Associate Director - Alumni Events, Penn State Alumni Association

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .

​

POSITION SPECIFICS ​

Penn State is currently seeking an Associate Director Alumni Events in supporting the Penn State Alumni Association, Alumni Events & Travel team. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, you can play an integral role in Penn State’s future and contribute to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.

Reporting to the Director, Alumni Events and Travel and working closely working closely with the Alumni Association’s Engagement Team, as well as other partners, this Associate Director of Alumni Events will:

In a senior capacity, develop, implement, execute, and maintain alumni events and related services for both in person and virtual experiences.

Responsible to manage and lead the Event Coordinators which coordinate all activities held at the Hintz Family Alumni Center.

Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications;

Project Lead and coordinate events and activities to include, but are not limited to reunions, Homecoming, presidential receptions, athletic pep rallies and receptions, alumni networking events, educational and recognition events.

Negotiate and process contracts for necessary alumni event venues, caterers, hotels, etc.

Create and analyze the effectiveness of programs and events and recommend improvements or new creative strategies

Collaborate with colleagues and manage constituent management activities, including direct mail, e-communications, and event planning

Create and coordinate events and program attendee reservations and create data reports to analyze event success

Work with volunteers, committees, boards, and University staff as assigned

May assist in writing and editing proposals, scripts and other written materials

Research and manage inventory of marketing materials, promotional handouts, nametags, giveaways and office supplies to be used during alumni and development events

Direct and coordinate the activities of assigned event staff and provide direction, training, and solve problems as necessary;

This position may coordinate events held at the Hintz Family Alumni Center.

Previous experience with Word, Excel, IBM Notes, and event registration and production tools is highly desirable. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designations encouraged or in process of working towards certification.

Will supervise staff including responsibilities related to hiring, onboarding, performance management, and professional development

The successful candidate will have:

Prior experience providing leadership, coaching, mentoring, or training to fulltime employees

The ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail and problem solving to consistently deliver accurate, high-quality work;

Strong organizational skills to multitask and managing multiple event timelines effectively and simultaneously.

Will have a minimum of 6 years of prior logistical planning experience to include budgeting & reconciliations, attendee registration, venue search, contract negotiations, food and beverage, audiovisual, room set ups, speaker management and housing blocks. Must be able to coordinate, direct and supervise the activities of volunteers or work teams;

Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;

The ability to work evenings and weekends as needed, with overnight travel required to fulfill job responsibilities;

The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;

A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team;

A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.

For full consideration, applicants are asked to attach a cover letter and resume/CV with their application.

DDAR is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Constituent Programming and Events Officer - Principal Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Constituent Programming and Events Officer - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations

If you believe in the power of higher education—and philanthropy—to shape the public good, you’ll excel right here in Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). Our organization includes more than 500 professionals engaging a community of more than 800,000 alumni who believe in the power of giving back. Across our interdisciplinary teams of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals, communicators, event planners, financial experts, and more, there is a place for you to make a difference in the lives of students and faculty while taking your own career to new heights. Learn more about us at raise.psu.edu and explore the success of our most recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu .

Building a Career and a Life at Penn State

Across all campuses and an online World Campus, our 100,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the globe. Penn State consistently ranks among the top academic and research universities in the world: psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/facts-and-rankings

This position is based at the University Park campus, located in State College, Pennsylvania. State College is ranked among the lowest-stress and safest small cities in the country, with excellent public schools, beautiful parks and other natural assets, and a broad range of cultural and athletic events and venues: statecollegepa.us and statecollege.com

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $94,980.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-b