University Advancement (UA) is here to advance the mission of Bucknell University by engaging the Bucknell community. It is only through the support of alumni, parents and friends – by opening doors to career opportunities, engaging others to join the conversation and community, and entrusting us with their philanthropic commitments — that we can further elevate Bucknell as a leader in undergraduate education.

Our team of more than 100 individuals is dedicated to this mission and unified by five values:

• Lead with Integrity
• Embrace a Collaborative and Inclusive Spirit
• Be Open and Receptive
• Nurture Creativity and Innovation
• Foster a Culture of Empowerment and Knowledge

These values also illustrate how we bring, as a division, the University’s strategic plan to life and exercise our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on a daily basis.

Bucknell University’s Center for Alumni & Family Engagement is making great advances to our programs, events and staffing model to propel the University forward. We are rolling out the next phase of our reorganization that puts alumni, parents and students first, and draws on the expertise of staff in event planning, relationship building and data-driven decisions to celebrate Bucknell’s past, present and future. Join us by applying for our three open positions!

As part of UA, the Center for Alumni & Family Engagement seeks to create significant relationships between Bucknell and its alumni and parent communities to help secure resources necessary for the University to fulfill its educational mission. The Assistant Director focuses on achieving UA strategic goals and objectives through the implementation of constituent engagement events, primarily large campus weekend events. This position is part of an events team and shares ownership in the division’s success. This position reports to the Director, Alumni & Family Engagement Events.

Job Duties:

The Assistant Director, Engagement Events is an engagement and event management professional focused on experiences for alumni, parents, students, donors, and friends. The Assistant Director, Engagement Events is expected to lead increases in Bucknell constituent engagement as defined by division strategic goals and through the excellent implementation of quality, effective, and efficient events. This position is responsible for event planning, leadership, and management for many events of different sizes and complexity each year.

• Serves as part of a team that manages large campus weekend events, as well as other events throughout the year.
• Serves as a liaison to one or more program managers and collaborates on event designs. This may include but is not limited to design of attendee experiences; understanding and researching target audiences; coordination of invitation content, communications, and promotional materials; venue research and selection; reviewing budgets and determining logistical requirements.
• For assigned categories of events, manages all aspects of event management, including coordination of partners, vendors, risk management, safety and security, accessibility considerations, quality management, event staffing coverage strategies, directional materials, campus resources, etc.
• Recruits, trains, and manages event staff (including University Advancement staff and students as needed).
• Partners with and manages relationships with event stakeholders, including campus partners, external vendors, staff, faculty, students, any sponsors, and constituents as needed.
• Contributes to event marketing and promotional materials, as well as event print collateral.
• Manages budgets and event costs in relevant areas.
• Manages event-related contracts, ensuring appropriate legal review and internal approval.
• Creates reports (i.e., operational/management reports, charts and graphs for trending, data pulls, executive-level summaries, etc.) as needed for monitoring, tracking and capturing event status, data and progress toward objectives.
• Completes event efficiency and effectiveness assessments, as well as develops continuous improvement plans.
• Serves as a liaison (as needed or assigned) to groups such as special project committees of constituent board committees.
• Creates post-event wrap-up and analysis.
• Supports as needed the annual University Advancement Enrichment Conference.
• Effectively manages staff reporting directly to this position, including hiring, retaining, developing and coaching while aligning efforts with Bucknell and University Advancement strategic initiatives, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in office and team continuous improvement efforts and on occasion leads initiatives.
• Commits to the team’s development, camaraderie, success, and adherence to all appropriate and necessary policies, guidelines, practices, and principles.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree AND three years of event planning experience OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Event planning experience that includes a focus on details, attendee experience, and risk management
• Demonstrates management of and respect for confidential and sensitive information
• Experience that shows advanced user skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience using software tools for event management
• Demonstrates strong communication and relationship management skills with the ability to effectively handle a broad range of interpersonal contacts
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to manage ongoing and overlapping projects
• Demonstrates ability to interact with alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, friends, and members of the Bucknell campus community in a highly professional manner
• Valid U.S. driver’s license along with the energy and ability to travel including air travel and to major metropolitan areas

Other Requirements:

This position requires occasional evening and weekend work to support UA’s events including blocks of time for major events such as Family, Reunion and Homecoming weekends, as well as other event support as required. Staff are expected to mark their calendars for major events and events in their department. Exceptions require supervisor approval. Also required is a commitment to attend, participate in, facilitate or lead on-campus and off-campus events/activities outside of normal business hours as appropriate.

May be requested to travel on occasion.

Some mild to moderate physical activity may be necessary.

State and federal background checks will be required to work at certain events.

Exempt Employees:

Exempt employees are required to work as much time as is necessary to fulfill the requirements of the position without additional compensation, even if the work is performed beyond standard work hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience with software or platforms like Cvent, Smartsheet, Emma and Blackbaud’s Advancement Module
• Management and supervisory experience

Work Type:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position based in Lewisburg, PA.