About Us:

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

Position Overview:

Southwestern University has an immediate opening for a Director of Events, University Relations position. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development. This position schedules, coordinates, implements, and manages University events sponsored by University Relations. This is a full-time exempt position eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

Essential Duties:

• Coordinate and implement University events on and off campus as assigned. (Some responsibilities include attending meetings for various events as well as departmental meetings, preparing budget proposals for events, offering creative design ideas, and working with internal/external constituents.)
• Oversee the planning and execution of cultivation and stewardship events; and other events, as needed. Estimate 60+ events per year.
• Manage all aspects of event production, including: food and beverage arrangements; vendor management; staff assignments; décor; set up and tear down; check-in; logistics coordination; invitation lists; design, production, and distribution of invitations, signage, web assets, and other event collateral; income and expense budget planning and reconciliation; ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices; create and adhere to project budgets and timelines for events; secure necessary third-party event vendors; managing auctions and/or raffles; secure and coordinate appropriate event permits and licenses; track, collect, and appropriately acknowledge funds raised for events; actively monitor event ticket sales and/or event registration; actively monitor progress toward income goals and adjust plans as appropriate; assist with development of income and attendance projections for events; and more.
• With input from colleagues, develop an annual plan for events.
• Work with staff and event volunteers to develop marketing/PR campaigns for events, as necessary.
• Ensure event information is captured and accurate
• Manage goals and objectives for each event.
• Responsible for hiring, training, and supervising in-office student workers.
• Assist with other University Relations efforts as needed.

Additional Duties:

• Act as a liaison between departments for large on-campus events run by University Relations
• Coordinate logistical elements for external rentals as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the director.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of relevant experience, including event planning.
• Excellent computer skills utilizing software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Docs.
• Possess independence, integrity, and an affable nature.
• Demonstrate leadership skills, including a strong work ethic.
• Possess excellent interaction and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrate professional manner with all internal and external University constituencies.
• Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, and produce reliable work product.
• Ability to perform well in stressful situations.
• Ability to attend work consistently and maintain a regular work schedule.
• Ability and willingness to do occasional evening and weekend work.
• Willingness to adhere to the University’s core values.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience in a related position.
• Experience working in an educational institution with event planning.

Starting annual salary: $45,707. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting salary.

Benefits:

Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off options, undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and the name and contact information of three (3) professional references through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/166775. Email and paper applications will not be accepted.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

In compliance with immigration laws, proof of work authorization in the United States will be required when employment begins. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.