Director of Advancement Events
University of North Texas

Title: Director of Advancement Events

Employee Classification: Director, Development Support

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Advancement

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Advancement

Department: UNT-Advancement - Gen-170000

Job Location: Denton

Salary: $68,000 - $80,000

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year. We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an inclusive environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team. Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

The Division of University Advancement strives to transform lives and unlock potential through the power of philanthropy and engagement by awakening and stewarding pride and loyalty for the University of North Texas.

Established in 1890, UNT is one of the nation's largest public research universities with more than 44,000 students. Ranked a Tier One research university by the Carnegie Classification, UNT is a catalyst for creativity, fueling progress, innovation and entrepreneurship for the North Texas region and the state. The university has earned designation as both a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving Institution. UNT students earned more than 11,000 degrees last year from its 14 colleges and schools and the university offers 112 bachelor's, 94 master's and 38 doctoral degree programs, many nationally and internationally recognized. UNT's world-class faculty are making breakthroughs every day, and its students and alumni are changing the world around them.

Position Overview

The Director of Advancement Events will be responsible for clearly delineating and managing the scope of events across the Division of University Advancement. This includes direct oversight of alumni-focused events and those coordinated by other departments within the division. This role leads and motivates a team of two staff members, and together, they host, implement, and provide analysis for numerous large- and small-scale events throughout the year, balancing responsibilities between event ownership and fulfillment. Additionally, this position proactively supports the mission of and serves as an ambassador for University Advancement and the University of North Texas.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and four years of related professional experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in a higher education environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Skill in using computer applications such as spreadsheet, database and word processing software.
• Knowledge of managing an expense budget in a university setting.
• Knowledge of accounting and budgetary principles.
• Supervisory experience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of others.

Preferred Qualifications

The preferred candidate will possess the following additional qualifications:

• Minimum of four years special event experience.
• Availability to work evenings and/or weekends.
• Experience supervising and motivating a team.
• Experience planning events in a university setting.
• Detail-oriented.
• Excellent communications and customer service skills.
• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

None

Job Duties:

Event and Alumni Programming Activity Management:

• Will establish a structured approach to event planning, ensuring that alumni engagement initiatives align seamlessly with broader divisional priorities; including responsibility for planning and directing the strategic and operational activities of special events hosted and supported by University Advancement.
• Schedules large- and small-scale special events in coordination with division leadership including dinners, parties, meetings, receptions, VIP suites at sporting events, alumni programming, formal galas, and other events/projects as assigned. Ensures all aspects of event presentation and execution are in line with industry standards and leadership's vision, including room arrangement, service scheduling, decor, equipment, marketing and communication, parking and transportation, VIP handling, etc.
• Manages development, execution, and evaluation of events, coordinating operational and day-of support for all Advancement events and Alumni programming. Coordinates pre-event strategy, arrangements for, coordinates communications about, troubleshoots, makes decisions in support of, and post-event debrief and analysis. Ensures smooth operations, delegates to support staff, serves as liaison between facilities staff, event hosts, and guests.
• Enhances guest experience by providing and encouraging high-level hospitality and great attention to detail that will increase and drive donor engagement and promote UNT's students and programs. Ensures all appropriate protocols are followed, including those related to political and international guests.
• Coordinates with the Advancement Communications department for the creation, proofing, and ordering of media, print, and online event promotion. Oversees the design of, orders, and issuance of invitations with great accuracy and attention to detail.
• Coordinates detailed records of events including resources and reference guides, RSVPs/responses, procurement and contracts, etc.

Administrative Oversight and Management:

• Will serve as a strategic advisor, offering counsel to division and college units seeking support for their event initiatives. This includes guiding best practices, optimizing event strategies, and leveraging resources to maximize engagement and fundraising outcomes across the university.
• Collaborates with leadership and colleagues on the strategic development of budgets for all Advancement events and Alumni programming. Upholding and enforcing fiscal responsibility for event-related purchases. Manages event budgets, monitors and tracks expenses, and reports accurately. Adheres to university budgetary and procurement guidelines and expectations. Demonstrates fiscal responsibility standards of the university, division, and Alumni Engagement Office.
• Facilitates post-event debriefs, analysis, and leads retention of records in the database.
• Evaluate events and programs, then collaborate with leadership and partners for the establishment of post-event strategy and stewardship as needed.

Supervisory & Leadership Responsibilities:

• Supervises two full-time, benefits-eligible events professionals.
• Uses positive techniques to motivate colleagues. Sets and achieves high standards with the team. Properly delegates task and projects and provides appropriate feedback.
• Provides training on standards, guidance, and recommendations enabling consistency with university events including branding, protocol, budget responsibility, and sustainability.
• Identifies problems and analyzes causes; takes or recommends action after evaluating alternative solutions; follows-up to ensure problems are corrected. Keeps control of emotions and behavior, even when involved in high-pressure situations.
• Remains familiar and follows all applicable policies and procedures as set by the State of Texas, UNT System, and UNT.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm; additional time outside of office hours as event schedule requires; hybrid opportunity available.

Driving University Vehicle:

Yes

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System immediately investigates complaints of discrimination and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.

---