Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement & Events

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tippie College of Business seeks a highly organized, relationship-focused professional with a strong background in event planning and execution to serve as Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement & Events. Working in close partnership with the Director of Alumni Engagement, the Assistant Director helps translate the college’s alumni engagement strategy into meaningful programs, events, and experiences that strengthen connections between alumni and Tippie. The Assistant Director leads the planning and execution of the college’s signature alumni programs and events, overseeing all aspects of the event lifecycle, including concept development, budgeting, logistics, onsite coordination, post-event evaluation, and stewardship. The position also serves as a key partner to the Director of Alumni Engagement in developing programming, identifying opportunities to deepen alumni involvement, and ensuring alumni events and experiences align with the college’s broader engagement goals and strategic priorities. As a visible representative of Tippie, the Assistant Director regularly serves as an event host and emcee, welcomes guests, delivers brief remarks, and introduces speakers. Success in this role requires strong project management and communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously. The Assistant Director builds and maintains collaborative relationships with alumni, volunteers, students, faculty, staff, and the University of Iowa Center for Advancement to create engaging experiences and foster lifelong connections with the college. Regular evening work outside of the standard 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule is a consistent requirement, as many Tippie alumni programs and events take place during evening hours. The position also requires off-campus travel up to six times per year to support alumni events throughout Iowa and in key markets across the country, with occasional overnight stays based on event schedules and locations.

Requirements

3-5 years relevant experience in event planning or program management, communications, marketing, or public relations.
Ability and willingness to regularly work outside of standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and early mornings, to support event programming and execution.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, including planning, organizing, budgeting, coordinating, and executing in-person and virtual programs and events with responsibility for logistics and event production.
Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating marketing, communication, and engagement strategies.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Proficiency working in a highly computerized environment, including experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Zoom, databases, and other relevant technology platforms.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University of Iowa Fleet Safety Program driving standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience with academic programs, alumni engagement, philanthropy, and/or institutional advancement initiatives.
Knowledge of University of Iowa policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of a diverse portfolio of alumni engagement events from concept through completion.
Manage all aspects of event logistics including venue selection, vendor coordination, catering, registration, budgets, timelines, audiovisual needs, staffing, travel arrangements, and post-event assessment.
Serve as the primary onsite event manager responsible for setup, execution, troubleshooting, guest experience, and event breakdown.
Develop and implement communication plans that promote alumni events and engagement opportunities.
Create and edit event-related communications using email, web, social media, and print materials.
Oversee Tippie alumni email inboxes and serve as a main point of communication to alumni.
Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, volunteers, students, faculty, staff, advisory boards, campus partners, and the University of Iowa Center for Advancement.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to create meaningful engagement opportunities that advance the college’s strategic priorities.
Provide exceptional customer service before, during, and after events.
Manage alumni webpage, including online event registration systems and web content supporting alumni engagement initiatives.
Maintain accurate event records, registration data, attendance reports, and engagement metrics using Salesforce, Qualtrics, Microsoft Excel, Zoom, and University systems.
Generate mailing and communication lists in accordance with University and University of Iowa Center for Advancement guidelines.
Partner closely with the Director of Alumni Engagement to develop and implement the college’s alumni engagement strategy, with particular responsibility for translating strategic priorities into programs, events, and experiences.
Identify and recommend new approaches to alumni engagement that increase participation, strengthen connections, and respond to evolving alumni interests and needs.
Utilize surveys, participation data, and industry best practices to improve engagement strategies and event effectiveness.
Maintain and monitor alumni event budgets.
Manage vendor contracts and expenditures while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
Recommend budget priorities and future investments that enhance alumni programming and event quality.
Report to and work in close partnership with the Director of Alumni Engagement to advance the college’s alumni engagement strategy, priorities, and programming.
Provide functional supervision for any student employees or volunteers supporting alumni engagement events.
Foster collaboration among colleagues, volunteers, and campus partners to ensure exceptional event execution.