Director of Special Events

The New School seeks a dedicated professional to serve as the Director of Special Events for the University’s Department of Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE). The Director will provide leadership and oversight of the Special Events daily operations. Reporting to the AVP for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Programs, the Director is responsible for developing the strategy and execution of The New School’s major annual fundraising event, the Parsons Benefit, as well as surrounding events for the DAE team, Office of the President, a new Fall fundraiser, and other areas within the University as needed. Given this, the Director will work closely with The New School’s leadership, school deans, key faculty, administration, Directors of Development, and schools on key events from start to finish.

The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, lead, and direct operations for the execution of major Development events involving prospects, donors, and board members, including but not limited to the Parsons Benefit, a Fall fundraising dinner, and Board of Trustees and Board of Governors receptions.
• Ideate, plan, and execute all content, logistics, and communications for engagement events and gatherings including domestic and global alumni, parents and friends events, School Celebrations, Alumni Day, and DAE receptions during Move-In and Parent's Weekends, and other DAE-wide events as needed. Global events may include receptions in LA, Boston, Miami, Paris, and Seoul.
• Serve as a principal event contact in the DAE Office for the offices of the president, provost, school deans, faculty members, officers of the university and other colleagues in a way that builds trust and mutual respect.
• Serve as a senior level liaison with the Office of the President, DoD’s, and Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Programs to create and implement theme-based cultivation events at the President’s residence or elsewhere on campus.
• Manage and execute distinctive events including, but not limited to, memorial services, building openings, anniversary celebrations, commencement activities, campaign events under the leadership of the AVP for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Programs.
• Organize major solicitations for fundraising events including donors, prospects, and corporate outreach.
• Assist Development with planned events outside of New York City, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of five years of experience with a demonstrated record of directing Development events.
• A strong work ethic with an ability to take initiative and exercise sound judgment, while effectively managing multiple projects.
• Exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills coupled with a strong attention to detail.
• An entrepreneurial, solutions-oriented disposition with the ability to prioritize tasks, anticipate, embrace, acquire and use new skills, and creatively address challenges.
• Exceptional collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to be effective at engaging with and establishing credibility with stakeholders at all levels across the University.
• Demonstrated technology skills related to development, marketing, and events preferred (i.e. Salesforce, Adobe, Splash Event Marketing or comparable).
• Must have a valid passport with ability to travel internationally as required
• Availability for day, evening, and weekend work is essential.
• Ability to adhere to University COVID-19 Policy

WORK MODE

Hybrid/Remote - Employees hired for this position primarily work remotely with the occasional on-campus presence required with advanced notice. Employees in this role will also be expected to use their best judgment to be on campus when necessary in order to best fulfill the responsibilities of their job descriptions.

SALARY RANGE

$85,000- $95,000 per annum

We look forward to receiving your application!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• New York, NY 10011: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10011