Director of Special Events

University of Maryland•Baltimore, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Special Events serves as the lead strategist and operational leader for all philanthropic, prospect and donor‑facing events within the Central Philanthropy Office. This position provides vision, leadership, and oversight for a comprehensive portfolio of high‑profile events that advance institutional priorities, strengthen donor relationships, and support fundraising and campaign objectives. Working in close partnership with colleagues across Central Philanthropy and with academic and administrative units throughout the University, the Director ensures events are strategically aligned, seamlessly executed, and reflective of the University’s mission, values, and brand. The Director will elevate donor experiences, strengthen collaboration across Central Philanthropy and campus partners, and integrate event strategy with broader fundraising and engagement goals. This role is critical to delivering consistent, high‑impact donor experiences and supporting a culture of collaboration across a complex, decentralized campus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or related field.
Six (6) years of experience in event or meeting management, fundraising or development, public, or client relations.
Three (3) years of direct supervision.
Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and utilize events platforms for event participant registration, reporting, attendee responses, etc.
Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail and operational excellence.
Exceptional project management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and collaborate across decentralized organizations.
Commitment to welcoming, and donor‑centered event practices.
Proven ability to work with senior leaders, major and principal gift donors, faculty, and external partners with discretion and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing special events including high profile, mission driven events preferred.
Experience in higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit development environments strongly preferred.
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) preferred.
Clery act designated job as campus security authorities (CSA) member and will comply with Clery Act requirements.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary leader for all Central Philanthropy events by setting strategic direction and overseeing execution of events including high‑profile philanthropic events.
Develop and implement a unified, high‑impact events strategy that supports donor cultivation, stewardship, prospect engagement, and institutional visibility.
Partner closely with the Vice President and leadership of Central Philanthropy to ensure events reinforce organizational priorities, campaign goals, and senior‑level initiatives.
Liaise with Chief Development Officers and University units to centralize events on behalf of the schools.
Serve as the final quality checkpoint for event strategy, logistics, run‑of‑show, and executional details across the events portfolio.
Ensure events are consistently branded, mission‑forward, inclusive, and aligned with the philanthropic tone and values of the university.
Serve as a key liaison between Central Philanthropy and various University stakeholders. Ensure alignment of event goals, messaging, and participation.
Translate fundraising strategies and donor objectives into meaningful, engaging event experiences.
Act as a trusted partner to frontline fundraisers, ensuring events support relationship‑building and next‑step strategies.
Build strong working relationships with campus partners to ensure clarity, consistency, and shared ownership of event outcomes.
Assign projects, manage workflows, establish quality standards, and guide event planning processes across the team.
Foster a collaborative, professional environment that emphasizes excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Mentor and develop event staff, supporting growth, innovation, and best practices.
Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of University and donor resources.
Negotiate and manage contracts with venues, caterers, production partners, and other vendors.
Monitor expenditures, approve invoices, and identify efficiencies while maintaining high standards.
Establish and track metrics to assess event effectiveness, donor engagement outcomes, and return on investment.
Incorporate feedback, data, and industry best practices to continuously refine event strategy and execution.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP)
Generous PAID leave package
Over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year
15 paid holidays
3 personal leave days
Unlimited accrual of sick time
Comprehensive health insurance
Professional learning and development programs
Tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school
Flexible work schedules
Teleworking options (if applicable per job)