Manager, Advancement Events

Lindenwood University • Jasper, IN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The advancement events manager is responsible for the strategic planning, promotion, implementation, and assessment of alumni, donor, and constituent events, whether on campus, local, in a different state, or online. This position collaborates with Advancement leadership and colleagues and campus partners to create high-quality experiences that strengthen constituent relationships, increase engagement, support fundraising initiatives, and elevate the University's reputation. This position is responsible for all event details, including event planning, contracting and purchasing, event communications, invitation and reservation processes, pre-event and day of logistics, and post-event analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, hospitality management or related field
• Minimum of 4 years experience working in event planning, alumni relations, nonprofit management, hospitality, or a related field
• Demonstrated success in conceptualizing, planning, and executing engagement, stewardship, or fundraising events from conception to completion
• Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as event schedules require
• Occasional travel to regional events may be required

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT or similar CRM or event management software preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
• Demonstrated commitment to designing and implementing creative and innovative events
• Strong project management, event planning, and organizational skills
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional during crisis and through the high pressure of an event in progress
• Strong negotiation, budgeting and vendor management skills
• Problem-solving skills to quickly resolve issues as they occur during events
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with advancement and unit colleagues to plan and execute events that support the institution’s advancement priorities, including fundraising, stewardship, and constituent engagement
• Designs and executes a comprehensive calendar of alumni and donor events, including campaign events, homecoming events such as the annual gala, class and affinity reunions, regional engagement events, donor events, scholarship receptions, and online events, that tell the Lindenwood story and are aligned with institutional advancement priorities and campaign milestones
• Develops a complete strategic plan for events, including but not limited to budget development and adherence, procurement, invitation strategies, event design and timeline, and post-event reporting and analysis
• Oversees all event logistics, including venue selection, invitations, catering, décor, entertainment, transportation, registration, seating charts, attendee reports, technology and audiovisual needs, invitations, signage, guest management, speaker remarks, setup, and teardown
• Ensures all event data is properly recorded in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT
• Researches and analyzes venues and vendors to ensure competitive services and pricing
• Establishes data-driven KPIs and event-specific benchmarks, leveraging analytical oversight to balance donor experience with organizational advancement goals
• Partners closely with advancement colleagues, including strategic engagement, development officers, prospect research, and communications teams to ensure alignment of strategic priorities as well as seamless integration between advancement functional areas
• Ensures compliance with University policies related to contracts, purchasing, insurance, risk management, and event safety
• Serves on University committees, such as the homecoming committee
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with faculty, staff, colleagues, vendors and students
• Strives to provide exceptional hospitality and service for all event participants and stakeholders
• Creates welcoming and engaging experiences that foster meaningful connections with the University
• Provides on-site presence and support during events to ensure event coordination and success, proactively handling arising issues and troubleshooting emerging problems
• Supports the mission of the University and serves as an ambassador of the Q2 culture of service excellence
• Models, supports, and holds others accountable to the University’s values
• Collaborates with advancement and University colleagues, vendors, contractors, volunteers, and event venue staff to execute seamless events
• Partners with operations, IT, and other campus departments to reserve event spaces and coordinate logistical needs
• Gathers feedback and analyzes event effectiveness
• Maintains a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Works with marketing and communications colleagues to promote Lindenwood events
• Collaborates with advancement colleagues to plan events on an annual basis

Benefits

• Employer-paid tuition benefits for bachelor’s (employee, spouse, and dependent) and master’s degree programs (employee and spouse only)
• Tuition discounts for doctoral programs (employee only)
• Comprehensive benefits plan: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement options
• Paid holidays: MLK Jr. day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving break (Wednesday – Friday), and winter break (Dec. 23 – Jan. 1)
• Free lunch Fridays: LU employees are eligible for a free meal on Fridays at the Evans Commons Dining Hall or Spellman Dining Hall; Chick-fil-A and Qdoba included
• Professional development opportunities through the Lindenwood Learning Academy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level