedule, you will receive thirteen paid holidays, five weeks of paid time off per calendar year, and additional sick time.
• We invest in your professional development. Aside from opportunities to participate in various trainings, committees, and conferences throughout the year, you will also be eligible for tuition reimbursement after one year of employment.

Please contact an Employee Support & Experience team member if you need any assistance completing any forms or participating in any part of the application process due to a disability.