Associate Director Development, Campaign Events

Associate Director Development, Campaign Events

Quinnipiac University invites applications for the position of Associate Director for Advancement and Campaign Events. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, strategic, and highly organized event professional to help advance the University's comprehensive campaign and philanthropic priorities by designing and delivering exceptional donor experiences that inspire engagement and generosity. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development and Campaign Management, the Associate Director plays a key role in advancing Quinnipiac's fundraising and engagement goals through the planning and execution of high-impact campaign, donor, and special events. Working collaboratively with University leadership, deans, faculty, volunteers, and Advancement colleagues, this individual will develop event strategies that strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and friends while enhancing the visibility and impact of the University's philanthropic initiatives. The Associate Director oversees all aspects of event managementfrom concept development and budgeting to logistics, execution, and post-event assessmentfor a diverse portfolio of events, including donor recognition celebrations, campaign events, galas, golf tournaments, and other signature University programs. The successful candidate will combine exceptional project management skills with a passion for hospitality, relationship building, and creating memorable experiences that support donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising success.

Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university currently has an enrollment of 9,700 students in more than 100-degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Computing & Engineering, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts & Sciences. Our 20 Division I teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting national and conference titles including a 2023 NCAA national championship win in men's ice hockey, a trip to the Sweet 16 for our women's basketball team and NCAA Tournament appearances by many of our programs. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized as a leader in public opinion research, and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac #51 among the best colleges in the nation, and second in Connecticut, for our exceptional graduation rate, salary impact, learning facilities, career preparation and learning opportunities. The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, the development of innovative strategic partnerships, and recently opened South Quad with three state-of-the-art buildings. As Quinnipiac grows, the university remains guided by the core values that define our community and shapes the experience of every student and employee.

• We are fiercely committed to ensuring every Bobcat thrives. We are a lifelong partner for every learner.
• We passionately care about our community. Everyone should feel welcome and valued.
• We boldly shape our university's future. We will forge a path of impact together.

These values are the foundation of who we are and reflect the Quinnipiac spirit found across our campuses. For more information, please visit qu.edu.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Event Production: Lead the end-to-end planning of high-profile advancement events, including capital campaign launches, building dedications, scholarship luncheons, presidential dinners, and regional donor events
• Principal & Major Gift Cultivation: Partner with frontline fundraisers to design customized, high-touch event experiences that advance specific principal and major gift prospects through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycles
• Leadership Briefings & Bios: Draft detailed briefing materials, strategic talking points, timelines, and donor bios for the University President, Vice President of Advancement, Deans, and Board of Trustees members attending development events
• Data-Driven Evaluation: Leverage the institutional CRM to track guest touchpoints, analyze attendance trends, monitor event budgets, and measure the direct ROI of events against campaign fundraising milestones
• Cross-Campus Collaboration: Coordinate seamlessly with internal campus partners, including University Communications, catering services, facilities, student ambassadors, and academic departments to ensure cohesive branding and execution

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree

Qualifications:

• 35 years of progressive event management or fundraising experience, specifically within a higher education advancement, alumni relations, or university environment
• Deep understanding of higher education campaign structures, familiarity with complex academic hierarchies, proficiency in advancement databases, and exceptional vendor negotiation skills
• Flexibility to travel and work frequent evenings and weekends to staff major institutional milestones, homecoming, or regional donor tours
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds

To Apply Special Instructions to Applicants: Applications must be submitted electronically and include a resume, a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with the position requirements, demonstrated commitment to intentional leadership that values individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and contact information for three references. We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time faculty and staff which includes tuition remission and a culture that is inclusive and driven by excellence. Quinnipiac University is considering only those applicants who have valid authorization to work in the United States. Quinnipiac University does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position.

Quinnipiac University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful community.