Position Summary
This position reports to AVP, Development Operations and has a key role within the University's Advancement team, responsible for the strategy, development and execution of impactful fundraising and donor-focused experiences that engage donors, alumni, and key stakeholders in support of the University's mission and philanthropic goals. This role leads the development of high-impact experiences that include meetings with University leaders, named faculty or scholarship recipients and event experiences-ranging from large-scale events to intimate donor gatherings-that cultivate philanthropic support and elevate the University's presence in the community. The Director collaborates closely with Advancement colleagues, University leadership, the Senior Director of Presidential and Signature Events, vendors, and volunteers. This position will supervise the stewardship specialist.
Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant's strategic plan, Vision 2030, redefines higher education through a commitment to providing students with a transformational learning experience. Vision 2030 accelerates advancements in academic innovation, experiential learning, vibrant student life, Division I athletics, and a connected community that fosters belonging and success.Principal Accountabilities
General Responsibilities:The Director will develop strategies for top level donors - individual and corporate that support donor-funded programs of varying purposes, scope, and complexity each year. Their portfolio includes but is not limited to donor cultivation and stewardship meetings, dinners and stewardship events, fundraising events, and Reunion. This role will also support additional team members within the Advancement team by providing expertise and coordination for additional on-campus programs, such as commencements, Honorary Degree dinner, and Homecoming. The position requires work during non-business hours, which at times will include working nights, weekends, holidays, and/or academic break periods.The incumbent provides support for activities coordinated by the vice president for university advancement or university leadership such as prospect and donor visits, meetings, or related engagements on and off-site. This may include coordination with third parties and working with gift officers and campus partners and offices to coordinate schedules, spaces, and amenities as needed and regular communication regarding these visits.Job Specific Responsibilities:50% Strategy/Management- Oversee a comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution process for on-campus and off-campus advancement experiences that engage prospects, donors, and campus community members.
- Supervise and delegate responsibilities to the stewardship specialist to ensure coordination with reporting and other stewardship activities.
- Ensure each event aligns with university branding, strategic messaging, and fundraising objectives.
- Work proactively to find solutions that maximize donor satisfaction and financial impact at donor & fundraising events.
- Collaborate with fundraisers to identify and cultivate new prospects and donors to invite and steward in meaningful ways on and off campus.
- Serve as a strategic partner across Advancement and other academic and administrative units to develop and execute their programming and align purpose and outcomes to overarching engagement, philanthropic, and university goals.
30% Experience Logistics- Responsibilities include production of timelines, coordination of meetings, scripts, run-of-show documents, diagrams, and coordination of artist/performer/speaker interactions. Logistical planning, on-site support, and management of guests and VIPs such as faculty, senior administrators, Trustees, and donors. Ensure all special requests and needs are met with professionalism and discretion.
- Serve as on-site coordinator for events under purview. Key liaison to campus partners for coordination of scheduling of events/experiences. Recruit, assign, train, and manage event volunteers as needed for on-site coverage and support.
- Partner with the Senior Director, Presidential and Signature events (and team) on Presidential and Signature level events as requested by the President.
- Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring appropriate tracking of expenses and timely payments.
- Utilize internal database of record and event management software platform to build events, track attendance, create surveys, and note volunteer and speaker interactions. Responsible for attendee lists and collect all post-event metrics for effective assessment of programs and events managed by University and Advancement Events. Maintain accurate records, reports, and post-event evaluations. Monitor the Data Insights event dashboard to track event metrics across the portfolio and aid in event strategy.
20% Collaboration/Partnership- Partner with internal campus support teams and external vendors to secure support/technical/AV services, coordinate vendor contracts and payments, and book venues.
- Provide support for more complex events that require expertise, pre-event coordination, and on-site support from everyone on the team, including but not limited to but including Giving Day; President's Cup Golf Tournament, as needed.
- Collaborate with campus partners on honorary degree recipient experiences annually.
- Serve on cross-functional planning groups and committees assigned.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
This position is best served by an individual with a Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in fundraising event planning or event production, preferably in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations. High level of professionalism, discretion and understanding of donor relations. Ability to remain calm and positive working in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication and project management skills and capacity to support event logistics such as technology support and related media. S/he must possess strong organization and attention to detail skills, and a thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other related software applications. Familiarity with relational databases and event management software preferred. Excellent interpersonal skills are required to effectively interact with prospective donors, alumni, trustees, and other members of the Bryant Community. Strong organizational skills are required to effectively coordinate support for meetings and programs. The ability to effectively handle multiple projects with a myriad of details is important.Certain requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities.Working Environment
At Bryant University, we believe that our strength lies in the richness of our campus community and the unique perspectives that shape it. By connecting academic and social experiences, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. Our commitment to fostering belonging and well-being ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from those who appreciate the wide range of experiences and backgrounds that make our community exceptional. Discover more about how we cultivate a welcoming and collaborative campus culture that drives excellence.Posting Number: STA02745
Open Until Filled: Yes
