Associate Director, Strategic Events

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title

Associate Director, Strategic Events

Job Category

Staff & Executive - Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations/Communications

Department

R-Comm

Overview

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.

For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Associate Director, Strategic Events for the Rutgers Communications and Marketing. The Associate Director plays a key role in conceptualizing, developing, and executing complex, high-visibility events and initiatives for the Chancellors of Rutgers-New Brunswick and Rutgers Health that align with institutional priorities and require adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Ensures seamless event operations, fosters stakeholder engagement, and implements data-driven strategies to enhance program effectiveness.
• With authority over Rutgers Day—the university's largest public event—the Associate Director oversees all aspects of event management, crisis response, and resource allocation.
• Additionally, this role directs the University's Commercial Filming and Photography projects, leveraging high-level negotiation skills to maximize revenue while maintaining brand integrity.
• A strategic leader and problem-solver, the Associate Director provides financial oversight, develops comprehensive budgets, and optimizes resource allocation to align with institutional priorities. This role is responsible for marketing strategy and public relations efforts, ensuring events and programs reflect the university's brand and engage diverse audiences effectively.
• Serving as a key liaison between university leadership, internal departments, and external partners, the Associate Director enhances collaboration and fosters long-term institutional engagement.
• Exercising independent judgment, this position makes critical decisions regarding events, programs, and unit operations, particularly in the absence of senior leadership.
• Committed to excellence, innovation, and efficiency, the Associate Director continuously refines processes, enhances workflows, and upholds the highest standards of professionalism to support the university's strategic goals.

FLSA

Exempt

Grade

08

Salary Details

Minimum Salary

Mid Range Salary

Maximum Salary

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours

37.50

Daily Work Shift

Day

Work Arrangement

Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the Application System.

Union Description

Admin Assembly (MPSC)

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communication, marketing, or a similar field with at least 5 years of experience managing high visibility projects and events within a university setting is essential to navigate the institution's multifaceted environment successfully or a combination thereof.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills, demonstrating expertise in communication, negotiation, persuasion, and collaboration to engage with stakeholders and university staff effectively.
• A high degree of initiative, responsiveness, and follow-through to drive strategic event planning and execution aligning with Rutgers' mission and goals.
• A proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team-oriented approach to project management is essential.
• Demands superior oral and written communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously.
• The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to build consensus among diverse constituencies, apply critical thinking to problem-solving, and execute organizational strategies with precision.
• Special conditions include the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-profile environment that requires flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence in service and program delivery.
• A deep understanding of the complexities of a large university's organizational structure, mission, and strategic priorities.
• Given Rutgers' size and diversity, familiarity with its reporting structures, physical campus layout, and the distinct priorities of both academic and administrative units is critical.
• Engaging effectively with key stakeholders, including university leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners/vendors, is vital for ensuring seamless program execution and alignment with institutional objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

Equipment Utilized

• Use of a PC, Microsoft Office, Constant Contact, Stova Event Management System, Eventeny Event Mapping System, Qualtrics, Adobe Creative Cloud programs, and social media platforms.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number

25ST2455

Posting Open Date

11/26/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus

Busch (RU-New Brunswick)

City

Piscataway

State

NJ

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.