Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Director of Programming and Events Strategy will develop and implement a comprehensive events strategy that aligns with the business school’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities, achieved by collaborating with senior leadership, marketing, and external relations teams to ensure events support key institutional goals, and working with university leadership and other counterparts to align event strategies with academic and institutional priorities. The incumbent is responsible for leading, planning, and providing oversight of the team executing events that support the school’s academic, engagement, fundraising, and strategic objectives. This includes but is not limited to coordinating a wide range of activities such as commencement and academic ceremonies, conferences, alumni events, corporate partnership initiatives, faculty seminars, external engagement and student-focused functions.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and engage with diverse stakeholders, including school and institutional leaders, donors, alumni, and corporate leaders.

The Director will ensure that all events reflect the school and university’s values and standards of excellence, support its mission, and enhance its reputation. This role requires strong leadership, project management skills, and the ability to collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders. This role also requires evening, night, early morning, and weekend hours and some travel.

Job Description

Strategic Event Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive events strategy that aligns with the business school’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, marketing, and external relations teams to ensure events support key institutional goals.
• Collaborate with university leadership and other counterparts to align event strategies with academic and institutional priorities.

Event Management and Execution

• Oversee the planning and execution of events, including high-profile conferences, alumni gatherings, executive education programs, guest speaker series, and graduation ceremonies.
• Manage event budgets, timelines, and logistics to ensure successful execution within scope and resources.
• Ensure event compliance with school policies and external regulations (e.g., insurance, risk management, contracts).
• Plan, coordinate, and execute university-wide events, such as commencements, donor receptions, academic conferences, guest lectures, faculty seminars, and student celebrations.
• Oversee logistics, including venue selection, catering, audiovisual needs, and guest accommodations.
• Ensure all events are executed professionally, on time, and within budget, delivering a high-quality attendee experience.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders (faculty, staff, and students) and external partners (sponsors, vendors, alumni, and corporate partners).
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to maximize participation and sponsorship opportunities.
• Work closely with marketing and communications teams to develop promotional campaigns for events. Serve as the main point of contact for all event stakeholders, including university leadership, faculty, students, alumni, donors, and external partners.
• Work closely with marketing, communications, and development teams to ensure events are promoted effectively and aligned with institutional messaging.
• Cultivate relationships with external vendors, sponsors, and community partners.

Team Leadership and Vendor Management

• Lead and mentor a team of event professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and high performance.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, including event production companies, caterers, and technology providers.
• Lead and develop a team of event staff, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.
• Oversee the procurement and management of external vendors, including event planners, caterers, audiovisual teams, and transportation services.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with university policies and legal requirements.

Budget and Financial Oversight

• Develop and monitor event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and the efficient allocation of resources.
• Provide post-event reports, analyzing budget performance, ROI, and stakeholder feedback to identify areas for improvement.
• Conducts multi year budget and financial planning and analysis.

Innovation, Technology Integration and Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed of event industry trends and best practices to innovate and enhance the school’s event portfolio, also ensuring alignment with the those within the university.
• Implement new technologies and creative solutions to improve the attendee experience and event outcomes.
• Implement new tools and platforms (e.g., virtual events, hybrid event technologies) to increase the reach and impact of university events
• Creates and maintains current plans, protocols, and business processes related to all areas of responsibilities and functions.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure all events adhere to university policies and external regulations, including health and safety standards, insurance requirements, and legal guidelines.
• Implement risk management plans for large-scale events, addressing security, emergency preparedness, and contingency plans.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal office environment.

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at desk or table.

• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement.

Equipment

• Office equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

A diploma, certification or degree is not required.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

Higher Education (5 Years)

Skills:

Analytical Analysis, Communication, Confidentiality, Decision Making, Goal-Oriented, Interpersonal Communication, Interpersonal Relationships, Large Group Presentations, Leading by Influence, Microsoft Office, Oral Communications, Oral Presentation, Problem Solving, Professional Etiquette, Project Administration, Relationship Building, Social Influence, Task Management

Grade

G14

Salary Range

$75,200.00 - $128,800.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.