The University of Connecticut is a top-ranked national university and health system with its flagship campus located in idyllic Storrs. Designated a Carnegie Research 1 institution, UConn is the state land- and sea-grant university focused on education, research, and service to the state of Connecticut and beyond. The University serves over 33,000 students — 8,550 of them first in family — across seven campuses, with a legacy of national championships. UConn Health is a top-ranked health provider that delivers groundbreaking medical education, research, and hospital and clinical services to over one million patients each year. In addition, UConn has nearly 300 scientists who are in the top 2 percent of researchers globally advancing discoveries in fields ranging from cancer to AI.
UConn continues its meteoric rise as a top public university with a record number of applications, continued investment in student success, health, and wellness, recruitment of top faculty, innovation in research, and top-tier athletic programs focused on the holistic success of student-athletes. UConn is proud to have 26 national championships across all sports. This includes the men’s and women’s basketball teams, which have brought home three consecutive NCAA National Championship trophies in the last three years.
Guided by the public launch of our most ambitious campaign in history, Because of UConn: The Campaign for UConn Nation, we are moving boldly into the future. The $1.5B comprehensive campaign spans all schools, colleges, campuses, and UConn Health, focusing on four pillars designed to make education more affordable and elevate UConn among its national peers:
Students First: making transformative investments in financial aid, student health, career readiness, and life skills to improve time-to-degree and career outcomes.
Academic & Innovation Excellence: driving investment in top faculty and graduate fellows and building the innovation ecosystem of the state and beyond.
Health & Wellness of People & Planet: focusing on patient care, medical research, and development of life-changing technologies that improve healthcare outcomes.
Husky Pride: investing in athletic excellence and supporting a thriving UConn Nation that includes more than 290,000 alumni worldwide.
The campaign will have a profound impact on the University, doubling the number of named scholarships, funding scientific breakthroughs and advanced lifesaving therapies, and engaging UConn Nation in the life and mission of the University like never before.
We seek the top talent in the country to join The UConn Foundation and help us drive our mission to connect people to the University of Connecticut, growing philanthropy, engaging a thriving alumni and donor community, and building a robust endowment to strategically advance UConn and UConn Health’s educational, research, and service missions.
We are committed to a caring and supportive work culture, professional and leadership development, and flexibility for high achievers with a passion for higher education.
We’re looking for dedicated professionals to drive success and excellence and exemplify our values of Purpose, Excellence, Culture, Communication, and Integrity.
The UConn Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We celebrate different perspectives and are committed to a welcoming environment that values your unique experiences and identity. As an organization, we strive for continued growth each and every day.
The Assistant Director of Events is responsible for planning and executing assigned events strategy, including but not limited to fundraisers, special alumni initiatives, athletic events and affinity reunions with a strong focus on strengthening alumni and donor relationships.
This position serves as the primary project manager for assigned events, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, overseeing every phase of the event lifecycle from initial planning through execution and post-event follow-up. Key responsibilities include registration management, contract administration, vendor sourcing and negotiation, managing event communications, marketing and invitation strategy, and coordination of all logistical elements necessary for successful event delivery.
Plan, manage, and execute events start to finish, including but not limited to drafting budgets, building timelines, negotiating vendor contracts, determining collateral, managing invitations & RSVPs, sponsorships, leading collaborative meetings, providing status reports, setting speaking agendas and managing volunteer committees for all assigned events.
Directly impact stewardship, cultivation and engagement strategies by executing impactful events and programs in a collaborative setting.
Provide exceptional customer service to internal staff, leadership and external constituents.
Ensure all events are managed consistently within Foundation policies and guidelines.
Provide support to signature events as determined by the Senior Director of Foundation Events.
Manage event registration process including accuracy of registration data, nametags, pre-event communications, and post event reconciliation.
Demonstrate strong ability to collaborate with colleagues across all levels of the organization.
Capture and report event/registrant information using Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge queries, Excel data reporting, and data analysis.
Create and manage event pages using digital business tools when necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Collaborate with your department and other internal stakeholders to steward donors, engage with alumni, and support Foundation events.
Provide visible leadership across the entire organization by engaging in organization-wide activities such as department meetings, all-staff meetings, and staff events.
Champion for inclusive priorities both internally and externally.
Well-organized self-starter with a positive attitude who can manage multiple priorities.
Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, excellent proofreading skills, strong attention to detail and a commitment to providing superior guest experience. Willingness to independently manage all the details down to the smallest.
Ability to oversee the development and implementation of event marketing and communications through online registration platforms, email, and print materials.
Ability to anticipate, identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team to meet organizational goals.
Integrity in dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to work to the demands of the position, which may exceed a 40-hour work week and include some nights and weekends. Must have the ability and willingness to travel by car, train or plane upon request.
Requires lifting up to 25 pounds, moving equipment and the ability to move a rolling cart.
Reliable personal transportation is required for this position.
Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state in which the employee resides. Employees must maintain, at their expense, at least $300,000 in total automobile and/or umbrella liability coverage of $300,000. Coverage of $500,000 is preferred. Proof of the required coverage must be provided at hire and annually thereafter.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2+ years of direct experience in planning high quality, impactful events.
Competence in Microsoft Office suite and donor management systems/CRM.
The salary range for this position is $62,000 - $66,000. It will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also placing an emphasis on internal equity.
Benefits start from day one. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans and will make an annual contribution to your health savings account if enrolled in one of the high-deductible health plans offered by the Foundation.
In addition, there are a few other perks to being a UConn Foundation employee:
We offer a generous contribution to your 403(b) retirement plan to help you plan for retirement.
We place an emphasis on work/life balance. In addition to a hybrid schedule, you will receive thirteen paid holidays, five weeks of paid time off per calendar year, and additional sick time.
We invest in your professional development. Aside from opportunities to participate in various trainings, committees, and conferences throughout the year, you will also be eligible for tuition reimbursement after one year of employment.
Please contact an Employee Support & Experience team member if you need any assistance completing any forms or participating in any part of the application process due to a disability.
