Job Description
Associate Director of Special Events Job #: 042818
Location Syracuse, NY Pay Range:
$73,500•$79,000 Hours:
Standard University business hours 8:30am•5:00pm (academic year) 8:00am•4:30pm (summer) Hours may vary based on operational needs. Job Type:
Full Time Job Description:
The Associate Director is a pivotal strategic partner within the Special Events team, shaping/executing high-impact events that advance the universitys mission and enhance its reputation. This role collaborates to lead event strategy, oversee operational planning and drive cross-functional collaboration to deliver exceptional experiences for diverse audiences. Reporting to the Director, this role assumes ownership of signature initiatives spanning the full event lifecycle, from conceptualization and strategic planning to execution and evaluation. It requires proven project management capabilities, coordination of cross-departmental partnerships, expertise in event marketing/communications/logistics/stakeholder relationships, strategic problem-solving under pressure and management of concurrent initiatives while maintaining the highest quality/professionalism. The role manages awards ceremonies, commencement-related activities, alumni programming and major institutional events. With significant autonomy, the role ensures events align with institutional goals and priorities and create meaningful engagement. It is essential to advancing the schools visibility, supporting strategic objectives, and delivering memorable experiences that reinforce the universitys reputation. This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United. Education and Experience:
Bachelors degree. Event planning experience. Skills and Knowledge:
Event Strategy/Execution:
Advanced knowledge of event planning principles (timeline development, logistics, audience engagement strategies for in-person/virtual formats) Marketing/Communications:
Event promotion (email marketing platforms, registration systems, digital advertising, internal channels); familiarity with branding/messaging standards. Technology/AV Coordination:
A/V requirements, virtual event platforms, technical setup for hybrid/live events; liaise with IT/AV teams to ensure seamless execution. Budgeting/Vendor Management:
Budget planning, expense tracking, vendor negotiations, contracts, invoices, reconciliation processes. Project Management:
Strong organizational skills; manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines. Leadership/Supervision:
Ability to supervise staff/student workers, delegate tasks effectively, foster collaborative team environment. Communication/Interpersonal Skills:
Excellent written/verbal communication skills; interact professionally with internal stakeholders, external partners, high-profile guests. Institutional Knowledge:
Understanding of university culture, policies, and procedures, particularly as they relate to event planning, alumni relations, academic programming. Technical:
Excel, Word, Encompass/iModules, Zoom, Microsoft Teams. Responsibilities:
Lead and oversee event marketing and communications, including e-blast invitations, event registration platforms, advertisements, calendar listings, and internal publicity efforts. Maintain rigorous quality control to ensure consistency in branding and messaging across event materials and communications, working closely with communications and design teams to elevate the schools professional image. Orchestrate the planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of in person and virtual special events, including guest lectures, staff celebrations and recognitions, commencement-related activities, and programming tied to Orange Central, Family Weekend, and Coming Back Together (CBT). Provide senior-level support to the Director of Special Events, contributing strategic insights to event design and driving execution for high-profile university and school-wide events. Examples:
Toner Prize visit, Mirror Awards and speaker series events; collaborates on strategic vision for annual signature events; advises on budget allocation and resource management decisions. Develop and manage comprehensive event timelines and task workflows, proactively troubleshooting challenges and ensuring all promotional, logistical, and technical elements are executed efficiently and on schedule. Examples:
Built detailed production schedules for multi-day events like the Creator Economy Launch; streamlined timeline processes that improved team efficiency; anticipated and resolved scheduling conflicts across concurrent events. Direct event operations and logistics, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and delivering high-quality experiences for attendees, speakers, and stakeholders. About Syracuse University:
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the Universitys 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu. About the Syracuse area:
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal. Application Deadline:
Full Consideration By:
To apply, visit https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/113138 Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities. Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The Universitys contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members. Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved. Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-edbc672825b3374cbd8c9de7db24a3e6
