Associate Director, Special Events

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Special Events plays a vital role in executing a significant amount of the planning, coordination, and execution of special events for the UAMS Office of Institutional Advancement. Reporting to the Director of Special Events, this position collaborates with various internal teams and external stakeholders to create meaningful engagement opportunities that advance the philanthropic goals of the UAMS Foundation Fund. This individual will serve in a collaborative and operational role, providing strategic and administrative support for donor engagement activities and special events. The ideal candidate will be a highly organized, detail-oriented, professional with strong project management, communication, and interpersonal skills, and a proactive attitude toward fostering a high-performing, team-oriented culture. In addition, the Associate Director of Special Events will support the implementation of best practices and the adoption of high standards of excellence for internal/external event attendees and constituencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
Minimum of two (3) years of experience in special events, development/advancement, communications, or marketing.
At least 1–2 years of project management and administrative support experience.
At least one (1) year of experience in customer relationship management or donor engagement.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, Outlook).
Working knowledge of InDesign and virtual event/livestream platforms.
Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work collaboratively and maintain a high level of professionalism.
Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
Ability to stand for long periods of time and lift 50 pounds.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Three to five (3-5) years of experience in special events management.
Experience in a development or nonprofit fundraising environment.

Responsibilities

Provide operational support for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all Institutional Advancement special events.
Serve as on-site support for events, including setup, execution, and breakdown.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors as needed.
Support events across the state of Arkansas as required.
Partner with Institutional Advancement staff and campus collaborators to strengthen donor engagement and event strategies.
Develop and produce creative and customized event-related communications and materials, including digital content.
Coordinate with vendors by sourcing quotes, initiating purchase orders, and managing invoice processing and reconciliation.
Maintain accurate documentation of events and attendees in donor files and institutional dashboards.
Conduct research and feasibility studies to evaluate new event opportunities.
Oversee post-event activities including debriefs, constituent recognition, financial reconciliation and reporting, and data management.
Executes post-event stewardship and follow-up engagement communications, social media and activities.
Keep internal stakeholders informed throughout the event lifecycle.
Work in collaboration with Institutional Advancement teams to support and facilitate engagement, prospect development, and cultivation efforts. Including but not limited to donor correspondence and communications.
Perform other duties as assigned.