Director of Campus and Community Engagement - Our Lady of the Lake University

Job Summary:

The Director of Events and Community Engagement is a strategic and dynamic leader responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing high-impact events that enhance Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU)'s mission, visibility, and engagement. This role is integral to Institutional Advancement, supporting fundraising, donor relations, alumni engagement, student life, and community outreach through exceptional event experiences.

Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director oversees campus-wide events, donor engagement activities, university ceremonies, and community initiatives. The position also manages event logistics, budgeting, vendor partnerships, facilities coordination, and staff oversight, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience for internal and external stakeholders.

Through strategic event planning, stakeholder collaboration, and innovative programming, the Director fosters a vibrant campus culture, strengthens OLLU's relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners, and enhances the university's fundraising and engagement goals.

Performance Evaluation Metrics/Essential Functions

1. Metric: Event Strategy & Execution

Benchmark: Develop and implement a comprehensive event strategy that enhances OLLU's fundraising, alumni relations, student engagement, and community outreach efforts.

• Plans and oversees university special events, including dedications, lectures, fundraising galas, Homecoming, commencement, scholarship luncheons, and donor recognition events.
• Leads signature events that elevate OLLU's reputation, such as the Confetti 5K Run/Walk, Fiesta Flambeau Parade entry, and Campanas de America concert.
• Manages Institutional Advancement events, working closely with Development, Alumni Relations, and University Leadership to create compelling experiences that engage donors, alumni, and stakeholders.
• Oversees event logistics, including vendor management, catering, sound and lighting, security, staffing, marketing, and facilities coordination.
• Collaborates with campus departments and external partners to develop innovative programming that aligns with OLLU's mission and values.
• Monitors industry trends to ensure high-quality, innovative event experiences for the OLLU community.

Measurement Method: Performance Management Systems that measures performance as well as feedback from supervisors, peers, and sometimes, clients.

2. Metric: Institutional Advancement & Donor Engagement

Benchmark: Works closely with the Office of Institutional Advancement to support fundraising and development initiatives through strategic event planning and execution.

• Partners with Development and Alumni Relations to ensure that events serve as key touchpoints for engaging donors, alumni, and prospective supporters.
• Assists in the cultivation of major donors, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic partners by coordinating personalized event experiences.
• Develops strategic invitation lists, donor recognition programs, and stewardship events to strengthen OLLU's philanthropic relationships.

Measurement Method: Performance Management Systems that measures performance as well as feedback from supervisors, peers, and sometimes, clients.

3. Metric: Campus & Community Engagement

Benchmark: Serves as a liaison between OLLU and community organizations, fostering partnerships that enhance university visibility and impact.

• Works with student organizations, faculty, and administrative departments to ensure a robust campus events calendar that supports recruitment, retention, and engagement.
• Provides strategic guidance for campus-wide events, ensuring alignment with OLLU's mission and community-building efforts.
• Promotes a positive image of OLLU by coordinating high-profile community outreach events that engage local businesses, civic leaders, and alumni.

Measurement Method: Performance Management Systems that measures performance as well as feedback from supervisors, peers, and sometimes, clients.

4. Metric: Budget & Financial Oversight

Benchmark: Develops and manage event budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources while maintaining financial accountability.

• Secures sponsorships, in-kind donations, and funding for major events in collaboration with Institutional Advancement and the Development Office.
• Negotiates vendor contracts to secure cost-effective and high-quality services for university events.
• Oversees financial tracking, reporting, and compliance related to event planning and execution.

Measurement Method: Performance Management Systems that measures performance as well as feedback from supervisors, peers, and sometimes, clients.

5. Metric: Facilities & Logistics Management

Benchmark: Coordinate university event spaces to optimize usage for internal and external audiences.

• Supervises professional staff and student workers responsible for event set-up, breakdown, and equipment management.
• Works with Facilities Management to handle large-scale event logistics, including stage setups, seating arrangements, and security coordination.
• Manages the Event Management System, linen inventory, and event-related assets to enhance operational efficiency.

Measurement Method: Performance Management Systems that measures performance as well as feedback from supervisors, peers, and sometimes, clients.

Additional Metrics: Team Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Leads and mentors a team of event professionals and student employees, ensuring effective training and professional development.
• Fosters collaboration across departments to streamline event execution and maximize impact.
• Provides regular event assessments and reports to measure success, identify improvements, and align with Institutional Advancement goals.
• Maintains confidential records of event attendees, donor participation, and stakeholder engagement for strategic decision-making.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attributes:

• Models and leads with integrity.
• Possesses a firm conviction of, and is an ardent supporter of, the educational experience provided at OLLU.
• Possesses and models a strong entrepreneurial and can-do spirit.
• Highly collaborative in all aspects.
• Commitment to continuous improvement of self, others, and the university.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills; strong research and analytical skills; and experience in the development and management of strategic plans.
• Exceptional management, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with an ability to execute innovative and bold plans.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong ability to inspire people and decisions.
• Understanding of and appreciation for the history, mission, vision, core values, and strategic goals of a Catholic university, with a sincere willingness to deepen understanding.
• Ability to co-create and communicate a university-wide vision.
• Meticulous attention to detail, self-starter, goal-oriented and able to work independently and initiate follow-through.
• Continuous and self-driven learner.
• Deep expertise in AI, digital transformation, and automation.
• Strategic thinker with a strong execution mindset.
• Strong commitment to data-driven decision-making and institutional performance tracking.
• Exceptional communication and project management skills.
• Deep understanding of customer experience optimization through technology.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in event management, business administration, nonprofit management, public relations, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum of five years of event planning and management experience, preferably in higher education, nonprofit fundraising, or community engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, event management software, donor databases, and CRM platforms required.
• Exceptional oral, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, including donors, alumni, students, and community leaders required.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and coordinate complex event logistics.
• Proven experience in leading teams, working with university administration, and developing strategic partnerships.
• Experience managing event budgets, securing sponsorships, and negotiating vendor contracts required.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required for major events.

Employment with Our Lady of the Lake University is contingent upon the applicant undergoing a background investigation.

OLLU seeks to attract, develop and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administrators. The University is committed to diversity and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities. EOE

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