Assistant Director of Signature Events

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 14,400 students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

The Assistant Director of Signature Events works closely with the Executive Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement to support and complement the broader mission of University Advancement and the Office of the President, to create experiences that cultivate relationships, recognize loyal supporters, enhance brand awareness, and foster a sense of belongingness and connectedness.

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In coordination with the Executive Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement this team member will execute a comprehensive signature event strategy to support stakeholder engagement through meaningful experiences and communications to inspire, engage, and celebrate the impact of involvement and philanthropy to help advance the university and reach desired outcomes. In coordination with the Executive Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement, negotiate and administer service, location, venue and partnership contracts. In collaboration with colleagues, determine invitation criteria for special events, organize and review invitation lists for consistency and accuracy and manage event attendance processes in Blackbaud. In collaboration with the Executive Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement, provide execution for signature events such as galas, constituent engagements, and other fundraising events to set the overarching tone for the theme, ambiance, and messaging consistent with the institutional brand.

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Will serve as a point of contact and accountability for high visibility, Presidential, signature, VIP, and community engagement events held both on and off campus. Will be responsible for operations, execution and implementation of logistical elements, and post-event activities.

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Work in conjunction with divisional leaders to implement University Advancement initiatives. Collaborate with campus partners to ensure the continued enhancement and elevation of events across the university.

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Update Master Events Calendar and other calendars with most current event information considering regional, community, and campus events outside of the division. Complete other duties as assigned.

Required Education-

Bachelors Degree

Required Experience-

Bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, or a related specialization. Two years of event planning and execution or related experience. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Preferred Education-

Masters Degree

Preferred Experience-

Experience working in the higher education setting. experience in fields such as educational advancement, not-for-profit administration, marketing, and/or other client-centered professions. Experience with Raiser's Edge database, contact management and tracking system software. Excellent public speaking skills. Occasional travel required. Two years of event planning and/or execution or related experience.

$58,000.00 - $60,928.00 Annually. Paid on a Monthly Basis.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES-

Ability to negotiate and manage contractual arrangements. Ability to work evenings and weekends based on event timing. Standard office environment. May be required to do some light lifting in conjunction with institutional events. Must be able to climb stairs and stand on your feet for several hours. Ability to monitor, manage, control, and steward event budgets and negotiate all necessary contracts. Lifting ' up to 15lbs Lifting ' up to 20lbs or greater Office Environment - Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment. Outdoor Environment - Work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions. Working expertise and knowledge of Microsoft Office. Independent determination of event budgets and overall logistical requirements; negotiation of terms of vendor service contracts and contract administration. It is important for the Assistant Director of Signature Events to work closely with the Executive Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement to support and complement the broader mission of University Advancement and the Office of the President. Their goal is to create experiences that cultivate relationships, recognize loyal supporters, enhance brand awareness, and foster a sense of belongingness and connectedness. Failure to complete their tasks could lead to a loss of donors, which ultimately results in a loss of scholarships. Must be incredibly well organized and able to manage multiple events concurrently; extremely resourceful.

Decision Making / Consequences of Error- Consequences of error include damage to donor relationships, reputational harm for the institution, financial losses, loss of trust from internal stakeholders, and operational inefficiencies.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

The University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50)

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.