Director of special events Jobs in USA

Associate Director of Special Events

Oregon Health & Science University Foundation Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area

Priority Application Deadline: September 11, 2026

FLSA Status: Exempt

Starting Salary: $68,616 - $80,052 (Step I - Step II)

Work Location: Hybrid (Regular On-site Work Required for Events and Meetings)

About the Position

The Associate Director of Special Events will support as well as lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of in-person, hybrid and virtual events at the OHSU Foundation. In partnership with OHSU and Foundation colleagues, you will collaborate with peers in developing targeted strategies for new and existing events that align with Foundation goals to engage, inspire, and steward our donors, board members, alumni and volunteers.

What You'll Be Doing

Plan and execute special events

• Support the planning and execution of Foundation events, from simple gatherings to large in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences.
• Serve as the lead for Foundation Alumni events, coordinating logistics and ensuring a strong attendee experience.
• Partner with Foundation colleagues to apply event standards and best practices across the organization.
• Create event plans, lead planning meetings, manage timelines, and keep projects on track.
• Coordinate with Communications on event marketing, invitations, websites, emails, and other collateral.
• Manage vendor and external partner relationships, including venues, catering, and event services.
• Work closely with event hosts and stakeholders on guest lists, parking, catering, and other logistics.
• Maintain accurate event records and reporting within event management systems.
• Provide event consulting and guidance to colleagues on topics such as catering, nametags, parking, and auction guidelines.
• Develop and manage event budgets.

Special Projects

• Collaborate with the Director of Special Events to identify and implement event-related activities that support the OHSU Foundation's fundraising mission.
• Maintain and promote a centralized event calendar to ensure key OHSU Foundation events are identified, coordinated, and leveraged effectively for development goals.

Technical Platform Management

• Lead technical management of event platforms including but not limited to Cvent, Marketing Cloud, Classy, Social Tables, Eventbrite and Blackthorn.
• Ensure event management software is accurate and current by imputing, tracking and managing events as assigned.

Who You Are

• You excel at juggling multiple complex, deadline-driven projects and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• You have strong interpersonal and communication skills, interacting professionally and collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• You're hospitality-minded, always going the extra mile to meet the needs of your team and stakeholders.
• You're technically savvy, knowledgeable using event platforms like Cvent, Classy, Eventbrite, and/or Social Tables.
• You have excellent attention to detail, balancing multiple projects without compromising on quality.
• You're process-oriented, skilled at managing and improving workflows for maximum efficiency.
• You're compassionate and culturally responsive, working effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

You Should Have

• At least five years of experience managing complex, multi-faceted events.
• Experience managing event platforms like Cvent, Classy, Eventbrite and Social Tables
• Proven experience managing digital or hybrid events, with a solid understanding of digital event best practices.
• Experience using Salesforce, Affinaquest, Blackthorn, or other CRM

Working Conditions

• On-site staffing for evening and weekend events as needed.
• Some local travel required; must have a valid driver's license, access to a vehicle, and meet the Foundation's insurance requirements.
• Ability to lift and move boxes or materials weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Able to stand and work on one's feet for at least 4 hours at a time.

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Pension plan
• Paid paternity leave
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Child care support
• Paid maternity leave
• Commuter benefits
• Disability insurance