Director of Executive Events - Massey

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Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Mission

To improve the lives of all Virginians by delivering cutting-edge cancer care through patient-centered prevention and treatment; high-impact, innovative research; community input and engagement; and education and training of the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.

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Job Summary

The Director of Executive Events at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center (Massey) plays a pivotal role in developing and managing high-profile events that align with and promote Massey’s mission to advance cancer research, treatment, and community engagement. This leadership position oversees the planning and execution of strategic events designed to elevate the Cancer Center’s profile, support the Cancer Center senior leadership, and foster collaboration among internal and external stakeholders. This position ensures events are executed seamlessly, enhance Massey’s reputation, and effectively support leadership’s strategic initiatives.

This position requires occasional travel (up to 25%) and the ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Management:

•           Leadership Meetings: At least weekly, meet and collaborate with the Cancer Center Sr. Leadership, Sr. Director of Executive Operations, Director of Executive Operations, Director of Executive Scheduling and Director of Executive Communications to review event priorities and upcoming commitments, ensure alignment with Cancer Center Sr. Leadership’s priorities and across all Executive Operations units.

•           Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with internal departments, external partners, and stakeholders to arrange meetings and coordinate events effectively.

•           Training and Development: Develop and implement training programs for the executive events team, fostering professional growth and skill enhancement.

•           Leadership: Supervise staff, providing guidance, support, and performance evaluations; track, manage, and delegate the workload as appropriate.

Event Strategy and Alignment

•          Design and implement a comprehensive event strategy that supports Massey’s mission and aligns with its leadership’s strategic goals.

•          Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure events reflect the vision and priorities of the Cancer Center Director and senior leadership.

•           Plan and manage executive-level events, including national conferences, symposiums, retreats, donor events, leadership meetings, and VIP visits.

Event Management and Execution

•           Lead the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of events, ensuring a high standard of quality and attention to detail.

•           Manage event logistics, including venue selection, vendor contracts, permits, travel arrangements, catering, technology setup, and on-site support.

•           Serve as the primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders during events, ensuring seamless communication and coordination.

Team Leadership and Development

•          Build, lead, and mentor the Executive Events team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

•          Provide training, guidance, and professional development opportunities to ensure team members’ growth and success.

•          Oversee staff, vendors, and volunteers involved in event planning and execution.

Financial Oversight

•           Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and financial accountability.

•           Monitor expenses and revenues, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining event quality.

•           Collaborate with the finance and development teams to ensure events meet fundraising and sponsorship targets.

Stakeholder and Vendor Management

•          Cultivate and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, sponsors, vendors, and external partners.

•          Negotiate vendor contracts, manage service agreements, and ensure high-quality, cost-effective services.

•          Serve as a liaison to key partners, including donors, community leaders, and institutional collaborators.

Marketing and Communications

•          Partner with the Executive Communications team to create and execute event promotion strategies.

•          Oversee the development of promotional materials, including invitations, event websites, social media campaigns, and press releases.

•          Ensure events amplify Massey’s brand and attract the intended audience.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

•          Develop metrics to measure the success and impact of events, providing data-driven insights for future planning.

•          Generate reports on event outcomes, attendance, revenue, and other relevant metrics to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact

•          Conduct post-event evaluations and generate reports on outcomes, attendance, financials, and feedback.

•          Continuously refine and innovate event processes and practices to enhance impact and efficiency.

Qualifications and Skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, communications, marketing, or a related field required; a master’s degree is preferred.

Experience:

•       Minimum of 7-10 years of leadership and experience within event planning experience, preferably in a healthcare, nonprofit, or academic environment. Experience managing executive-level or high-profile events.
•       Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team toward shared goals.
•       Proven ability to develop and execute strategic event plans.
•       Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
•       Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
•       Strategic thinker with the ability to develop creative and innovative event concepts and strategies.
•       Proficiency in budgeting and financial management, with the ability to analyze financial data and make informed decisions.
•       Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices, with experience in donor cultivation and stewardship.
•       Familiarity with event planning software, marketing tools, and social media platforms.
•       A passion for the mission of the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and a commitment to making a difference in the field of cancer research and treatment.
•       Joining the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center as the Director of Executive Events provides a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in advancing the center's mission and making a lasting impact in the fight against cancer.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Massey Cancer Center
Masseyhr@vcu.edu