Assistant Director of Operations, Events, and Premium Seating will assist the Associate Director of Operations, Events, and Premium Seating as well as the rest of the athletics development team with key areas of focus being on annual fund benefits, event execution, and event support.

Coordinates all activities of small, less complex events and provides support on complex events. Athletics Special Events are designed to strategically identify & cultivate prospects, alumni and athletics supporters in meaningful ways that transition into engaged donors.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Administers & maintains existing strategic plans.
• Recommends changes & improvements to maximize & ensure most effective & efficient use of revenue streams in regard to program &/or event operations.

Collaboration

• Involves moderate level of collaboration with internal department partners and low level of collaboration with University partners in implementing and expanding existing relationships to accomplish strategic goals.
• Includes briefing key partners on event specifics and timelines.
• Involves moderate level of collaboration with external contacts and vendors.
• Please bullet examples of key partnerships and work involved below:

Prospects & Gifts

• Manages 1 or more portions of the relationship programming (engagement programs, clubs, &/or events &/or solicitation programs such as direct mail, phone mail, in-house and consultant-based phonathons, parents' fund, senior class gifts, special gifts' clubs, etc.).
• Works with schools' development officers to implement strategies that will maximize dollars raised & participation of donors.
• Identifies & personally solicit less complex individual gifts.
• Completes associated stewardship responsibilities.

Events

• Manages 1 or more portions of programs &/or events which may include coordinating with leaders on interests in theme, timing, venue, speakers, etc.
• Develops materials such as programs, posters, invitations, etc.
• Processes & maintains information, registration &/or databases.
• Markets & promotes using advertising, broadcast email, websites, social media, etc.
• Assists in scheduling details such as venue, space, caterers, musicians, photographers, audiovisual and technical requirements, name tags, etc.
• Prepares event plans & summaries.
• Reviews information & recommends “best practices” for future events.

Administration

• Organizes and executes administrative aspects of program &/or event operations.
• Maintains data (mailing, invitation, attendance, RSVP lists).
• Manages timelines.
• Manages expenses (venue, food, entertainment, technology, security).
• Coordinates graphic design and/or scripting; staffing; working with subcontractors.
• Documents results & response levels.
• Optimizes the use of technology including social media for marketing, communications & data reporting & analysis.
• Assists in the development of web analytics, dashboards, & metrics which provide quantitative analysis of program & event outcomes.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2 years special events, development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• team leadership; curiosity and analytical thinking, global/organizational perspective; complex problem solving; ability to work in fast-paced environment); attention to detail; initiative; commitment to excellence; interest in event planning/management/execution

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.